No matter the role, everyone who works at Ingalls contributes to the safety of our shipbuilders. This includes our very own fire department within the shipyard. Ingalls firefighters oversee the emergency medical services and fire safety.
For the fire department and the rest of the shipbuilders, Zero Fires means exactly what it says. It’s an echoed statement to pay attention to detail, look out for one another and increase situational awareness to prevent fires.
“To me, Zero Fires means there's no damage to shelters, buildings and shipbuilders, which makes our customers happy,” said Ingalls Fire Chief Mike May. “If we are all cognizant of what's around us, we will all make it back to our loved ones at the end of the day.”
“Our top priority is making sure everyone that comes through the gate returns home safe and sound,” said Mike. “Even though we strive for zero fires, I enjoy being there for shipbuilders in a time of need.”
The responsibilities of an Ingalls firefighter include making sure everyone is following safety standards, being on standby for emergencies and staying safe when responding to calls in the shipyard.
“I’ve been here for 21 years and my motivation remains the same,” said firefighter Tim Newton. “I just love helping people and the camaraderie with everyone here at Ingalls.”
Firefighters have to be ready to respond to medical or fire calls at any time. At Ingalls, the fire department understands how important their response time can be. Not only do they keep shipbuilders safe, but they also work to protect the vessels and buildings in the yard.
“It’s our job to respond to fires but we never want to see them occur,” said firefighter James Groce. “People’s lives and safety are at risk. Plus, we never want to delay the workflow in the shipyard.”
Zero is the place to be when it comes to fires, injuries or any incident that could harm our shipbuilders, ships or shipyard. This quarter, you will see an increased emphasis on fire safety.
Every weld, every spark and every piece of machinery in the shipyard carries the potential for both progress and risk. In this environment, it’s crucial that we all play a pivotal role in preventing fire hazards. By fostering a culture of fire safety, we protect each other and the ships we build.
This quarter, blue banners have been placed throughout the shipyard to serve as a constant reminder that fire safety is each of our responsibilities. In addition, we are spotlighting different teams who work hard each day to practice fire safety.
Zero fires. Zero injuries. Zero damages. Zero compromise.