A LIFE-SAVING idea developed on a Teesside chemical complex could be adapted by fire and rescue services across the country.

Workers for SembCorp Utilities, on the sprawling Wilton International chemical complex, near Redcar, are using satellite mapping to guide fire engines to incidents on the 2,000-acre site, in the fastest possible time - and tackle them in safety.

Jon Rokk, SembCorp's commercial manager, said: "That information includes not only the fastest route to the location, but also pinpoint references to the location of fire hydrants, pipelines and other key installations. It also gives firefighters details of the precise layout of plants and buildings - saving them critical minutes and possibly saving lives.''

Crews can tap into that critical information in the cab of a SembCorp fire engine as it races to a callout.

This application of the technology has earned SembCorp Utilities Teesside national recognition.

While Geographical Information System (GIS) is not a new technology, its adaption by SembCorp Utilities Tees-side saw the company reach the finals of the Best Use of Technology category at the National Business Awards in London.

The Vehicle Mounted Display System (VMDS) has also helped to map and manage many industrial facilities at the complex. Mr Rokk said: "We are delighted to have had the innovation and creativity of our employees recognised.

"We're naturally extremely proud of the team that has built upon the GIS potential and we're keen to explore the possibilities of this technology on a wider basis.