G-TTCF TTC- Subway Fires Part 1

Responsibility

• All personnel are responsible for understanding and following TFS Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) and TFS Training Notes relating to the TTC.
• The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for developing an Incident Action Plan (IAP) and ensuring safe, efficient, and effective management of the emergency incident.
• The IC is responsible for implementing Unified Command with the TTC Incident Commander (IC).

Firefighter Equipment

• When responding to a fire in a subway station, firefighters should be equipped with: • SCBA (60-minute cylinders if proceeding into the tunnel at track level) • Minimum of one Thermal Imaging Camera per crew • 65mm Hose Packs and Standpipe Kits • TTC access keys
• Additional equipment to consider: • Class ‘C’ extinguishers • One set of forcible entry tools (30” halligan and flat head axe irons) • Search Ropes • Entry Control Kit • Bull Horn

Safety Precautions

• Always treat the Third Rail as live, even after performing an Emergency Power Cut/Trip.
• Track/Rail Switches are still operational even after an Emergency Power Cut/Trip to the Third Rail has been performed, as they receive power from a separate source.
• Do not step on or near Track/Rail Switches.
• Do not step beside the control box as they are operated automatically from a remote location.
• Request assistance from the TTC Transit Control Centre if needed.
• A Catwalk is the walking area through the tunnel, which is on an elevated platform above and beside the track bed.
• The minimum width of a Catwalk is 600mm (24 in) throughout the tunnel.
• If the Catwalk width is less than 600mm (24 in), it is identified as a non-clearance area.
• TFS crews shall never walk on the Catwalk when a train is in motion.
• Collector Shoes must be treated as “live”, and contact shall be avoided.
• Running Rails, Crossovers, Drainage Ditches, and Paper Catchers are trip hazards to be aware of while working at track level.

Minor Smoke, Minor Fire or Burning Odour Responses

• TFS will not be responsible for investigating these types of incidents unless specifically requested by TTC through TFS Communications.
• The TTC IC may exercise caution in investigating and extinguishing small fires not exceeding 30 metres (100 feet) into the tunnel.
• If investigation by the TTC IC would require exceeding 30 metres (100 feet), TTC policy requires the TTC IC to return to the platform and await assistance from TFS.

TTC Definitions

• Burning Odours: A burning odour is the property or substance in the air, typically emitted from combustion and activates the sense of smell.
• Minor Smoke: Minor smoke can be described as a haze, and can be seen 500 ft through the smoke.
• Minor Fire: A minor fire is a fire in the incipient (growth) or smoldering (decay) phase and may be easily extinguished by a single person with a fire extinguisher.