In the event of a fire being noticed in a train, the train shall be stopped immediately:

  • The portion of the train behind the vehicle, which is on fire, shall be detached and the front portion is drawn ahead to a safe distance.
  • The vehicles shall then be detached and the vehicle in front of it drawn ahead to a safe distance.
  • Every endeavor shall be made to extinguish the fire by the use of the fire extinguishers if provided, and by throwing water and sand on it Fire brigade shall be called.
  • If water is available within a short distance the Driver may, in consultation with the Guard, draw forward the front portion together with the vehicle, which is on fire after detaching the rear portion.
NOTE:
  1. Water and steam shall not be used to extinguish petrol or oil fires or electrical fires.
  2. Staff must keep themselves up to date about firefighting instructions,
    contingency plans etc.
  • If the fire is in a vehicle carrying passengers, the safety of the passengers shall be the first consideration.
  • If a Postal Van were on fire, every effort shall be made to save the mail.
  • The train shall be protected in accordance with G.R. and S.R. 6.03.
NOTE:

In the case of fires attributed to sparks from the engine it shall be stated whether the engine was fitted with a spark arrestor and, if so, of what pattern, as also the description of the fuel used. In cases where there is a reason to suppose that the spark escaped from the ash pan, it shall be stated what, precautions have been taken to arrest the escape of sparks from the ash pan. In the case of fire to a passenger coach, the battery boxes under the coach shall be specially examined to see whether or not the fire had originated there.

ACTION IN LPG EMERGENCY:

LPG is extremely inflammable. It may get ignited by heat, spark or flame. Its vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flashback. The container may explode in heat or fire.

In case of accidents involving LPG tank wagons:

  • Inform civil authorities and summon assistance from Fire Brigade, Oil Company Depot and Bottling Plant, Refinery, etc.
  • Keep unnecessary people away, isolate hazard area.
  • Stay upwind keep out of low areas.
  • Isolate for one kilometer in all directions.
  • If the tank is involved in leak or fire, regulating/isolating trains is necessary.
  • In case of derailments of LPG wagons.
  • Check for leakage.
  • Advise all people not to smoke.
  • Extinguish all fire (including hand signal lamp, point indicator, etc.lit by K. oil) within a one-kilometer area.
  • Examine tank barrel and all fittings carefully for any damage.
  • To hoist the wagon, use diesel crane or MFD jacks with spark arrestor at exhaust
Spill or leakage in LPG tank wagons:
  • Take steps as above except hoisting of a wagon.
  • Check possibilities for stopping a leak.
  • Disperse vapor away from ignition source by water spray.
  • Shut off ignition source. No flares, smoking or flames in hazard area about one-kilometer radius should be permitted.
  • If leakage is minor put gunny bags on leakage and wets with water.Icing will reduce leakage. Do not touch spilled material.
  • Give warning to District authorities for evacuation of the population.
  • Arrange to transfer to another tank if it can be done by Oil Company.
Action to be taken in case of fire in LPG tank wagons:
  • Isolate wagons not on fire within safe distance by uncoupling. Call Fire Brigade, etc.
  • Give warning to people living in adjoining area to evacuate for an at least one-kilometer radius.
  • For small fire using dry chemical powder/Halon extinguisher and for a large fire, water spray or fog.
  • Stay away from ends of tanks as tanks normally burst from the ends.
  • Cool tanks that are exposed to flames with water from the sides well after fire is out.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discolorations of the tank due to fire.
Note:
Summing up there are two most important aspects of disaster management
in case of LPG fire:
  1. Evacuate people to save a life.
  2. Segregate unaffected tanks quickly.
EXPLOSION ON TRACK OR TRAIN:
  • In the event of an explosion, on track or in a train, the Driver shall stop his train as soon as possible and examine the track along with the Guard at the site of the explosion to ascertain the extent of the damage.
  • If the Driver does not bring the train to a stand within a reasonable time, the Guard shall draw the attention of the Driver by the available means.
  • The Driver shall also examine the train along with the Guard and if little or no damage has been caused to the train, and if it is safe for the train to proceed to the next block station, the train will be taken ahead to the next block station where the Guard and Driver will jointly report the occurrence to the Station Master.
  • if the damage to the track is so serious as to render the track unsafe, a competent railway servant will be left at the site with detonators to protect the spot in accordance with the rules.
  • On receipt of a report from the Driver and the Guard, the Station Master shall immediately advise the Controller who shall
  • advise the Junior Engineer (Permanent Way) to proceed to the spot immediately, inspect the track and take such precautions as are necessary to put the track right and impose speed restriction if necessary.
  • Inform the Junior Engineer (Carriage and Wagon) and Loco Foreman for a thorough examination of the train and the engine at the next terminal station.

The duties prescribed above for the Controller will devolve on the Station Master on uncontrolled sections. The Station Master shall immediately issue a message to the Station Master at the other end and obtain his acknowledgment. The Station Masters at both ends of the reported section shall stop all trains and issue caution orders to Driver and Guard, specifying the kilometer and the speed restriction.