
Railway or tram rescue
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Provide relevant information to the fire control room when requesting proportionate control of the railway
Use location markers on fixed structures to confirm and communicate exact location
Request advice and assistance from rail or tram network operators regarding the most appropriate access
Identify whether trains or trams are informed, run at caution, stopped or stopped and power off and isolated
Identify rail power systems and determine whether the line is electrified and involved in the incident
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief personnel that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Access risk information including emergency plans held at stations, signal boxes and other locations
Identify any limited clearance areas and take notice of warning signs
Identify the impact of tunnels, bridges, viaducts and flyovers on access, resources and incident plan
Identify and communicate the speed and type of line, for example single or multi-directional
Identify utilities installed adjacent to railway lines and assess the impact on the incident and the safety of personnel
Investigate the scene looking for indicators of occupancy considering seating and standing capacities
Identify the status of ventilation systems, pressurised escape areas and intervention/access shafts
Use local knowledge to aid navigation to an incident
Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
Establish the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal
Request adequate resources to enable effective search and timely extrication of casualties
Establish and maintain contact with the rail infrastructure controller or Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
Request attendance of heavy or specialist rescue equipment (consider other agencies and USAR)
Request medical support at rescue incidents as soon as a need is identified
Consider requesting specialist resources to transport people and equipment to the scene
Request sufficient and appropriate additional resources
Consider requesting appropriate specialist advice
Consider requesting specialist resources from own or neighbouring fire and rescue services, or partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether operational resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update the fire control room on the availability status of operational resources
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
Consider requesting appropriate facilities for the welfare of personnel
Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities
Where possible await the arrival of the Rail Incident Officer (RIO) before entering the track area
Establish a 3 metre exclusion zone until trains have been confirmed as stopped, power off and earthed
Identify the proportionate level of control over the railway
Consider trains may coast for considerable distances after power has been isolated
Seek assistance from the police or other relevant responder agency to secure a safe working area
Brief crews that are moving around the rail infrastructure on Personal Track Safety guidelines
Consider the impact of the transport infrastructure on safe access and egress routes for fire and rescue service vehicles
Consider the effects of geography on equipment logistics, casualties and the welfare of personnel
Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
Identify and communicate trackside hazards (e.g. power, utilities, biological materials, undergrowth)
Consider the impact of stations, tunnels, sidings, depots and other rolling stock on incident response
Assess the weight of the object, its stability and its impact on the mode of transport and any casualties
Keep feet clear of track points that may move without warning
For the rescue of live person(s) personnel and equipment must not come within 1 metre of OLE
Consider making electrical gloves available for personnel to use at incidents involving live electricity supply.
Request the use of short-circuiting (SCD) or earthing devices – to be used only by qualified personnel
Identify the presence and status of any Battery Electric Multiple Units
Establish a 3 metre exclusion zone until trains have been confirmed as stopped, power off and earthed
Consider additional risks presented by steam trains (Extreme temperatures, high pressure steam)
Request isolation of live power systems (infrastructure and on-board)
Identify materials and systems used within a vehicle and communicate to all emergency responders
Identify and communicate hazards relating to pressurised systems to all responders
Identify the design and construction of the mode of transport, and the most appropriate tools for gaining access to it
Assess the weight of the object, its stability and its impact on the mode of transport and any casualties
Consider removing or stabilising vehicle contents if they are likely to hamper response
Identify the likely direction of travel for any loads that may move
Assess and communicate hazards relating to instability to all emergency responders
Implement and monitor appropriate stabilisation methods for the mode of transport, taking into account the required operational activity
Regularly assess the effectiveness of the stabilisation techniques employed
Approach the vicinity of the incident cautiously and at slow speed, to minimise the risk of collisions
Identify potential sources of biological contamination (e.g. waste from sanitary conveniences)
Identify and communicate any diesel, grease, asbestos, detonators and track welding powder
Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established following an assessment of the risk to crews, other agencies and the public
Consider extrication methods which do not require the use of tools or equipment
Ensure all personnel wear PPE according to service risk assessment and procedures for rescue incidents
Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
Manage their working environment and workload to mitigate the effects of stress and fatigue, and to optimise their personal resilience
Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling
Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
Ensure personnel cover open wounds, cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Why? | Expectations? | Benefit vs Risk? |
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Provide medical care and release trapped casualties
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Identify the proportionate level of control over the railway
Stabilise life threatening injuries or conditions and maintain casualty care throughout incident
Develop and communicate immediate release, emergency and full extrication plans
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to personnel at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
Consider appointing a search co-ordinator to ensure all areas have been systematically searched
Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at incidents
Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
Use situational awareness to anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
Develop and communicate an incident plan to relevant personnel, including the fire control room
Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
Apply the joint decision model process to ensure effective joint decision-making at multi-agency incident
Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk
Consider preservation of evidence when planning, communicating and implementing tactics
Implement a co-ordinated search plan, define parameters and sub-divide the area where necessary
Stabilise the vehicle and create initial access to casualties
Extricate the casualty considering their injuries and overall threat to life
Gain access to premises causing minimal damage considering the urgency of the situation
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Stay 1 metre from live parts of the system when performing a rescue of person in contact with live electricity
Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
Establish and maintain contact with the rail infrastructure controller or Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
Brief crews that are moving around the rail infrastructure on Personal Track Safety guidelines
Establish incident ground communications considering working environment and infrastructure
Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol
Provide a structured brief when handing over and taking over command
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Form their command structure in accordance with the priorities and demands of an incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Instigate a tactical withdrawal of personnel when the mode changes from offensive to defensive
Commit only minimum number of essential personnel to hazard area
Consider establishing a forward control point
Be prepared to adopt a leadership role at multi-agency incidents
Establish a scene access control point to log all people operating within the inner cordon when appropriate
Consider the use of command support systems and equipment where required
Monitor the performance of personnel and where necessary modify plans to available competences
Record the details of the transfer of command; this should be done at the incident ground and in the fire control room
Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
Implement exclusion zones if intolerable risks to safety are identified
Request police assistance to establish a traffic cordon or air exclusion zone if necessary
Request an air exclusion zone through the appropriate authority if required
Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation
Carry out a roll call of personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation of responders
Communicate the tactical withdrawal and emergency evacuation arrangements to all personnel
Inform network rail when incident is completed and all personnel are at a place of safety
Ensure that hazards are identified when handing over responsibility for safety to the responsible person
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
Ensure that effective supervision of operational activity is maintained until the conclusion of the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Consider taking appropriate steps to secure premises or vehicles after access or entry has been gained by force
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary