A tabletop simulation exercise was conducted in Richards Bay, South Africa involving Transnet Freight Rail, Transnet National Port Authorities, and Transnet Port Terminals to evaluate emergency response plans. The objectives of the simulation were to evaluate decision-making during emergencies, validate emergency plans, and test coordination between sectors and agencies. The simulation involved a hypothetical derailment that led to an injury of a Transnet Freight Rail employee shunting wagons in a private siding owned by Transnet Port Terminals.

1. IOD SIMULATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED IN
SKOONKAAI RICHARDS BAY

2. Transnet Freight Rail
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STAKEHOLDERS
 TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL.
 TRANSNET NATIONAL PORT AUTHORITIES
 TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS

3. INTRODUCTION
A simulation is a tabletop exercise that recreates a hypothetical disaster scenario where a
group of participants must make decisions based on information that they receive during
the exercise. Each participant is assigned a role in the exercise that can match his or her
actual occupation. The events in the exercise happen in “simulated time” (representing
days or weeks), during which the players receive information about situations that might
arise during an emergency or disaster.
The exercise is based on a scenario and script of realistic events and participants are
required to provide realistic responses. To have any validity, responses must be based on
existing procedures and resources.
This type of exercise aims to evaluate different reactions to particular circumstances as
well as the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms. The results of the evaluation serve
as lessons learned that can help in adapting and improving preparedness plans.
Transnet Freight Rail
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4. OBJECTIVES OF THIS SIMULATION
 Evaluate the decision-making capacity of personnel responsible for emergency and
 disaster preparedness and response, in the context of an organization’s existing
 emergency plans and procedures.
 Validate the emergency preparedness and response plan for a specific facility or
 organization.
 Test the effectiveness of mechanisms meant to coordinate the response of different
 sectors and agencies in emergency situations.
 Prepare persons who have decision-making authority to manage the crisis and
 manage information in emergency situations.
Transnet Freight Rail
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5. TYPE OF SIMULATION
 FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS SIMULATION IT WILL BE A DOUBLE TYPE SIMUALTION
WITH A DERAILMENT WHICH HAS THEN LEAD TO AN INJURY ON DUTY TO A
TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL EMPLOYEE WHO WAS BUSY SHUNTING WAGONS IN A
PRIVATE SIDING WHICH BELONGS TO TRANSNET PORT TERMINALS.
Transnet Freight Rail
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6. THE END
QUESTIONS ?
THANKS KENNETH WILLIAMS
RICHARDS BAY
Transnet Freight Rail