Guidance for fire safety in Transport Premises

Section 1: Further Guidance on Fire Risks and Preventative Measures

The foundational strategy for preventing fires in transport environments is the systematic separation of flammable materials from ignition sources.

Housekeeping and Waste Management Good housekeeping is essential to lower the chance of fire and ensure escape routes remain unobstructed. High volumes of passengers generate significant litter (newspapers, packaging) which must be removed without delay or kept in fire-resisting containers. External wheeled bins must be secured in compounds to prevent arsonists from moving them against the building; skips should be at least 6 metres away from any structure.

Storage Practices Poorly managed storage increases fire fuel and can hinder safety equipment. Large stacks of combustible materials (e.g., promotional materials, seasonal decorations) make arson more serious. Storage should be in dedicated areas away from electrical equipment or heaters. Horizontal stacking is preferred over vertical displays to reduce upward fire spread.

Dangerous Substances Highly flammable liquids (e.g., diesel, aircraft fuels) produce heavy vapours that can travel to distant ignition sources. Only a daily supply—up to 50 litres—should be kept in a fire-resisting cabinet. LPG cylinders must be stored upright in secure, well-ventilated locations in the open air, separate from other flammables. Specific transport-related hazards include:

• Explosives: Flares (airports), fireworks (confiscated during security screening), and detonators (railways) require rigorous management and may require licensing.

• Piping: Gas or flammable liquid pipes should be rigid metal; flexible piping must be crush-resistant and have approved connections.

• External Areas: Undergrowth around premises must be trimmed back to deter arson and reduce fuel for accidental fires.

Equipment and Machinery Regular maintenance is vital to prevent friction (e.g., loose drive belts on baggage conveyors), overheating from clogged ventilation, or grease buildup in catering extraction ducts.

• Heating: Fixed convector or fan heaters are preferred over radiant heaters. Portable fuel-burning heaters should only be used in public areas in exceptional circumstances if supported by the FRA.

• Electrical Safety: Electrical faults are a significant cause of accidental fires. All equipment, including items brought in by employees, should undergo Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), and fixed installations must be inspected by a competent engineer.

Building Work and Arson Refurbishments introduce higher risks like "hot work" (welding), which must be controlled via a permit-to-work system. This ensures the area is made safe before work starts and is monitored for at least an hour after completion. Arson prevention involves well-lit perimeters, CCTV, secure entry points, and removing automatic entry rights from dismissed staff.

Section 2: Further Guidance on Fire-Detection and Warning Systems

Most transport premises require an electrical fire-warning system including manual call points (MCPs), sirens, or voice alarms.

Manual and Automatic Detection MCPs should be red, conspicuous, and positioned at exits so that no one travels more than 45 metres to reach one. In large facilities, MCPs may be located primarily in staff areas or guarded to reduce malicious operation. Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) is essential for unoccupied areas (machine rooms), lone workers, or as a "compensating feature" for extended escape distances.

Voice Alarms and Public Address (VAPA) Voice alarms are highly recommended in transport facilities because members of the public often do not react quickly to conventional sirens. The clarity of speech (RASTI index) is critical. Public address systems should be under staff control and capable of over-riding other sound systems.

Specialised Alarms and Management

• Staged Alarms: Complex buildings use "alert" signals followed by "evacuate" signals to allow staff to investigate incidents before a general evacuation.

• Hearing Impaired: Visual beacons or vibrating pagers are required for those who may not hear audible warnings.

• Testing: Systems must be tested weekly using a test key. Professional servicing by a competent person is required every six months. Back-up power must operate the system for 24 hours and sound the alarm for 30 minutes.

Section 3: Further Guidance on Firefighting Equipment and Facilities

Portable Extinguishers Owners must provide extinguishers suitable for the classes of fire (A through F) present. For general Class A risks (wood, paper), provide one water-based extinguisher for every 200m² of floor space, with at least two per floor. They should be located on escape routes near exits, ideally within 30 metres of any point. Extinguishers require monthly visual checks and annual professional maintenance.

