THE PORT Botany community tested its emergency response protocols this week during a staged emergency at the port.

NSW Ports led the exercise on Wednesday at the port’s bulk liquids berth (BLB).

Representatives from Port Authority of New South Wales, Fire and Rescue NSW and bulk liquids business Quantem also participated.

The scenario involved a hose bursting while pumping a chemical from a ship into a BLB tank. The damage would cause the chemical to spread onto the dock and create a vapour cloud in the air.

Participants were to evacuate the wharf, issue emergency warnings, contain the spill, reduce its spread and clean up the chemical.

NSW Ports general manager of operations Jonathan Lafforgue said such drills ensure response mechanisms and emergency procedures remain current and fit-for- purpose.

“Ensuring workers across our ports can carry out their day-to-day operations in a safe and secure environment is a top priority for NSW Ports,” Mr Lafforgue said.

“Maintaining strong, thorough emergency response protocols across our precincts are important for 24/7 port operations, which include container handling terminals and bulk liquid operations where multiple fuels and chemicals are imported.”

“I thank everyone involved in the exercise. While we work very hard to ensure these protocols don’t need to swing into action, it’s imperative we keep them up-to-date and ensure we’re ready to respond, if required.”

Port Authority of NSW Sydney harbour master Myron Fernandes said it is important to bring key agencies together to test preparedness to respond in the event of an on-water emergency.

“Working together as part of training exercises provides an opportunity for all port stakeholders to ensure the co-ordination and implementation of emergency response plans is well-honed and ready for any emergency response.”

Fire and Rescue NSW zone commander Superintendent Peter Cleary said the agency welcomed the opportunity to fine-tune its capabilities for port emergencies.

“Our motto is ‘prepared for anything’ and we appreciate the chance to familiarise our people with these types of hazardous material incident scenarios,” he said.

On completion of the live exercise, organisations held a debrief to discuss and adopt improvements to their emergency procedures and related policies.