Setting new standard for fire risk management

Containing practical advice on how to minimise the risk of fires, the document also outlines the relevant legislation that operators need to follow, and best practice on dealing with incidents should they occur.

Mark Ashmore, Light Rail SSB Safety Assurance Manager, explained: “The guidance covers both premises used by light rail systems, which come under wider fire prevention legislation, and the trams themselves.

“Trams and other light rail vehicles present their own special challenges in terms of keeping people safe in the unlikely event of a fire and that’s why this guidance has been developed specifically for the sector.”

As well as providing information on good housekeeping to reduce fire risks, the 50-page guide provides comprehensive details on the relevant legal requirements faced by operators. Best practice on carrying out fire risk assessments and the management of links between networks and relevant emergency services are also covered.

“This guidance will also support the delivery of obligations under the Safety Management System (SMS) of any light rail network so that managers who have responsibility for the safety have all the relevant information on exactly what needs to be done,” Mark said.

“Staff training, signage, escape routes, assembly points, countering the threat of arson, the provision of fire-fighting equipment and the particular safety requirements of hazards unique to light rail are among the many benchmarks outlined in this guidance that will provide a vital resource to all our light rail safety professionals,” he added.

The guidance can be downloaded from the Light Rail SSB online resource library here.