Initial situation
At a central production site for semiconductor products in the DACH region,
a wide range of semiconductor components are manufactured, and various research and development activities take place.
Due to diverging interests of various stakeholders, including the industrial fire brigade, management and the responsible supervisory authority, in connection with several new construction projects at the site, an external assessment of the industrial fire brigade was requested. At the company’s request, this included not only the preparation of a classic needs and development plan, but also an organisation-related analysis and consulting regarding different conceptual implementation options.
Key challenges arose in particular from the predominantly part-time staffing of functions within the industrial fire brigade, with declining operational capability, while at the same time there is a high hazard potential and correspondingly high requirements for the company’s emergency response.
Objective
The aim of the assessment was to develop a robust, strategic concept for the future direction of the industrial fire brigade. The following aspects were to be taken into account:
- Assessment of the existing industrial fire brigade structure with regard to personnel, equipment and organisation.
- Determination of future needs based on site expansion and the development of hazards.
- Definition of various staffing models (e.g. full-time vs. part-time staffing of functions).
- Derivation of an economically and operationally optimal solution as a basis for management decision-making.
Approach and Methodology
First, a comprehensive analysis of data and documents was carried out, supplemented by a multi-day site inspection together with the project stakeholders.
Subsequently, a risk analysis of the site was conducted in order to identify suitable design scenarios for the industrial fire brigade.
In the further course of the concept development, various staffing models were developed in the form of a phased model and coordinated with both the site management and the responsible supervisory authority.
Measures Taken
The document produced serves the client as a well-founded basis for decision-making to derive specific measures.
Within the framework of the developed phased concept, the step-by-step establishment of additional full-time functions in particular was presented, which is aligned with the forecast site development.
Results / Successes / Client Feedback
The client’s feedback was consistently positive. Particular emphasis was placed on the practical and clearly implementable recommendations for action, which provide increased planning certainty for both the industrial fire brigade and the site.
In addition, the document served as evidence for the authorities of a capable emergency response structure at the site, which had an immediate positive effect on the approval of further construction projects.