"However it's crucial that our tanker drivers are regularly put through their paces so they are fully prepared to respond in the event of an incident such as a road accident."
Orica, which operates a large chemicals manufacturing and storage facility adjacent to the Port of Tauranga, is working with the Fire Service and Police to make the exercise as realistic as possible, with all parties using the opportunity to learn and improve their skills.
Ms Wood said the exercise had been carefully planned to be as realistic as possible.
"Orica drivers currently receive a significant amount of training in chemicals handling, spill response and safe driving but the opportunity to test those skills in the event of a significant safety incident is difficult.
"By running an Emergency Response Exercise on an annual basis, the whole team gets the opportunity to practise our emergency procedures in a simulation, which is as realistic as possible.
"As a business, we aim for zero incidents. But in the event of one occurring, our goal is always to minimise harm to people, property and the environment."
Orica's Emergency Response Exercise is being run in a controlled environment at ASB Bay Park Stadium to ensure minimal disruption to the public.