DC4 – Putting Safety First

At Colart Americas, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a core part of our culture.
On August 20, 2025, our team conducted a comprehensive EHS Release Drill at our Piscataway, NJ facility. The goal: to test our emergency response procedures in the event of a hazardous material release.

🧪 The Scenario

The simulated emergency involved multiple ruptured pallets of spray paint stored in our hazmat cage, releasing toxic fumes and vapors. Employees were instructed to evacuate the building, avoiding the affected area. 

⏱️ Drill Performance

• Start Time: 10:30 AM
• Total Evacuation Time: 7 minutes 30 seconds
  • Office cleared in 4m 15s
  • Distribution Center cleared in 5m 20s
• Participants: 77 employees (33 office, 44 DC)
• Visitors: 0 (Fire Marshall and Hazmat Unit were authorized participants)

This marks a 1 minute 30 second improvement over last year’s drill time of 9 minutes—proof that our safety protocols are becoming more efficient!

✅ What Went Well

• Evacuation maps, signage, and exits were all in excellent condition.
• The alarm system was clearly heard throughout the facility.
• Employees evacuated calmly and efficiently, assembling at designated muster points.
• All areas, including restrooms, were checked and cleared.
• The Fire Marshall and Middlesex Hazmat Unit praised our drill execution and the cleanliness of our hazmat cage.

🧠 Observations & Opportunities

While the drill was a success, we’re always looking to improve. Here are a few areas we’ll continue to focus on:

• Simulating containment measures in future drills to better prepare for aerosol spread scenarios.
• Visitor accountability protocols during drills, even when no external guests are present.
• Utility shutdown simulations to enhance realism and readiness.

📣 Building a Culture of Safety

Our commitment to safety starts with onboarding and continues through ongoing training, signage updates, and regular communication. These efforts ensure that every team member understands their role in an emergency and can respond confidently.

👏 Final Thoughts

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make this drill a success. Your dedication to safety helps protect our people, our facility, and our community. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue striving for excellence in everything we do.

Stay safe, stay prepared 

North American Team