12.11.2025
Prepared for every scenario:
Oxalis Logistics’ emergency simulation
In September, Oxalis Logistics staged a large-scale Emergency Response Exercise at the Stafford Driving Centre — a major event designed to test and strengthen our ability to respond safely and efficiently to major incidents in fuel and gas logistics operations.
The exercise, held every three years, forms an essential part of our ongoing commitment to training, innovation and the safe delivery of fuels and gases across the UK and Europe.
Collaboration with Emergency Responders
The exercise created a highly realistic environment, complete with actors, live commentary and active participation from emergency services, challenging teams to manage a high-pressure situation involving multiple hazards, whilst coordinating communications protecting people and the environment. It provided a realistic demonstration of how preparation, teamwork, and control underpin our ability to respond effectively to incidents in fuel and gas transportation.
The event brought together drivers and colleagues from Oxalis Logistics, emergency services and specialist response partners to simulate a complex road traffic incident involving multiple vehicles and fuel tankers. Incident Controllers from Oxalis Logistics led the on-scene response, supported by colleagues managing communications, safety and operational continuity remotely; a reflection of the company’s rigorous training and preparedness standards.
Delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Staffordshire Police Force and West Midlands Ambulance Service, alongside specialist recovery partners Adler & Allan and D&G Assist, the exercise demonstrated how investing in rigorous training and preparedness enhances safety and resilience.
Simulating a major fuel transportation incident
The simulation recreated an unfortunate, yet entirely possible scenario: a collision on a busy A-road involving two Oxalis Logistics LGVs, one transporting gas and the other fuel, alongside several third-party vehicles and cyclists. The incident saw a car pull out in front of the gas tanker, causing a collision and a subsequent rollover of the fuel tanker. Several individuals were trapped, fuel was leaking from the overturned tanker, and emergency services were required to manage casualties, containment and environmental protection.
This complex, multi-layered simulation tested every element of Oxalis Logistics’ emergency response procedures, including:
- Our Huddersfield Control Centre’s (HCC) call handling and escalation procedures
- Activation of the Major Incident Control Centre (MICC) in Huddersfield, coordinating client communications and media response
- Practical deployment of Oxalis Logistics Incident Controllers, managing on-scene triage, driver welfare, communications with emergency services, vehicle and product recovery, and coordination with off-site MICC support teams
- Product transfer, containment and environmental clean-up supported by Adler & Allan and D&G Assist
Observers, including Oxalis Logistics’ clients, service providers and key representatives of the fuels and gas industry, were able to witness first-hand how coordinated emergency response processes protect people, assets and the environment during high-risk fuel transportation incidents.
Feedback praised the scale and organisation of the event, the strength of inter-agency coordination and the professionalism of everyone involved.
See the exercise in action
From the initial call to the coordinated response on-site, footage of the exercise shows how our teams and partners work together to manage complex emergency scenarios safely and effectively.
Click the play button to watch the video below and see the scale of the exercise and how Oxalis Logistics’ people and partners uphold the highest standards of safety and control in fuel and gas transportation.
Safety at the heart of every Oxalis Logistics operation
Safety is at the core of everything Oxalis Logistics does. From fuel and gas distribution to emergency response and recovery, our operations are built on a culture of responsibility, vigilance and continuous improvement.
Reflecting on the event, Garry Brennan, Head of SHEQ at Oxalis Logistics, said:
“Exercises like this are essential for ensuring we remain prepared for any eventuality. The collaboration between our teams, clients and emergency services demonstrates our shared commitment to safety, professionalism and continuous improvement.”
Strengthening the future of responsible fuel logistics
All learnings from the exercise have already been shared and acted upon internally and with our specialist partners to improve processes further, ensuring we continue to deliver excellence in fuel transportation and gas logistics.
Through exercises like this, Oxalis Logistics reinforces our mission to be the trusted, responsible and safety-led logistics partner, driving the secure and sustainable movement of fuels across Europe’s energy supply chain.