Fire Fighting Arrangement:

Guard-cum-Brake Van, AC coaches and Pantry Cars in all trains are provided with portable fire extinguishers to cater for emergencies due to fire accidents. The fire extinguishers provided in the coaches for electrical fire should be of DCP type as per following specifications.

  1. DCP type fire extinguishers as per are 2171 of 1995. (Portable fire extinguishers, dry powder cartridge type)
  2. IS: 307-1977 for carbon dioxide
  3. IS: 4947 – 1995 for gas cartridge for use in fire extinguishers
  4. IS: 4308-1982 for dry powder for firefighting
The following shall be ensured:
  • Portable fire extinguishers are in working order and are available at the nominated place before the rake is given for service.
  • The sufficient number of spares should be kept in stock to ensure prompt replacement of defective/missing extinguishers.
  • Regular checks should be carried out for operation for extinguishers.
  • Fire extinguishers shall be so located on the brackets at the approved points that these are easily visible and accessible in case of emergency. They shall not be placed in locked cupboards.
  • All the fire extinguishers shall be painted red and shall carry an instruction plate wherein the clear instructions for operation shall be written in English & Hindi and any other regional language. The plate shall also carry a label for the last checking, refilling date and due date.
  • The maintenance and periodic checks on DCP type fire extinguishers should be as per IS: 2190 of 1992 (Code of practice for selection, installation, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers).
  • The salient features of this are as per clause 10.8 which deals with the quarterly checking, replacement of powder and it’s quality, checking of the gas cartridge by weighing, checking of end fittings, the life of fire extinguishers and sample checking.
  • Efficient use of firefighting appliances necessitates adequate training to be given to the running and other staff who should be familiar with firefighting techniques and operations and handling of the extinguishers.
  • Staff should be familiar with the physical location of firefighting equipment, correct method of operating the pieces of equipment and precautions to be observed.