Snyder, TX, Aug., 2015 – Health and safety are top priorities for drilling and chemical companies. Even so, there are occasions when accidents happen. Being prepared to handle that possibility takes training, practice and a keen sense of teamwork between both the public and private sector to ensure people and property are protected.

To pave the way for a rapid and effective response in the event of a workplace accident, Chemplex Solvay Group recently shut down all its commercial operations for a 24-hour period to put the spotlight on safety. It invited Atascosa County Emergency Management and the organizations that group represents to take part, as well, enabling response evaluation and greater hands-on training in the event an actual chemical emergency ever arises within the county.

“It is beneficial for us to know what to do in these circumstances,” explains Chemplex’s Ricardo Hinojosa. “Bringing awareness to potential hazards and implementing safety procedures makes for a better working environment.”

To lay the ground work for the training exercise, the company and its government partners simulated a hazardous chemical spill with Hinojosa serving as the “man down.” The exercise began with a call to 911, kicking off a series of events that ultimately led to Hinojosa’s recuse from the Chemplex facility and the safe containment of the spill. It also helped ensure that all parties had a better understanding of health and safety procedures to follow in the event of an actual spill.

“Understanding our roles and responsibilities in all departments was essential in ensuring that all personnel and visitors at the facility could evacuate safely in the event this should occur,” says Ivette DeLuna-Miller of Chemplex.

While Chemplex employees gained valuable insights, local first responders were also able to fulfill HAZMAT training requirements and professionals from South Texas Regional Medical Center also benefitted from insights on what would be required should Eagle Ford Shale workers ever need life-saving treatment. Those benefits were only added to by the community’s overall positive response to the drill.

“It is good to know that companies like Chemplex are truly concerned about their neighbors, enough to have a plan in place to warn us if something should happen,” resident Roy Wells said of the drill.

While plans for a future drill have not yet been laid, Atascosa residents can rest assured safety is priority No. 1 for Chemplex and its emergency management partners.

About Chemplex Solvay Group
Chemplex Solvay Group provides companies in the oil and gas industry a competitive advantage through its comprehensive offering of quality fluid systems designed to meet specific location needs in cementing, stimulation (including fracturing) and acidizing.