SIUE Holds Structural Collapse Training and Plans Confined Spaces Training for Employees in July

SIUE Holds Structural Collapse Training and Plans Confined Spaces Training for Employees in July

June 28, 2024, 8:22 AM

On June 6th the Edwardsville Fire Department and the Madison County Technical Rescue Team partnered with Southern Illinois University's Environmental Health and Safety Department to engage in a training inside the SIUE School of Engineering Building for a Structural Collapse Exercise Simulation. The drill focused on constructing a permanent shore to stabilize a beam holding up an upper floor after a simulated partial collapse of the building from a natural disaster.

"We have participated in several drills and exercises from helicopter landings to elevator rescues, and now shoring exercises," said Paul Lega, manager of Environmental Health and Safety Department. "This only prepares both the University and the county for the all-hazards mitigation plan with which both parties are collaborating through the Emergency Management Agency."

Many of the firefighters that participated in the training hold certifications in Structural Collapse through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Madison County Technical Rescue Team is comprised of firefighters from all over the county that have specialized training for large disasters and complex emergencies.

Lega added that there are plans for survival trainings for employees in July: "With the assistance of the Madison County Hazard Response Team and the Edwardsville Fire Department, we will be conducting Permit Entry Confined Space Training for all our employees who might have reason to enter a confined space on any of our campuses. We will have roughly 40 employees in groups of five performing a confined space rescue."

Federal standards through the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require annual Permit Entry Confined Space Training. Accompanying the exercises will be training in AED/CPR.

PHOTOS: Scenes from Structural Collapse Exercise Simulation; Example of confined space location for future training; photos by Paul Lega