Page 21 - National Express_ GMStands

5.2 Emergency Call Management

Each Group Company must ensure they have a policy that records and logs all calls relating to fire and
prioritises the required actions when a fire is reported. This must include confirmation of the safe and full
evacuation of passengers and contact with emergency services.

Where a fire has been reported or the vehicle warning system has indicated there is a fire, even if there is
no physical evidence, it is critically important to ensure that the vehicle is isolated and not moved until it has
been inspected by a competent engineer.

Once any fire has been extinguished the batteries must be disconnected and the vehicle should whenever
possible, be sheeted/covered to conceal its identity prior to recovery. The vehicle must then be quarantined
in safe area pending investigation. In severe incidents it is particularly important not to disturb evidence and
await forensic expert investigation.

6.0 Fire Investigation

Each Group Company must ensure they have a policy and procedure for robust fire investigation following
any fire(s).
Investigations and subsequent reports must include all pertinent information to establish root cause,
wherever possible, and include any deviations from this standard and any required remedial action.
Where appropriate these causes must be incorporated into vehicle specification, maintenance and
inspection requirements above.

Where necessary documented urgent checks should be carried out on similar vehicles in the fleet and
where any concerns are identified the relevant vehicles must be managed accordingly. Subject to risk
assessment as to the potential for similar incidents a programme of remedial and rectification work should
be implemented.

7.0 People

The Engineering Director, or equivalent, must:

Ensure that safety is taken into account at every specific stage of the vehicle specification,
maintenance and inspection process to ensure that no new risks are introduced, and that all safety
requirements will be delivered.
Ensure that the tools and equipment required for inspecting vehicles to the required standards are
provided
Ensure suitable and adequate training has been given to those tasked with inspecting vehicles
Ensure there are robust processes in place to ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
Ensure that any employee working upon, or any contractor sourced to repair or replace, fire
suppression equipment is trained and competent.
Ensure there is a trained and competent person, or source a reliable contractor, to undertake fire
investigations.

Global Maintenance Standard: Reduction of Fire Risk (Vehicles) 8