Firefighters save a Pretoria West Transformer manufacturing factory from possible complete destruction by fire
City of Tshwane firefighters responded to the fire that broke out at SGB-Smit Power Matla at approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 7 March 2021.
A District Commander in the Fire and Rescue Operations Division saw a cloud of dark smoke in the direction of the Pretoria West industrial area while driving with her command aide from a house fire in West Park.
She ordered her aide to drive in the direction of the smoke to investigate. When they arrived at the gate of the factory on the corner of Buitekant and Carl Street, they discovered smoke and visible flames coming out of an industrial plant. She immediately ordered the dispatch of firefighting resources by radio to the Emergency Call Centre.
According to information provided on-site, it was established that a fire had broken out in one of the 90 kVA transformers. It was also established that there were various hazardous and flammable substances (transformer oil, kerosene, paint, liquefied petroleum gas, oxygen, acetenyl, etc) of various quantities in the factory.
Upon the arrival of the firefighting crews, sectors were established to initiate the fire attack on the south-western part of the building (to prevent the fire from spreading to the eastern and south-eastern parts of the building) and exposure protection of the northern parts of the building.
The northern part of the building has two 14 000-litre tanks of kerosene, two 33 000-litre tanks of transformer oil and a 30 000-litre trailer tanker. The south-eastern part of the building has a core cutting plant and a small transformer manufacturing plant, which were saved from the blaze. Several high-voltage transformers that were either completed or near completion and a control room in the main plant were destroyed by the fire.
Various shut-off valves providing the plant with kerosene and transformer oil were closed. The contents still in the 75-millimetre pipelines remained a concern during the firefighting operation, as well as the explosions that could be heard from inside the building.
The fire was contained at around 18:30. Firefighters continued with operations until after midnight when cooling off and the elimination of hotspots were completed.
The extent of the damage has not yet been quantified and the exact cause of the transformer catching fire remains a subject of investigation. Firefighting teams continue to monitor the plant for any possible flare-ups.
- Published in Uncategorized
Busy weekend for City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department rescued, treated and transported patients, and conducted body recoveries during various incidents on the weekend of 19 to 21 February 2021. Some of the incidents led to road closures, and had horrific loss of life and injuries.
Recovery of body of hiker in Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Firefighters were called to recover and carry a body of a female hiker down the hill in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve on the afternoon of 20 February 2021. ER24 paramedics had already declared the female patient dead after attempts to resuscitate her had failed. She apparently collapsed while doing a ten-kilometre hike with her family in the nature reserve. Firefighters, paramedics, police officers and nature reserve staff exchanged hands to carry her body down the hill. The family arranged for private retrieval of her body by an undertaker.
Tractor capsizes killing driver
Firefighters had earlier in the day responded to an incident on the R25 Road near the Lynwood road where a tractor capsized, killing a male driver.
Suicide off Atterbury Bridge causes highway closure
The N1 Highway had to be closed on the evening of Saturday, 20 February 2021, until after midnight after a 13-car pile-up accident occurred as a secondary accident after a male patient fell from the Atterbury Bridge onto the highway. It is suspected that the male patient committed suicide by jumping off the Atterbury Bridge onto the highway at approximately 18:10, causing a truck accident that led to the highway closure with traffic diversion from the Atterbury Bridge. Paramedics declared the patient dead at the scene. 18 people sustained multiple injuries of varying severity in a secondary accident that occurred later, leading to a further closure of the highway and traffic diversion at the Garsfontein off-ramp until after midnight. The patients were transported by ambulance to Mamelodi Hospital and other nearby hospitals in the east of Pretoria.
Pedestrian killed by vehicle on the N4
At approximately 21:00 on 20 February 2021, the N4 near the R101 bridge was a scene of a horrific accident where firefighters and paramedics found the decapitated body of a male pedestrian after he was hit by a vehicle travelling east on the N4. The vehicle lost control after hitting the pedestrian and hit a truck travelling in the opposite direction. The driver of the vehicle was also declared dead at the scene. Firefighters, paramedics and forensic pathology services personnel had to search for the dismembered body parts of the pedestrian. The driver of the truck escaped unharmed.
