February 7 is recognised worldwide as the birthday of the fire extinguisher – the very first device that comes to mind when a fire or ignition occurs. But even those of us who conscientiously keep it mounted on a wall or in a car boot often lack the skills to use it properly. In contrast, employees of the structural units of Metinvest’s Iron Ore Plants who have voluntarily joined the fire‑fighting units (FFUs) systematically hone their skills in operating this life‑saving device during regular and comprehensive training sessions.
In 2024, the increased risk of emergencies caused by hostilities, which are often accompanied by fires and smoke, prompted the management of Metinvest’s Iron Ore Plants to initiate the establishment and training of voluntary fire‑fighting units in all business units of the plants.
The training for volunteers was conducted by in‑house trainers, namely specialists from the departmental fire brigades and the occupational safety service, for whom the teams were intended to act as assistants. For the practical training sessions, special training grounds were established at the departmental fire stations, where our colleagues practised the use of primary fire‑fighting equipment, including fire extinguishers.
"At the training grounds, we set up various containers and filled them with highly flammable substances to simulate real fires. We explained in which situations powder extinguishers should be used and in which cases carbon‑dioxide extinguishers are appropriate. We demonstrated how to approach the flames correctly from the windward side, no closer than 1.5 metres, how to hold and direct the extinguisher properly, and how to activate it. We taught them how to determine when the fire had been fully extinguished. After the training sessions at the grounds, the teams continue their exercises within their respective units according to established schedules, and they also take part in quarterly comprehensive trainings involving a large number of personnel and services," explained Maksym SOVENKO, Chief Specialist of Metinvest’s Iron Ore HSE Directorate.
The primary task of the FFUs in emergencies involving outbreaks of fire is to assess the situation and extinguish the fire before the arrival of professional fire‑fighting units. In total, the emergency fire‑fighting units at Metinvest’s Iron Ore Plants currently comprise 233 employees.
