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A safety net when all else fails

50799 Fire alarm procedure not followed at Underground stations

July 2012 in London Underground

tagged Method of working Rolling stock South East

Concerns have been raised about Station Supervisors not following the correct procedure when a fire alarm is activated in a station. Procedure requires that when a single device activates, such as a smoke detector or 'Call Point', then the station should be closed to incoming customers and the fire brigade should be called to attend.
On many occasions the reporter has witnessed Station Supervisors simply investigating the area themselves, turning off the fire alarm and not calling the fire brigade. The reporter believes this is done in order to keep stations open and avoid paperwork. However, this increases the risk of a fire going undetected.
  • Could London Underground re-brief Station Supervisors to ensure that the station is closed to incoming customers and the fire brigade called when a fire alarm is activated at a station?

Response from London Underground

Operational Standards, Rule Book 12, 'Station Emergency Response', defines which fire panel activations and incidents require the Station Supervisor to summon the assistance of the London Fire Brigade. All operational Station Staff on London Underground attend an annual continuous development program. As an integral part of that programme they undertake a bi-annual fire training course, which refreshes their knowledge in key areas such as fire panel activation. London Underground standards also mandate that all incidents, including near misses, are reported and recorded at the very earliest opportunity using the electronic incident reporting form.

A number of fire alarm activations on London Underground are the result of false alarms such as malicious activity by customers. Calling the London Fire Brigade even when activations are known to be malicious or do not involve any fire risk results in London Fire Brigade resources being diverted from attending real emergencies.

London Underground continues to work very closely with the London Fire Brigade to ensure that our procedures are, and continue to remain compliant with fire regulations, but also consider where improvements can be made to reflect best practice within that framework of partnership.

50799