The Township Companies were given the unique opportunity to train with a precast concrete panel Tuesday at the new Silver Spring Logistics Park, on the former Hempt Farm. With two warehouses under construction using these panels, we felt it was imperative we test our lifting capabilities, in the event an unfortunate accident would occur. The panel used weighed 18 tons, 39 feet long, 13 feet wide and 9 inches thick. After arriving at the site, Chief's Hall and Brown provided a brief overview of the training session and equipment to be used, as well as additional resources to be called upon for real emergencies of this type. Members then began the operation to "lift" the panel, in a controlled manner, utilizing the air bag system off Squad 33. First, an area had to be excavated in order to fit the bags and cribbing base under the edge of the panel. Multiple sizes of cribbing were used off Squad 33 once the lift began in order to capture the load should the air bags fail. Two bags (32 Ton and 20 Ton) were used in the process. We successfully lifted one side of the panel 14" off the ground and properly cribbed to hold it in place. Steel pickets were used prior to lifting on the opposite side to hold any movement. We then began the process to perform a controlled lowering of the panel in order safely remove all cribbing and air bags. Both companies returned to Station 33 to clean and ready equipment. Thanks to Chief 32, William Brown, for setting the training in motion with the various contractors. Special thanks to the following:

Penntex Construction - Use of the site location
Schlouch Incorporated - provided a stone pad for our work area
Conewago Enterprises - provided the concrete precast panel