This week, part of the Support team was mobilized for its traditional refresher course for the month of April.
The objectives of the course were focused on the demolition equipment of the support section by training on sites useful to the municipalities of our organization.
Personnel deployed:
26 civil protection members, comprising
- 7 officers
- 2 non-commissioned officers
- 17 soldiers
Missions accomplished:
Site 1: Genthod Cemetery
Objective: remove five gravestones and level the sites
During this work at the Genthod cemetery, we removed five tombstones. For this, we used different demolition tools, such as a Wakker 92 rotary hammer, a Compressor 90, a HILTI 1000-AVR chipping hammer and a HILTI TE-70 ATC combi hammer, but also simpler tools such as a sledgehammer or a pickaxe, as needed.
Once the stones were extracted, we leveled the locations by adding earth, so that the ground was clean and uniform.
Project 2: Genthod elders’ house
Objective: Remove the concrete and the stairs to allow the creation of an access ramp
As part of this project, we removed a layer of approximately 8 cm of concrete, as well as a staircase and a handrail. The objective is to prepare the ground for the installation of an access ramp intended for people with reduced mobility and emergency vehicles. This ramp will be built later by the municipality.
To carry out this step, we used several demolition tools made available by our organization. The handrail, carefully dismantled, will be put back in place once the work is completed.
Project 3: Lullin de Genthod Park
Objective: Build a handrail out of acacia wood
To replace barriers in poor condition, we built a new acacia wood handrail on site.
The different steps were carried out by our team: we used a chainsaw to cut the wood to the right size, then an auger to dig the holes for the stakes. Finally, we assembled the whole thing with screws and an electric screwdriver.
Thanks to this work, residents can now use the path in complete safety.
Project 4: Creux-de-Genthod Beach
Objective: Remove the concrete bases of old benches and trash cans, then redevelop the land
We removed several concrete plinths that previously served as the basis for benches and trash cans. To do this, we first dug all around using an auger.
When possible, we extracted the blocks in one piece, using a pickaxe. But for the more resistant ones, we had to use demolition hammers to break the concrete into pieces that were easier to handle.
Once the blocks were removed, we filled the holes with new earth, then we sowed grass to give the land a natural appearance again.
Project 5: woodchip running trail at Parc du Jonc (Grand-Saconnex)
Objective: Refresh the Finnish track in Parc du Jonc
We have given a facelift to the Finnish track at Parc du Jonc. For this, the municipality provided us with wood chips as well as new wood to repair some damaged edges. Using motorized caterpillars and wheelbarrows, we distributed the chips over the entire length of the track. Some worn curbs were dismantled and replaced with brand new boards, to make the path both safer and more pleasant for users.
Project 6: Bois du Marais walking path (Grand-Saconnex)
Objective: renew the woodchip surface and replace the edging of a footpath
We have installed a new wood chip covering on the entire walking path. To do this, we used the tools at our disposal, such as wheelbarrows and shovels — and above all, a good helping hand! An impressive quantity of chips was distributed throughout the route.
At the same time, we replaced several damaged wooden borders with new boards. To make them the right size we used our chainsaws, which gave us a clean and strong result.
The path is now ready to welcome walkers from the town, in good conditions.
