Karl joined MRS Training and Rescue in 2015. Passionate about health and safety, he began as an associate rescuer, providing industrial rescue at a power station. Now a full-time rescue and trainer operative, Karl specialises in confined spaces and high-risk environments, trains the HART team, and maintains essential rescue equipment.
Meet Karl Sheppard, Trainer Rescue Operative, Mansfield Centre
Karl joined MRS Training and Rescue in 2015, transitioning from his previous career as a self-employed builder and landscaper. Entering the world of health and safety and industrial rescue was a completely new venture for Karl, but his enthusiasm for learning and interest in large-scale industries made the change a natural fit.
Karl’s first role with MRS was as an associate rescuer, where he was part of a team providing industrial rescue cover during a six-month outage at a power station. Following this period, he joined the company as a full-time rescue and trainer operative.
During his first four years, Karl’s role primarily focused on industrial rescue cover, responding to high demand. He gained invaluable hands-on experience working on a wide range of sites across various industries, enhancing his skills in challenging environments.
In addition to his operational duties, Karl became proficient in the use of breathing apparatus in irrespirable atmospheres and qualified as a BG4 long-duration wearer. Over time, he developed a strong interest in confined spaces, particularly in high-risk environments, and has since become a specialist in this area.
Today, Karl leverages his expertise to deliver training courses, sharing his knowledge and practical experience with delegates from diverse industries.
Karl also plays a vital role in training the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) – paramedics specially trained to respond to major incidents in dangerous environments. His technical skills and qualifications further demonstrate his value to MRS Training and Rescue. Karl is a certified Dräger engineer, BG4 engineer, Sabre engineer, and GCE engineer. He is also an inspector of PPE and scaffolding, ensuring the highest safety standards are upheld.
Beyond his training and rescue responsibilities, Karl maintains and services breathing apparatus for MRS customers, calibrates gas monitors, and ensures critical equipment operates reliably. His dedication, expertise, and adaptability make him an invaluable member of the MRS Training and Rescue team.
"Yesterday I attended a confined space course at British Sugar Cantley. I have been having training on confined space working for over 25 years and wanted to say that the course I attended yesterday was by far the best one I have ever attended. Derek who presented the course was very precise, knowledgeable and got the information across in a very relaxed manner which helped in taking all of the information in. Karl did the practical side and again he was precise about what needed to be done and got the information across in a relaxed manner. I would not hesitate to use your company again in the future or indeed recommend your company. The course rates amongst the best that I have ever attended." Steve White, Site Manager
Accreditations:
- Lyon Equipment PPE Inspector – Revalidation
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Draeger Engineer and BG4 Engineer
- Draeger Breathing Apparatus Maintainer Course
- NVQ Level 3 TAQA Assessor
- City and Guilds Working in High Risk Confined Spaces (Refresher)
- City and Guilds Confined Space Rescue and Recovery (Refresher)
- City and Guilds Direct Emergency Rescue and Recovery in Con Space
- Level 2 Mines Rescue Worker MPQC
- GCE Engineer
- Meditech Microvent and Entonox
- Fit2Fit Accredited
