Railway Incidents

Scope

This Operational Guideline is for railway incidents, including train fires, accidents, and fires within railway property.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

Approach

• Crews cannot enter railway property without the permission of the rail authority. Identify the rail location by the numbers fixed to railway posts, signals, bridges, or tunnels;
• Advise the railway authority through FireCom or via railway telephones at rail signal posts; to request authorisation to enter the railway corridor, and
• Maintain a lookout in both directions and if requested by the railway authority, post persons at least one kilometre away to flag down trains, preferably using a red rag by day or a red light by night.
• Remain vigilant for signs of structural collapse for incidents involving carriages, tunnels, or structures.

Rescue

• Treat passenger carriages like a structural fire. Evacuate passengers to carriages remote from the fire if safe. If the rail corridor is still active do not evacuate persons onto adjacent tracks.
• Extensive use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipped and certified crews will be needed for any incidents involving tunnels.

Suppression

• Ensure the train crew has shut down power to fire affected areas and has operated any fire protection system, if appropriate.
• Small fire – use appropriate extinguisher or hose-reel.
• Larger fires – use a 38mm hose line (or equivalent). Avoid running hose across tracks. Consider use of foam if large amounts of flammable liquid fuel are involved. Beware of hazardous materials and request Hazmat attendance at freight train incidents.
• Fresh water fog at 700 kPa may be applied to fires involving electric trains unless it is a major derailment or collision.
• Do not touch electrical equipment on or near trains until power is confirmed to be isolated. If there is a risk of overhead wires collapsing or an incident in a tunnel, power will need to be isolated on all tracks before action is taken.

Overhaul and Other Operations

• Support operations as needed with forcible entry, water and foam supply activities, and other logistics as required.

Special Considerations

Hazards and Precautions

• Hazards may include rolling carriages, rail traffic, electricity, diesel fuel, automatic fire suppression systems, and hazardous cargo.
• Precautions may include to:
  • Ensure all crews remain clear of active rail lines;
  • Liaise with rail authorities and warn approaching trains;
  • Avoid overhead wires and wire collapse areas;
  • Have train crew isolate electric traction power; and
  • Use appropriate tactics, procedures, and personal protective equipment and clothing (PPC/PPE) including against cross-infection, if needed.
• If a danger to the crew is identified, those in danger are to be warned immediately and the Officer in Charge (OIC) notified. Upon observing or being advised of danger to the crew, the OIC is to:
  • Activate emergency signals to warn everyone who may be in immediate danger. This may consist of repeated whistle blasts, intermittent blasts of siren, tugging on hose lines, and/or emergency radio message;
  • Advise crew of what action to take; and
  • Update FireCom of crew status, location, and condition.
• Upon hearing an emergency signal, crew members are to evacuate the area of operations and report to their appliance.

Related Information

• RFS OPG - Structural Fires
• Service Standard 5.1.5 Personal Protective Equipment and Personal Protective Clothing
• Service Standard 5.1.9 Respiratory Protective Equipment