Critical injuries caused by accident on the R631
Four adults and a child of about five years sustained multiple injuries when two of the vehicles they were travelling in were involved in an accident on the R631 (Boschkop Road) near Tiegerpoort Road at approximately 19:20 on Saturday. A male patient whose leg was amputated as a result of the accident was transported by ambulance to Life Wilgers Hospital in a critical condition. Two of the other patients, male and female, were transported to Mamelodi Hospital with minor to moderate injuries. The child and one male patient were also transported to hospital with moderate to serious injuries.
Diesel spillage contained
Firefighters contained a diesel spillage of about 1 000 litres on Sunday, 21 February 2012, after a road tanker carrying oxygen collided with stationary vehicles in the parking area of Netcare Pretoria East Hospital not far from its intensive care unit. A male patient was treated by Netcare paramedics, and firefighters had to remain at the scene for possible fire protection during the spillage clean-up and recovery of the road tanker.
Male trapped under vehicle after losing control
A man lost his life after he apparently lost control of his vehicle on the Bushveld Road in Mmakaunyana Village. City of Tshwane emergency firefighters were called to the scene to help paramedics recover the body of the male patient underneath the vehicle that had collapsed on him after overturning.
Investigations into the cause of the alleged suicide, the subsequent pile-up accident and other accidents and incidents remain the subject of investigation.
- Published in Uncategorized
Rescue SA retrieves man’s body from river
For two days the residents of Mpumalanga had to endure torrential downpours during tropical storm Eloise, causing landslides, damage to many houses and large sections of the N4 near Nelspruit were washed away.
Police divers along with rescue operators from Rescue SA and the Off Road Rescue Unit were called in to assist with the recoveries. They successfully managed to retrieve the body of a man who was swept away in the flood waters. He had been trying to cross a tributary of the Blyde River near Pilgrims Rest when he was washed away by fast flowing waters. Connor Hartnady of Rescue SA said they found the man near a channel.
Rescuers also recovered the body of a five-year-old child who was washed away near Masoyi. He had apparently been trying to cross a river when he was caught in rising flood waters.
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Dräger Solution Centre
Dräger offers complete workshop system solutions tailored to your requirements
Personal protective equipment is your life insurance when you are exposed to either fire, smoke, heat or chemicals. So it must be ready for use again, in the right place and condition, as quickly as possible. Dräger supplies workshop systems designed to your individual needs which ensure efficient workflow, great care and servicing of your protective equipment.
Brochure download:
https://www.draeger.com/Products/Content/complete-respiratory-protection-workshop-pi-9109949-en.pdf
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Three top signings for Firebreak SA
Etienne Jacobsz, Josh Mahlangu and Donovan van der Schyf are stand out acquisitions who have bought more expertise to this specialist safety company.
Etienne Jacobsz joined Firebreak mid 2020 – previously employed by MSA Africa, Etienne spent 19 years in technical roles relating to gas detection and specialist managerial positions. He then joined Honeywell focussing on the supply of sensors for gas detectors and medical devices. He spent time in the Middle East, Russia, Turkey and Africa. Etienne was recruited by Firebreak because of his specialist knowledge in the field of gas detection and his 19 years serving a top safety company.
Breaking News : Etienne has just been awarded his MBA (Jan 2021) and is determined to put it to good use at Firebreak SA – we also thank MSA for their contribution to this achievement.
Josh Mahlangu joined Firebreak SA in Nov 2019 as a Technical Representative. He had spent over 4 years at HSE and wished to join a specialist safety company. Along with his ever-increasing knowledge of safety Josh is in his final months of study for an “Advanced Diploma in Brand Innovation”.
We wish for him to develop the Firebreak SA brand and become a director for the future at Firebreak SA.
Donovan van der Schyf is the latest member to sign for Firebreak SA. He fulfils the role of Marketing Specialist and comes at a time when COVID-19 changes the way we communicate. Donovan has some key skills which he wishes to share with Firebreak SA and their customers – “Connecting people and business on various social and business platforms”. His skills will be put to good use and you will be hearing from him shortly!
