A word from an RBC employee | Frans
About Frans
Frans is 60 years old and has been employed full-time as a Fire Watch since 2020 and recently as Site Coordinator within RBC.
A true Rotterdam native who traded the centre of Rotterdam for the green countryside in Capelle ad IJssel 30 years ago. He enjoys gliding around the world, paragliding and touring on motorbikes. An adventurer who does not shy away from a challenge. So too in his work.
Early on, Frans trained in photography and photonics and worked as a photographer for over 30 years. With great pleasure. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt and the market in photography had changed quite a bit. “Being 55 years young at the time, I couldn’t get a job easily. I then registered with an employment agency and did various jobs, including working as a Fire Watch. After obtaining the necessary certificates, I started working on various projects including that of RBC. I soon noticed that RBC was the right place for me and I was offered a permanent contract. I haven’t regretted that yet. RBC responds well to my interests and have already offered me several advancement opportunities, such as Gas Analyst and now the position of Site Coordinator. I love challenges and want to know everything about the work. Down to the details. This allows me to do my job as safely and efficiently as possible.”
What does your working day as Site Coordinator look like?
As Site Coordinator, I am the operational point of contact for the maintenance work RBC supervises at a refinery in Rotterdam. On a daily basis, I am in charge of the RBC team at this location, planning services and handling project administration.
Early in the morning, I start inspecting the gas measuring equipment so that it is ready to measure, for example, a tank scheduled for maintenance. I then review the work permits issued, the schedule of work and which colleague is needed in the process. We work with a large group of people, so every day can be different. Sometimes the schedule is a puzzle, but we always figure it out in the end. Besides working inside, I also walk safety rounds at the various work sites to check that all work is done safely and as agreed. Back inside, I write a small report and check whether any new applications have come in that require a Fire Watch, Hot Work Watch or Gas Analyst. I also enter personnel hours into our system.
Safety requirements at this kind of site are strict. And rightly so. At the end of the day, we all have one goal, and that is to all return home safely at the end of the day. We will make sure of that together.
What do you like about your job within RBC?
I like the contact with people the most. Our team consists of men, women, young, old and all colours of the rainbow. When our people come out of Fire Watch training, our new fire watches are paired with an experienced Fire Watch to guide them further. The team feeling this creates afterwards is amazing. You see the knowledge and skills growing. When compliments from the client then follow, it gives a sense of pride.
What do you find difficult about your job within RBC?
There are days when everything gets mixed up, but I think every company has that from time to time. One of those days when things just don’t go as planned. Getting things back on track can be quite a challenge on such days. A challenge I am happy to take on.
How do you experience RBC as an employer?
There is a great atmosphere with short lines of communication. We really work as a team and involve each other in the work. RBC is flexible and also offers many career opportunities within the safety industry.
Do you still have ambitions within RBC?
Right now, I am keeping my focus on the project and the Fire Watches. When the weather calms down, we’ll see.
Want to work for RBC as well?
RBC is constantly open to new employees with a passion for safety. View our vacancies or submit an unsolicited application via solliciteren@rbc-group.eu.