2nd Edition

Station Layout 25
2.17 Planning for Hazards
In the design of any railway station consideration must always be given to
major hazards that might occur within the station environment.
With all railways, but in particular for those which are beneath the
surface, fire is the hazard which most influences station design. Fire presents
a time-critical event in which passengers must be evacuated before the
environment becomes incapable of sustaining life.
It is essential that all evacuation routes are well signed and are
adequately protected where necessary by powerful ventilation systems,
smoke/fire doors and roller shutters. It is also necessary to fully consider
both the case of a train on fire and other stationary equipment such as
escalators. In such an event alternative escape routes must also be properly
signed.
In dealing with a major life threatening emergency, such as a train
on fire in a station, the target should be to be able to clear passengers
from the immediate area of the train (the platform) in four minutes and
from the station within six minutes. In a large or complex station this last
requirement would apply to another fire separated route or area rather than
the station as a whole.
In the planning stage it is essential to discuss with the local emergency
services how their equipment and personnel will be given access to and from
amajorincident.
2.18 Staff Accommodation
At the earliest stage station designers will need to establish the accommodation,
storage and office requirements of all the staff who will be involved
in operating, engineering and maintaining the railway. This probably will
include provision for those involved in the following functions as a minimum:
• Operation and train control.
• Signal engineering and communications.
• Permanent way maintenance and renewal.
• Premises and structures maintenance.
• Mechanical/electrical/escalator/ventilation maintenance.
• Power supply and lighting.
• Cleaning and advertising etc.
Some thought also needs to be given to accommodation which may be
needed for emergency services in the event of a major incident.