Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), The Ohio State University Department of Public Safety and the Columbus Division of Fire (CFD) joined forces at The Ohio State University for a high-stakes training exercise simulating hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents inside Celeste Laboratory.
EHS, DPS and CFD practiced two HAZMAT response scenarios inside the lab, thanks to the help of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
The scenarios, designed to reflect realistic lab emergencies, required teams to assess a simulated chemical spill, safely enter the lab in full protective gear and determine how to contain and clean up the hazardous materials, all while protecting themselves and the campus community.
“This kind of hands-on training is critical,” said Tina Bogac, senior director of EHS. “It strengthens the collaboration between our campus safety teams and Columbus Fire, ensuring we’re prepared for the unique risks present in a research environment.”
The joint drill emphasized communication, proper use of personal protective equipment and the importance of coordination between first responders and EHS.
“Preparedness is all about partnership,” said Andrew Winchell, Emergency Management coordinator for DPS. “By training together in realistic settings, we’re building the trust and coordination that matter most in a real emergency.”