“FIREBREAK SA – Everything you Need for Fire, Safety and Rescue”
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Covid-19 vaccinations arrive in South Africa, protected by DuPont™ Tyvek® Cargo Covers
Photo: President Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkize inspecting the arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccines from the Serum Institute of India, protected by DuPont Tyvek® AirCargo Covers.
The arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccines on February 02, 2021 was a significant moment in South Africa’s fight again the COVID-19 pandemic, and symbolized hope in the effort to protect our people and return some semblance of normality to our daily lives.
It is not surprising that when this precious cargo emerged from the cargo hold, it was surrounded by government leaders and an array of security personnel to ensure the onward safety of the vaccines. However, the most critical level of protection was provided by Tyvek® AirCargo covers, which completely wrapped the pallet containing the vaccines.
DuPont™ Tyvek® Cargo Covers are used by pharmaceutical companies, 3PLs and airlines as they are specifically engineered to address the threat of cold chain breaks during air transit – when temperature sensitive products, such as vaccines are at their greatest risk of temperature excursions. The AstraZeneca vaccine must be transported within a 2-8 degree Celsius range, and this is where Tyvek® plays a critical role.
Tyvek®, a unique and versatile technology from DuPont, finds application in many different areas including protective coveralls, sterile medical packaging, outdoor graphics and consumer products.
‘It is a proud moment for DuPont colleagues and customers in South Africa, to be part of this historic event and knowing that our Tyvek® technology is contributing towards a solution to the pandemic’, explains Ajen Maharaj, Country Leader for DuPont.
- Published in Uncategorized
Male patient rescued from a collapsed trench in Hammanskraal
Issued by the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to a trench collapse incident near an Eskom substation close to the Traffic Department in Hammanskraal on 1 February 2021 at approximately 11:30. Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene to find a 29-year-old male patient still inside a three-meter-deep trench.
According to information received at the scene, the patient, a worker for a company contracted to Eskom, was working inside the trench when part of the trench wall collapsed on his leg. He sustained a left femur fracture but was not trapped upon the arrival of emergency services.
Firefighters and paramedics had to use a hydraulic crane from a truck to rapidly evacuate the patient from the trench. The patient was airlifted to Netcare Milpark Hospital by a Netcare helicopter at around 13:25 after receiving treatment from paramedics at the scene.
Report a fire or life-threatening emergency on 107 or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.
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Obituary – Andrew Charnaud
Andrew Charnaud was a great doyen of the PPE&C industry and extremely well respected by all who knew him.
His passing is a great loss to his wife Fiona, his daughter Nicky, son Robin, their partners and three beautiful grandchildren.
The industry, his colleagues, suppliers and his friends have lost a true icon.
Andrew passed away at age 68, from COVID-19 related complications on 24 January 2021.
He will be sorely missed by all, as his larger-than-life personality and phenomenal sense of humour touched all of those who knew him.
His technical knowledge and his innovative ability were highly respected all over the world, and he always had a wealth of knowledge to share.
Andrew and Fiona began manufacturing Protective wear 01 April 1975 in Durban.
The company expanded rapidly, and in 1985 they set up a training factory in Ezakheni Ladysmith. The following year they moved the industrial workwear and coating plant to Ezakheni from their Pinetown premises.
The business continued to grow from strength to strength and is now recognised as a leading international supplier of high performance PPE&C exporting to over 57 countries around the world, as well as being a prominent local supplier.
Andrew’s passing will leave a beacon of light for all in the community as well as the industry, and this can be seen in the touching and heartfelt messages the family have received from around the world:
Hugh Hoagland
“His company led the area in innovation. Thank you, sir, for the service and the lives you helped protect while you were here.”
Paul Castelli
“This is a deep loss for the industry, family and friends.”
Jeff Morris
“Andrew’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed. A true leader in the global PPE space.”
Kailash Rathod
“Thanks for your contributions towards safety.”
