Case study: Station fire risk
31 March 2026
Rubbish and debris cleared and station teams rebriefed.
The staircase is secluded and could be a smoking hot spot. Post-pandemic, the reporter believes passenger behaviours have changed, including more smoking on platforms. A lit cigarette could end up in the rubbish and could cause a fire.
Avanti West Coast said it cleared rubbish and debris from the area as soon as it received the report. Its station team conducts security checks regularly and will stop any passengers attempting to hide around corners to smoke.
Avanti West Coast confirmed that all security and health and safety checks had been completed, but the build-up of rubbish hadn't been noted. The company has now briefed its station teams to stay vigilant during checks to ensure that litter is removed as soon as possible, and to monitor the area robustly during security and fire precaution checks.
It has also rebriefed station tenants and train operating company partners on dealing with waste, as well as briefing all station staff on the importance of housekeeping and fire precautions. Changing the fencing to prevent rubbish build-up is an option if it is needed in future.