Mining emergency response comes to the city

Friday, 25 November 2016
 
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• ​Emergency response teams from across WA to compete in a range of emergency scenarios

The 2016 Mining Emergency Response Competition, being held at Langley Park this weekend (November 26-27), features two days of competition, designed to test the skills of emergency response teams.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Sean L'Estrange said the skills being showcased in the competition benefited mining sites across the State.

"While we hope these teams are never called on for a real emergency, it is important that they continue to practice and work on the skills required to respond effectively," Mr L'Estrange said.

Teams will battle it out in a series of emergency response scenarios such as confined space rescue, firefighting, hazardous materials handling and first aid.

"While there will be trophies awarded, the Mining Emergency Response Competition is one of those rare events where everyone is a winner because of the invaluable skills that are developed and honed through competition," the Minister said.

This year's competition also incorporates an industry forum hosted by the Department of Mines and Petroleum on the new draft guidance document, 'Emergency preparedness for mining operations'.

"The guidance document helps reinforce the importance of incident management and emergency response to the mining and petroleum industry," Mr L'Estrange said.

"The forum will give emergency response competition participants and other industry representatives, a chance to learn about the draft guidance and provide feedback to the Department of Mines and Petroleum."

Competition participants will attend an awards ceremony and dinner on Sunday evening, when the winners will be announced.

Fact File

• The Mining Emergency Response Competition commences at 9am on Saturday, November 26 at Langley Park and concludes at 5pm on Sunday, November 27
• Free entry for the public on both days