Fire on a train? Koleje Mazowieckie trains virtually - case study

Evacuation in Case of Fire on Trains – Challenges and Modern Solutions

Polish legislation contains few regulations concerning train evacuation in the event of a fire. The only document that partially regulates these procedures is the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of July 18, 2005, on the general conditions for railway traffic and signaling. Specifically, § 52 lists nine steps to be taken in such a situation. However, are these regulations sufficient today, when electric scooters and bicycles powered by lithium-ion batteries are commonly transported on rail vehicles?

Railway workers, who transport passengers daily, including our children, are required to know the procedures. However, training in this area often consists only of theoretical information, such as fire classification and the use of fire extinguishers, without the opportunity to practice such situations in real life. With the increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires in Poland and across Europe, VR training is emerging as an ideal solution, providing the opportunity to realistically practice evacuation in simulated fire conditions. Before examining the benefits of VR technology, it is worth discussing the fire hazards currently posed by rail transport and the relevant legal regulations.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Rail Vehicles

In recent years, several dangerous incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires in rail vehicles have been reported. For example, on November 17, 2022, an electric scooter caught fire inside an FCG (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) train car in Sant Boi del Llobregat. Passengers were evacuated, and six fire trucks were needed to control the situation. Three people were injured.

Source

A similar incident occurred on November 3, 2022, in the London Underground, where another scooter caught fire. The London Fire Brigade reported being called 104 times in 2021 for fires related to lithium-ion batteries, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year. This demonstrates the serious threat posed by these devices. Lithium-ion fires are not limited to scooters and electric bikes but also include everyday items such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and e-cigarettes that passengers carry in their luggage.

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Are Railway Workers Prepared for Such Scenarios?

Their responsibilities are defined in the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of November 29, 2022, on exams for locomotive driver licenses and certificates. According to the regulations, train drivers must be prepared to act in case of a fire—assessing whether to stop the train, facilitating passenger evacuation, calling for assistance, providing relevant information to emergency services, and cooperating with them during an incident.

Challenges in Training Train Conductors and Drivers

Despite clearly defined requirements, railway worker training is often not practical enough. In theory, train drivers and conductors should know all procedures, but real emergency situations require more than just theoretical knowledge. In a fire emergency, quick and precise actions are necessary—from issuing proper announcements and directing evacuations to coordinating with firefighters. The challenge is even greater in situations where passengers have limited mobility or when the fire involves hazardous materials such as lithium-ion batteries.

VR as a Response to Modern Threats

Mazovian Railways, aiming to better prepare their employees, have adopted modern technologies such as VR training. During these training sessions, train conductors can realistically practice emergency scenarios, including lithium-ion battery fires. The simulation covers the characteristic ignition process of such a battery, known as Jet Fire, as well as procedures for turning off ventilation, evacuating passengers to a safe location, and coordinating with emergency services.

VR training provides the opportunity to experience emergency situations in a safe environment. Railway workers not only learn how to manage evacuations but also how to communicate with passengers and emergency services, which is crucial in real-life emergencies. This way, VR training not only raises awareness of threats but also equips workers with the tools to act effectively in crisis situations.

Hear from Train Conductors

We encourage you to watch a short video in which Mazovian Railways employees share their experiences with virtual reality training.

Conclusion

In today's world, fire-related threats on trains are becoming increasingly complex, and traditional training is often insufficient. Virtual reality training, such as that offered by Mazovian Railways, enables railway workers to prepare realistically and comprehensively for emergencies that may occur during passenger transport. This modern approach to training enhances passenger safety and ensures that train crews are ready for any challenges that may arise on the route.

Legal Basis for Periodic Training on Fire Extinguisher Use and Firefighting

The list of the President of the Office of Rail Transport and the regulations specified therein, particularly UIC Code 564-2, section 5.1.2.

Author: Artur Kamiński