04.02.2025

Second Response Team, a key role at our Nesle site

An industrial site classified as Seveso High Threshold is subject to very strict regulations and must identify and prevent the risks of incidents in order to avoid them or limit their impact. Its staff must also be prepared to react and deal with potential hazards. In this context, at Ajinomoto, we can count on our Second Response Teams (SRT) to react in crisis situations. They play an essential role in ensuring that any incident is contained. Their presence on site means they can intervene quickly, even before external emergency services arrive, and limits industrial risks. Cool-headedness, stress management and team spirit are the qualities needed for this role. Our SRTs are qualified to wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and some are First Aids at work (FAW). They also receive full training in the use of emergency response equipment and are regularly trained in the implementation of our response procedures.

Group Stories

Cross portraits of 3 of our second response team members

Hélène, as a woman, how do you see the role of an emergency response team member?

Hélène FOUILLEUL, Health Safety Environment (HSE) Technician, SRT for 7 years “We are 3 women SRT on site. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a male role. Any member of staff can apply, subject to medical clearance. You don’t need to be in exceptional physical condition – there’s nothing insurmountable about it, whether you’re a man or a woman! What’s more, it’s a two-person job where you support each other. As a woman, you shouldn’t hesitate to take the plunge!”

Julien, as a newly qualified SRT, what can you tell us about your training?

Julien LAMIRAND, Production Technician in Specialities, SRT since October 2024 “SRTs are trained in-house by a volunteer fire officer with over 30 years’ experience. After 2 days of theoretical and practical training, candidates for the role of SRT and/or SCBA are validated or not. Those who are validated are so for a period of 18 months, with a possible extension of 12 months if within 18 months they carry out a IOP (Internal Operation Plan) exercise or if they are confronted with a real situation. These IOP exercises are regularly organised to train us, check our knowledge and develop our reflexes. This allows us to work on our automatisms so that we can react in the most appropriate way in the event of an incident.”

Thibaut, you’ve been working for Ajinomoto for several years now. How have you seen your role evolve?

Thibaut TRICOTTEUX, Resource Manager / Equipment Manager, SRT for 14 years “Ajinomoto does everything it can to ensure that our skills develop, that as SRTs we are trained and that we have the equipment we need to carry out our mission. Every year we make specific investments in personal protective equipment, in equipment to combat the various hazards identified, and also in our premises. It’s rewarding to know that we’re supported in our mission by ongoing training, investment in equipment and recognition.”

What made you want to join the SRT team?

Hélène “As an HSE Technician, I look after the safety of people, the site and the environment. Being an SRT is a bit like an extension of my job. What’s more, the role of SRT is consistent with my values. It’s essential for me to have a role to play in protecting the health and safety of people, but also our facilities.”

Julien “We need SRT on site. Whatever our sector of activity (administrative services, laboratory, production, etc.), it’s an essential role. Ajinomoto offers an accessible and very interesting training programme. We are trained on site using our own equipment.”

Thibaut “Being an SRT means playing a preventive role and, in the event of an incident, ensuring safety on site before external emergency services arrive. We don’t just protect the employees and the site, our role is also to protect the surrounding area and our neighbours.”

What do you get out of it professionally and/or personally?

Hélène “This role has enabled me to acquire new skills, particularly with regard to the technical side and the industrial process on site. Working as part of a team, with other departments, is also a motivating and satisfying factor. It doesn’t matter what department or job you’re in, we’re all SRT people with the same objective.”

Julien “In the same way as the FAW training, it enables us to develop skills that we can use in both our professional and private lives.”

Thibaut “As an SRT, I’ve developed my ability to manage stress and show composure in crisis situations.”

Hélène, Julien, Thibaut “We can all say with one voice that we’re proud to wear this hat and to have an essential role to play in the event of an incident to ensure the safety of people, the site and the surrounding area. It gives us all real satisfaction.”

Today, 56 second response team members are working at our Ajinomoto site in Nesle. We congratulate them and thank them for their daily commitment.

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