Goyang City Conducts Training to Strengthen Initial Response to Hazardous Chemical Accidents

From Theory to Tabletop Exercises and Feedback
Verifying the Foundation of Civil-Military-Police-Fire Collaborative Response

Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Donghwan) conducted a 'Hazardous Chemical Accident Initial Response Enhancement Training Program' at the Goyang Human Resources Education Center on July 30.

Goyang Special City conducted the "Hazardous Chemical Accident Initial Response Enhancement Training Program" on the 30th at the Goyang Talent Education Center. Provided by Goyang Special City

This training was designed as a scenario-based, practical program simulating real accident situations. Its purpose was to strengthen the initial response capabilities and cooperation system among workplaces handling hazardous chemicals, as well as related agencies such as the police, fire department, and military.

A total of 33 people participated in the training. This included 20 representatives from 10 workplaces handling hazardous chemicals, 6 personnel from the police station, fire station, and military units, and 7 officials from Goyang City Hall, confirming the foundation for collaborative response among the private sector, government, and military.

In particular, Kim Soyoung, the head of the Siheung Chemical Disaster Joint Response Center, who has extensive on-site experience in responding to chemical accidents, participated as an instructor, adding expertise and effectiveness to the program.

The training consisted of three stages. The theoretical session covered the main causes of hazardous chemical accidents, the legal response system, initial response procedures in the event of an accident, and shared both basic knowledge and information based on real cases.

This was followed by a tabletop (discussion-based) exercise lasting about two hours. Using a scenario of a 'leak accident caused by the aging of hazardous chemical storage tanks in Goyang City,' the roles of each agency were defined, and through cross-experience, an organic cooperative structure was simulated. During this process, Kim Soyoung provided feedback throughout the training based on her practical experience.

Through training feedback and individual consulting sessions, the response systems of each workplace were reviewed, and items to be prepared in advance and areas for improvement were identified.

According to the satisfaction survey of training participants, the overall satisfaction with the training was very high at 4.8 out of 5 points. Participants responded that "the tabletop exercise was beneficial as it allowed us to understand and experience the roles of ourselves and other agencies as if in a real situation. It was a practical training program differentiated from existing legal education." They also expressed that "they would like to participate in or observe future joint drills."

An official from Goyang Special City stated, "This step-by-step training program is significant in that it moves beyond theory-based education, allowing participants to experience real situations and share roles among agencies." The official added, "Based on the high level of engagement and feedback from participants, we plan to further enhance the effectiveness of the training program by conducting a joint drill for hazardous chemical workplaces in September or October."

Goyang City plans to continue expanding practical training programs to strengthen the organic cooperation system among the private sector, government, and military, and to enhance response capabilities for hazardous chemical accidents.