Hugh Hoagland
“His company led the area in innovation. Thank you, sir, for the service and the lives you helped protect while you were here.”
Paul Castelli
“This is a deep loss for the industry, family and friends.”
Jeff Morris
“Andrew’s passion and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed. A true leader in the global PPE space.”
Kailash Rathod
“Thanks for your contributions towards safety.”
Ajen Maharaj Country Leader: South Africa
DuPont Performance Specialty Products (Pty) Ltd
‘On behalf of DuPont, I wanted to convey our deepest condolences on the news of the passing on ofAndrew! We competed in the market place, and I had the utmost respect for the passion and drive of Andrew. He was an icon in our industry and will be remembered as such.’
Tom Andrews
‘Mr Charnaud was a true gentleman of our industry and his knowledge of PPE was unmatched.
He brought so much knowledge to the safety industry and helped educate so many people to protect their workers.
Mr Charnaud helped make the world a better place, and he has ensured many people return home safe to their families everyday.
AJ Charnaud is a world famous company that you have all built and represents a lifetime of achievement.’
Paul J. Olson – Managing Director East Hemisphere
Red Wing Shoe Company
‘Please accept my condolences on behalf of the Red Wing. Andrew was a man who held great passion for the safety industry and his expertise was unrivaled. He was the consummate professional and made our industry better due to his ethics, innovation, and his steadfast stance on upholding standards in everything he represented. He built AJ Charnaud into a global respected safety company. Our industry has lost a great contributor and a first-class individual!’
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Speed Comparison Video: Holmatro Pentheon Tools
The recently launched Holmatro Pentheon Series are the fastest rescue tools on the market. Used in situations where every second counts that’s a big advantage. But how much faster are they really? And how do you make a fair comparison to other available rescue equipment?
Speed Comparison Test
We compared the speed of the new PCU 50 Pentheon cutter with two similar Holmatro cutter models:
- CORE cutter CU 5050 i, with a hydraulic hose and a pump
- Cutter GCU 5050 i EVO 3 from our 2018 range of battery-powered rescue tools
For this test we used the bodies of the new VW Golf and VW Polo, both of which have heavily reinforced B-pillars. We cut these pillars at the exact same heights, on both sides of the cars.
The result? The Pentheon cutter proved to be much faster indeed than both comparable models. Convince yourself and watch the video.
Find out more about the new Pentheon Series and the people they were designed for on
Convince yourself and watch the video. =
holmatro.com/pentheon
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RESCUE TRAINING SIMULATION CENTRE
GROUND BREAKING Training centre for teaching, learning, assessment and research
In October 2020, the University of Johannesburg broke ground for a new Rescue Simulation Centre on their Doornfontein Campus. The centre has been designed to cater for teaching, learning, assessment and research of a multitude of specialised rescue disciplines.
The four-storey structure will include a five-metre-deep pool for aquatic rescue and survival training, helicopter underwater egress/escape training (“HUET”), and dive rescue.
Fifteen metres above the pool, a helicopter fuselage suspended on a gantry crane will allow for both “wet” and “dry” hoist training and can be adapted to provide a platform for safety training around rotor-wing aircraft and helicopter-based emergency care.
Within the basement of the structure, an urban search and rescue area will be created with space for configurable confined space tunnel systems, sacrificial concrete slabs, technical search props, shoring jigs and heavy lifting props.
The confined space tunnels will be linked from the basement to the upper 384m2 open area. This will provide an area for the teaching of high angle rescue, hazardous materials, motor vehicle rescue and trench rescue.
Disaster and mass casualty preparedness, innovation and training will also be catered for in this centre. This would include tracking of biohazardous substances through GloGerm™ technology from field based care into the, already established, Clinical Simulation Laboratory. This would be especially pertinent for training and research during the current COVID-19 crisis.
The entire simulation centre can be made dark, with wind and rain simulators that aim to increase the fidelity of the rescue and patient simulations. There will be two dedicated lecture venues, three offices and ablution facilities with showers and toilets for the centre.
The Department of Emergency Medical Care expects the project to completed by the end of 2021.
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