A locally built Serco Protec Steel Frostliner trailer is providing the backbone for a mobile fire-fighting training gallery now in use at SASOL’s headquarters in Johannesburg.
Durban-based Serco built the trailer in Johannesburg for Dräger SA who fitted it out based on specs provided by their client -it is believed to be the only one of its kind in South Africa.
Dräger, a German company with its international headquarters in Lubeck and branches throughout the world, makes breathing and protection equipment, gas detection and analysis systems, and non-invasive patient monitoring technologies. Customers include hospitals, fire departments and diving companies.
Regional Sales Manager at Dräger SA, Willem Liebenberg, said it was the first time his company had done business with Serco.
“We became aware of the company due to the large numbers of vehicles seen around with their branding on. The fact that they are in Johannesburg made it easy for us in terms of the logistics involved and we chose them for the project,” he said.
Serco’s head office is in Durban, with branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
“We were pleased with the trailer and really enjoyed the company’s excellent service and willingness to accommodate our needs,” Liebenberg said.
“The trailer needed to be partitioned to allow for a variety of sections, including a training maze complete with thermal cameras. Serco provided us with a trailer exactly according to our specs.”
Dräger then got to work to convert the trailer’s interior into a fire-fighting training gallery.
A special feature is a hatch on the roof through which trainees enter the maze, simulating a confined space entry point allowing fire-fighters to master skills they will need in real emergencies. The roof was reinforced to accommodate several firefighters needing to be up there at the same time.
Liebenberg said the unit had already been used by SASOL who were pleased with it.
“We are keen to do further business with Serco and a couple of further projects are currently under discussion.”
After Sales Manager for Serco Gauteng Rajen Reddy said the company was proud to be part of a project that helps improve the safety of essential services personnel.
