Did you know that it takes the sensors of most gas detectors 60 seconds to register and alarm when a dangerous environment is detected? In 60 seconds, most human beings can walk over 80 meters. So in that minute, you could walk into an oxygen depleted or toxic environment before the alarm warns you. Click here to read more.

Yesterday a group of 13 trainees had an aerial view of Washdyke  from the baskets of their Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) as they experienced the practical session of their training.  There were a few gasps as the machines stretched high, but they’d learned all the safety requirements and came back to earth smiling.

Good confined space and BA refresher at Holmglen St today.

We planted the F&ST Timaru edible garden today, outside the new classroom.  Strawberries, a lemon tree, tomatoes, courgettes, lettuces and herbs will help some healthy lunches.  We’ve planted swan plants too, so the monarch caterpillars get lunch as well.

Upskilling the Fire Service

Congratulations to Dwayne Burgess, a volunteer fire fighter from Twizel who gained his Class 2 licence today.  Dwayne’s training is an extension of the Emergency Response Driving courses Colin delivers for F&ST.

After the event.

Fire & Safety Training is a sponsor of the Mainland Winch Challenge series.  On Sunday, during the final challenge in the series,  the Makikihi Mudplug was held .  Congratulations to F&ST’s Colin who won the open event against an impressive line up of starters. #gigatowntim

Fire Blankets smother a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply.  They’re most commonly found in kitchens where there is a risk of cooking fat or oil fires.  They can also be used to wrap people if their clothes catch fire.

Here’s how to use a fire blanket correctly:

1. Unfold the fire blanket so that it is completely opened and hold with your hands behind the blanket to protect your hands and wrists.
2. Keep the blanket between you and the fire.
3. Place (do not throw) the fire blanket over the fire. Make sure you completely cover the fire.
4. Turn off the heat source and leave the blanket over the burnt area for at least 15 minutes or until the heat has dissipated.
5. Put out flames on a person’s clothes by wrapping the fire blanket around the victim.
6. Discard and replace the blanket after use.

Capping a 920kg chlorine cylinder

This week Gordon was in Christchurch going through BA refresher training with a chemical company and working with 920 kg chlorine cylinders.

Last week MSA guru, Ray Campbell from Sydney, spent most of the week with Gordon, Trev and Greg ensuring they are up to date with MSA Breathing Apparatus, Gas detection and height gear.  Renewing our big tick to service this equipment provided us with an  interesting and enjoyable few days.

This week it’s Nathan’s turn in Queenstown, for rope access assessments with Fulton Hogan. Do you think all the people in this pic are Nathan’s trainees?  More on facebook.

There was glamour, excitement and very good food in Queenstown last week for Colin from F&ST.  He and his promotional Jeep were summoned for  a Discovery Channel film shoot.  Colin’s role was to train the ‘talent’ (actor) driving his jeep, and provide technical and safety advice for the shoot.  The jeep had all its existing signwriting covered with Discovery channel signs. Now we’ll wait until it screens. Check out more images on our Facebook page.

A new classroom on the way.

First Timaru, now Napier. Classroom number two is underway in Niven St, Napier.  Check out more photos on Facebook.

Welcome to Fonterra: first session in the new room

Our new classroom is operational.  The first groups to enjoy it were Fonterra Emergency Response Teams from Clandeboye and Edendale.  Check out our Facebook page for some pictures from a very interesting day.

The finish line is in sight.

The new classroom should be in action later this month.  The boys are painting now, the carpet goes in next week, and we’re almost ready for the official opening.  Who should we invite to cut the ribbon?

It's looking warm.

Our new classroom is getting closer to being used.  Today it’s showing us how cosy it’ll be in the winter months.