SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY CREATES AWARENESS on
FIRE SAFETY
South Western Railway has launched an extensive fire safety awareness drive during this month. As part of the drive several initiatives have been taken to educate all the stakeholders - rail users and railway/non-railway employees working at stations and on trains about precautions to be taken to avoid fire incidents as per provisions of the Railway Act.
During the campaign, severe checks and inspections have been carried out in trains specially in pantry cars, at stations and railway premises. Training was given to operate fire extinguishers practically and also through audio/video to train staff, station staff and also to general public. Operation of emergency windows of coaches has been demonstrated to passengers.
Continuous announcements are being made through PA system to educate the passengers in avoidance of carriage of inflammable articles & crackers during their journey. Checks are being carried out in SLRs & Parcel Vans in prevention of carriage of inflammable Articles and Crackers. RPF staff with Dog squad is carrying out checks, independently and also with ticket checking staff in preventing carriage of inflammable articles.
A few highlights:
·More than 200 trains were covered in the drive.
·Over 75 safety checks were conducted.
·Over 8,000 passengers were counselled.
·Apart from this Scouts & Guides & Civil Defense volunteers were involved in this drive.
·Firecrackers worth Rs. 22,000/- seized.
South Western Railway appeals to all rail passengers not to carry inflammable substances/ fire crackers in trains or railway premises.
Carrying inflammable articles such as crackers in trains or at railway stations poses threat to passenger safety and creates a highly unsafe situation for rail users and co-passengers. Even a small spark can lead to a big mishap with dire consequences.
All the rail passengers/rail users are requested not to carry inflammable materials with them or resort to booking under luggage/parcel any inflammable articles like gas cylinders, petrol, diesel, kerosene, stoves, matchboxes, cigarettes lighters, and any detonating substances, including firecrackers.
As per Section 164 of Railway Act 1989 carrying flammable and explosives articles on Railways constitutes is a punishable offence, with a punishment up to 3 years Jail or fine up to Rs. 1000/- or both, besides being liable for the any loss/injury or damage caused.
In the interest of public safety and security, South Western Railway requests all passengers that in case they notice fire crackers or any other suspicious material in trains or at stations, they may immediately inform the authorities through toll free Railway helpline number ‘139’ or approach field railway staff on duty.
Aneesh Hegde
Chief Public Relations Officer
South Western Railway, Hubballi