Fixed Systems

• Hose Reels: These provide an effective facility but should only be used by staff trained to ensure they do not stay and fight a fire when escape is the safer option.

• Sprinklers: Highly effective for both life and property protection. If a system is shut down for maintenance, contingency plans (like extra fire patrols or suspending staged evacuation) must be implemented.

Facilities for Firefighters Owners have a legal duty to maintain facilities like dry/wet rising mains, firefighting lifts/shafts, and access roads. Access roads must allow fire engines to park within 18m of building inlets. Firefighting shafts (protected lobbies and stairways) help firefighters reach upper floors safely. Inlets for rising mains and foam must be kept clear of parked vehicles at all times.

Section 4: Further Guidance on Escape Routes

The primary goal is for all occupants to reach a place of total safety unaided.

Design and Capacity Transport premises often have long platforms or piers where traditional travel distances are impractical. In these cases, protection is achieved through large volumes (high ceilings), smoke control, and strict hazard management.

• Widths: A 750mm wide route can accommodate 100 people in normal risk premises, while 1050mm accommodates 200.

• Travel Distances (Normal Risk): 18m for a single direction (dead end) and 45m where more than one route is provided.

• Inner Rooms: These require a vision panel, a 500mm ceiling gap, or AFD in the access room to warn occupants. Occupancy is limited to 60 people.

Structural Features

• Protected Stairways: These are "places of reasonable safety" that must lead directly to a final exit and be kept clear of all combustibles.

• Basements: These are higher risk; stairways from the basement should ideally be separated from the ground floor by two fire doors.

• Escalators and Travelators: In sub-surface stations, escalators under management control are a vital means of moving large numbers of people to safety. They should only stop or reverse under manual command if deemed necessary.

Help for People with Special Needs Owners must provide Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for regular users and standard PEEPs for the public. Refuges (protected waiting areas) must lead to a protected escape route and should not rely on the fire service for rescue.

Section 5 & 6: Emergency Lighting, Signs, and Notices

• Emergency Escape Lighting: Required for internal windowless routes (subways), windowless toilets over 8m², or areas used during darkness. It must illuminate exits, intersections, and safety equipment. Maintenance includes a monthly function test and an annual full discharge test.

• Way-Guidance: Low-level luminous tracks or LEDs can help people escape through smoke.

• Signs: All safety signs must be pictograms; text-only signs are not compliant. Signs should be positioned so the next one is always in sight along the route.

• Notices: "Fire Action" notices should be posted at call points and in staff assembly areas. Fire doors must be labelled "Fire door - keep shut".

Section 7: Further Guidance on Recording, Planning, Informing, Instructing and Training

Good management is essential for effective fire safety in complex transport environments.

Record Keeping If employing five or more people, you must record significant FRA findings, preventative measures, and the emergency plan. A log book should track all tests (alarms, lighting) and maintenance.

Emergency and Contingency Plans A written plan must cover warning procedures, evacuation methods, and staff duties. Contingency plans are required for when safety systems (like sprinklers or lifts) are out of order.

Transport Management Planning Unique to transport premises, the plan must consider the movement of vehicles:

• Trains at Platforms: Allowing a train to leave a sub-surface station may reduce the occupancy load, but its movement might induce undesirable air flows.

• Tunnels: Plans must cover whether to stop traffic via barriers/signals and how to communicate with passengers in the tunnel.

• Airports: Evacuation might require moving passengers to airside areas (aprons), which requires co-ordination with aerodrome firefighting services to manage apron-level hazards.

Information and Training

• Staff Training: All staff must receive induction training and regular refreshers covering alarm recognition, escape routes, and the importance of fire doors.

• Fire Marshals: Appointed marshals require advanced training in search procedures and human behaviour.

• Fire Drills: Drills should be held at least annually to test the emergency plan. They should simulate a blocked exit and involve members of the public where possible to provide a realistic test

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information within these pages are accurate and not misleading, LESH Consulting Ltd cannot accept any liability for any loss or liability arising from the use of any such information.