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More than 20 tanker drivers will face a series of realistic accident scenarios as they practice their emergency response skills during the next two days at ASB Baypark Stadium.

The exercise will involve scenarios such as a tanker transporting a dangerous chemical colliding with a car, resulting in a fire, serious injuries and chemicals running into nearby waterways.

More than 20 tanker drivers will test their emergency response skills for the next two days at ASB Baypark thanks to Orica's annual Emergency Response Exercise.

The exercise involving 24 tankers drivers is being run by Orica – New Zealand's largest supplier of chemical products to industries including pulp and paper, food and beverage, dairy and water treatment.

Orica supply chain manager Louise Wood says the firm's annual Emergency Response Exercise is an important part of her company's health and safety and training programme.

'Our nationwide fleet of 22 bulk liquid tankers delivers a range of chemicals to our customers every day around the country,” says Louise.

'We're proud to have a very good safety record and strong relationships with the emergency services and local authorities.

'However, it's crucial our tanker drivers are regularly put through their paces, so they are fully prepared to respond in the event of an incident such as a road accident.”

Orica, which operates a large chemicals manufacturing and storage facility adjacent to the Port of Tauranga, is working with the NZ Fire Service and Police to make the exercise as realistic as possible, with all parties using the opportunity to learn and improve their skills.

Louise says the exercise has been carefully planned to be as realistic as possible.

'Orica drivers currently receive a significant amount of training in chemicals handling, spill response and safe driving but the opportunity to test those skills in the event of a significant safety incident is difficult.

'By running an Emergency Response Exercise on an annual basis, the whole team gets the opportunity to practise our emergency procedures in a simulation, which is as realistic as possible.

Louise says as a business, Orica aims for zero incidents. 'But in the event of one occurring, our goal is always to minimise harm to people, property and the environment.”

Orica's Emergency Response Exercise is being run in a controlled environment at ASB Baypark to ensure minimal disruption to the public, says Louise.