Information for your safety

The correct behavior in the event of major incidents - informing the public in accordance with Section 8a of the Major Incident Ordinance

 

General information / introduction of the company

Dr. Hesse has existed since 1890, initially in Dresden-Heidenau and after the Second World War exclusively in Bielefeld. With around 70 employees, we develop, produce and sell electroplating chemicals for the surface refinement of metals and plastics. Due to the hazardous substances stored as before, the company is subject to Dr. Hesse GmbH & Cie. KG of the “lower class” of the Major Accident Ordinance and thus the basic obligations. These obligations include, among other things, information in accordance with Section 8a of the Major Accident Ordinance.

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How is it produced?

The production facilities largely consist of mixing containers of 600 - 6,000 L, in which the input materials are mixed in predetermined concentrations. The products are manufactured as aqueous solutions or as solid salt mixtures. In a separate production section, chemical reactions are carried out, e.g. B. can be used as gloss additives in the products. The system size is 200 L and 400 L. This production part is subject to special safety requirements. At the Werningshof 14 location, we have over 50 years of experience in operating these systems and in dealing with the products in them. At no time did any harmful or dangerous disruptions occur.

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Substances and hazard characteristics:

A whole range of raw materials are used to manufacture our products. They are classified into different danger categories.

The most dangerous and quantitatively significant substances are listed below: sodium cyanide, chromic acid, epichlorohydrin and methanol. The main accident-relevant classifications of the substances are the partly very toxic or poisonous and partly highly flammable or fire-promoting effects of these substances. Another property relevant to accidents is the environmentally hazardous nature of the substances stored here.

Regular training for employees as well as emergency planning coordinated with the authorities and the emergency and rescue services serve to protect against dangerous effects in the event of an incident.

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Emergency planning consists of the following elements:

Alarm plan

Fire service plan

Escape and rescue route plans

In addition to the organizational measures, a number of technical precautions are taken to reduce the impact:

The substances mentioned are stored separately in special warehouses specially set up for this purpose.

Our storage is subject to strict security precautions.

The storage and production areas are designed as fire water collection trays. Extinguishing water retention barriers specially designed for this purpose, which close automatically in the event of a fire, prevent leakage into the environment.

The production and storage areas for liquids are equipped with an additional collection system.

The operating facilities are equipped with exhaust air scrubbers that are specifically tailored to the substances used and prevent harmful substances from entering the environment.

The company is equipped with a fire alarm system and the alarm is triggered directly by the local fire department.

All systems relevant to safety and incidents are regularly inspected by TÜV or independent experts.

For our company, we have created a concept to prevent incidents and introduced a safety management system in order to prevent an incident as far as possible and to effectively limit it if an incident occurs.

 

Despite the high safety standards, we cannot completely rule out incidents.
 

What is an incident?

According to the Major Accidents Ordinance, an incident is defined as a disruption to normal operation in which a dangerous substance causes a serious danger through major emissions, fires or explosions.

“Serious danger” means: health impairment, danger to life, danger or damage to animals, nature or property.

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Possible effects of incidents 

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Types of hazards/possible effects

fire

·      Spread of fire gases

explosion

·      Debris throwing

·      Pressure waves

Release of dangerous substances

·      Spread of dangerous gases, vapors or dust

·      Contamination of soil and plants

·      Contamination of water bodies
 

Reports, inquiries and responsibilities

The obligation to report (notify) to the responsible Detmold district government in accordance with Section 7 of the Major Incident Ordinance resulting from the Major Incident Ordinance has been fulfilled.

The contact person for production and warehouse is the production manager, Mr. Tobias Requardt.

Further contact persons are the chemical manager, Dr. Malte Standera (diploma in chemistry) and our environmental representative, Ms. Christa Walter (dipl.-Ing. Chemistry).

If an incident occurs, the responsible authority, the fire department, is informed immediately. This in turn ensures that all necessary measures are taken to warn the neighborhood.

The local fire department is responsible for general hazard prevention. Please follow all orders from emergency or rescue services.

This information was created in coordination with the local fire department and the Detmold district government.

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The date of the last on-site inspection according to Section 17 Paragraph 2 of the 12th BImSchV took place on April 5th, 2022. The last environmental inspection took place on December 6th, 2023.

Further information can be obtained from the

Detmold district government
Department 53
Tel. 0521 / 71 - 0

 

Emergency instructions

For your own safety, please observe the following safety rules and principles of conduct.

How will I be informed?

through loudspeaker announcements from the fire department

through radio announcements (Radio Bielefeld, WDR 2)

How do I recognize the danger?

through visible signs, such as B. Fire and clouds of smoke

by a loud bang

through smell perception  
 

 

What do I have to do first?

Stay away from the scene of the accident!

Go to closed rooms!

Close windows and doors!

Turn off the air conditioning, turn off the ventilation in the car!

Bring children into the house!

Help disabled and elderly people!

Record passers-by!

Only pick up children from school or kindergarten if you are specifically asked to do so!

Due to the possible risk of explosion, avoid open flames and electrical ignitions (e.g. smoking, lights, electrical appliances, vehicles)!

What else can I do?

Keep wet cloths in front of your mouth and nose!

If you have any health problems, contact your family doctor or the emergency medical service immediately! 

Danger!

The instructions of emergency and rescue services must be followed in the event of an incident!

Only leave the building when the all-clear is given.

If possible, keep the telephone line clear!

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As of July 2017 - last change May 22, 2024

DR. HESSE GMBH & CIE. KG | Special factory for electroplating technology

Werningshof 14 | 33719 Bielefeld | Tel. 0521/339090 | info@drhesse.de