VOICES
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
We have adapted the ASTI training programme to support our local OHS Act Emergency Response Requirements as per SANS 1514:2018.
APCE’ s Response Training Programme is structured to support SANS 1514 emergency response readiness requirements by developing competent incident command( emergency controller) and response teams through ongoing training, planning and scenario-based applications.
Response groups will stay within the parameters of the local emergency response and safety frameworks as set out by disaster management. The following topics need to be considered:
OHS Act operational requirements supported
• Controlled entry, hazard zone management and buddy system enforcement.
• Incident commander pre-event hazard assessment and risk and threat assessment for hazard zone operational control and containment that is based upon the responder training and response readiness to safely contain and control with proper PPE and health safety oversight.
• Tech level use of SCBA or respiratory protection decision-making and air monitoring integration.
• Critical task response readiness for rescue staging and medical / EMS co-ordination.
• Safety officer designation with stopwork authority.
• Decontamination planning and postincident recovery procedures.
• Equipment accountability and SCBA compatibility awareness.
OHS Act training level support The response team will consider the emergency response plan expectation for first responder awareness while level A trained and equipped responders will address limited emergency system controls as required by the emergency controller.
Note: The following requirements apply to SAQCC Gas Level B response associated with entering an area that is Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health( IDLH) to contain and control an ammonia leak.
Programme components required for compliance
• Monthly worksheets for role accountability and applied learning.
• Quarterly APCE-led online training for progress validation and coaching.
• Tabletop exercises and scenario simulations to strengthen decision-making.
• Unified command co-ordination with emergency services.
• Response Pack platform integration for standardised response planning and documentation.
• Provide a high-level overview of the response pack programme and the six stages of response: Discovery, Primary Response, Notification, Incident Response, Sustained Action, and Termination / Recovery.
• Align the command and operations teams, led by the facility Emergency Controller( EC), on expectations, roles and upcoming programme steps.
• Instruct the facility team, local emergency response teams for implementation and ongoing participation.
• Conduct a facility walkthrough to assess hazard zones, evacuation staging areas and other key locations to be incorporated into the emergency response pack.
2. Monthly facility worksheets:
• Facility team completes monthly training connection worksheets.
• Worksheets reinforce active learning and support real-world application.
• Worksheets are managed and tracked internally by the facility EC or their deputy.
3. Quarterly APCE-led online trainings:
• APCE will conduct quarterly virtual training sessions each year.
• Training will include review of worksheet assignments, progress updates and client development.
• The APCE response pack coach provides feedback, guidance and nextstep recommendations.
• Focus is placed on accountability, consistency and ongoing programme advancement.
4. Ongoing data collection and platform support:
• Co-ordinate with the facility EC and / or their deputy, who works closely with command team staff, to gather and update site-specific data for incorporation into the response pack platform.
• The APCE response pack will ensure facility information and client expectations remain accurate and reflect operational or site-specific challenges.
• Support ongoing platform updates as needed throughout the onboarding year.
So, the question is, are our site incident response teams getting enough training? If there was to be an incident tomorrow, would we be safe or would it be:“ Wish we had done some more training”. What’ s it going to be?
Stay safe till next month. CLA
Outcome: A consistent, repeatable framework that strengthens aligned emergency response readiness, command performance and responder safety across participating facilities.
Year 1 onboarding plan: Programme structure and training roadmap 1. Initial two-day site incident response training conducts an in-person training session:
Crossberth Water
Supplied by ATSI
26
COLD LINK AFRICA June 2026