When you read the local newspapers and listen to the news, repeatedly you hear about slow response time to accidents and a lot of what ifs. At Goodyear-Danville, response times for an accident are averaging less than 6 minutes. Actually, we usually have an ERB (Emergency Response Brigade) member on the site of an accident or fire in less than one minute. When you consider that the life expectancy in a life-threatening situation is only six minutes you really start to appreciate what we have in place at our plant.

Considering the fact that more than 145 industrial fires occur each day in the United States, more than 6 million workers are injured each year and more than 6,000 workers die on the job each year, the minutes that are involved in emergency response can mean the difference between life and death and damage versus destruction.

How important is quick emergency response? In 1986, the Goodyear-Danville plant decided that quick and effective was necessary. The plant realized that it needed a better-prepared team to ensure plant fire protection and emergency rescue. The plant took its first steps to develop a certified group of employees who would be trained in areas such as Firefighting, CPR, Hazmat, First Responder, etc. A team of volunteers composed of various craftsmen and salaried units was formed. "I hope to learn and be able to use the knowledge to help people both inside and outside Goodyear," stated one of the newest members, Teresa Long. "It would be nice to have competitions with other plants, because we strive to be the best," added Long.

Today, the Brigade is 48 members strong. These members are divided among all four crews, providing 24/7 coverage. Each ERB crew has one captain who oversees and coordinates the team members. They are Winfred Tate (A), Jeff Harris (B), Tim Davidson (C) and Howard Wood (D). Winfred Tate also serves as the ERB Training Coordinator. "We need training to continue to improve. My main concern is the age of the work force," stated Winfred Tate.

The make-up of the ERB team is limited to craftsmen. Our craftsmen are located throughout the plant, answering calls does not hamper production and it makes it easier to schedule training. Additionally, by utilizing craftsmen who have mechanical backgrounds, extrication would be much more efficient if it was needed.

All ERB's must take an annual physical, must be able to wear Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and not be claustrophobic. Everyone must also be able to pass mandated training required by the state and Goodyear. The following training courses are required of all ERB members:

• CPR (8 hours)
• EMT
• EMT B (120 hours)
• AED (Automatic External Defibulator
• Blood borne Pathogens
• Hazmat Operations (32 hours)
• Fire Training
• Firefighter 1 (135 hours of classroom)
• SCBA (16 hours)
• LP Gas Emergencies (16 hours)
• Foam fire (16 hours)
• Mill Rescue
• Confined spaces (8 hours annually)
• Industrial Rope (48 hours)
• Trench Rescue (16 hours)
• Mayday, Fighter Down (16 hours)
• Fire Attack (16 hours)
• Mass Casualty Incident Management (16 hours)
• Emergency Response to Terrorism (16 hours)
• Incident command (8 hours)
• Incident Safety Officer (12 hours)

"In the future, I would like us to be able to enhance our skills by going to Firefighter II training. I would like to see better cooperation from management, by giving adequate time for training. Also, it would benefit our organization if more of the younger work force would become more interested in the ERB so the plant can continue the high standards in the future," stated Terry McKinney.

According to Local 831 Safety Committee Chairman, Mike Baker, our ERB is the only industry in the state of Virginia that is certified as an EMS (non-transport) agency and State Certified Fire Department.

In addition to the ERB, we also have a Union Safety Committee who looks after the day-to-day safety concerns within the plant. Chaired by Mike Baker, the committee is on call 24/7 and is available through the plant ext. 376 as well as individual pager numbers (posted on union boards throughout the plant). Joining Mike are James Coles, 1st shift on the fabric calender, Al Medlin, B crew on #4 tuber and Dennis Saunders 3rd shift, final inspection (currently working 1st). Any time you see a potential safety violation or unsafe condition, please contact any one of the safety committee members.