Sounding Off: Replacing 1800s-Era Steam Whistle

Gramercy employees Kathy Gonzalez and Keith Sharp do a final inspection of the new alarm siren before final installation.

An old steam whistle may sound quaint, but in today’s world of modern industrial safety, Gramercy, La., health and safety managers have replaced the refinery’s iconic, antique steam whistle warning system with a state-of-the-art $120,000 evacuation alarm system.

Keith Sharp, Electrical & Instrumentation manager who supervised the switchover last month, says the number one reason behind the update is safety.

“The new alarm is all part of a larger safety initiative going on at Gramercy,” says Sharp. “We’re upgrading everything from the alarm system to a light switch and everything in between.”

The system consists of three alarm poles installed throughout the plant, each emitting a sound intensity equal to that of a jet engine at takeoff (120 decibels). Plant leadership will also have the ability to utilize two distinct alarm sounds in the event of an emergency: one for weather and one for evacuation. The system also has a voice-broadcast capability that can be used to send plant-wide communications.

Imperial Sugar Company’s Gramercy sugar refinery is located near the Mississippi River at Gramercy, La., approximately 20 miles west of New Orleans.