Hanson Pipe & Precast, a leader in the concrete products industry, recently donated concrete pipe and precast products for the Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Task Force 4A’s structural collapse and confined space training courses. Major crises involving structural collapses such as the Oklahoma City bombings and the September 11 attacks emphasized the need for this type of training.
Hanson Pipe & Precast donated three catch basins and 10 sections of concrete pipe for the structural collapse training course. In order to rescue patients from the wreckage, trainees were forced to crawl through concrete pieces and cut and remove steel and other materials impeding pathways. The pipe and precast products were also used to supplement a pile of debris that replicated a parking deck collapse, complete with donated vehicles, and will later be used in a confined space training course.
“This was a rewarding and special way to use our product,” said Bob Christensen, senior vice president of Hanson Building Products East. “We are accustomed to ensuring the foundation is safe for the projects we participate in, but this is an extra and necessary measure to ensure the citizens are safe in the event of an emergency, and Hanson is proud to be involved.”
The GSAR Task Force 4A is the only team out of eight teams in the Georgia and Alabama region that crosses state lines. The group is made up of volunteers from seven Georgia and Alabama fire and EMS departments. In addition to structural collapse and confined space, the team trains in rope, trench, and vehicle/machinery, contains a water and dive rescue component, and once deployed, is capable of being self-sufficient for 72 hours.
After completion of training, Task Force 4A expects to be able to deploy a team of 35 people to disasters by July 2009 and add and train an additional 35 people in early fall 2009. There will be approximately 75 total members with two deployable units by the end of 2009.
GSAR redesigns each training course to optimize the usage of donated products and will continue to use Hanson Pipe & Precast’s products in a variety of ways and courses over the next months of training.
About Hanson Pipe & Precast
Hanson Pipe & Precast is the largest manufacturer of concrete pipe and precast products in North America. With more than 4,800 employees, the company has a network of manufacturing facilities and delivery capabilities that span the continent. Hanson Pipe & Precast products are used in residential and commercial applications that support our infrastructure’s needs, including storm water drainage and water transportation. For more information, visit www.hansonpipeandprecast.com.
About Hanson Building Products North America
Hanson Building Products North America is comprised of Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Pressure Pipe, Hanson Structural Precast, Hanson Brick, Hanson Hardscapes and Hanson Roof Tile. Based in Irving, Texas, Hanson Building Products North America employs more than 6,000 people and operates 150 facilities with products available throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.hanson.com.
We are part of the HeidelbergCement Group, which employs 70,000 people across five continents. HeidelbergCement is the global leader in aggregates and has leading positions in cement, concrete and heavy building products.