Selection and use of the types of extinguishers

In the case examined, the first-aid extinguishing by the train driver was not effective, even though the driver used several fire extinguishers for the purpose. This was due to the ineffectiveness of the carbon dioxide fire extinguishers easily available on the rolling stock in case of a fuel fire. The effective use of carbon dioxide and other gaseous fire-extinguishing agents also requires that the space is as enclosed as possible, which is not the case in the engine compartment of a Dm12 rail bus, for instance, because its casing is almost invariably damaged. In such cases, a dry powder or a suitable liquid fire-extinguishing agent would be more effective.

The railway operators inspect the types of extinguishers available on the rolling stock and ensure that they have been selected correctly in relation to the most likely types of fire.

With the placement of small hand extinguishers in the rolling stock, it must be ensured that a small hand extinguisher of the correct type can be used quickly. The differences in types of extinguishers must also be taken into account in the first-aid extinguishing training of the personnel.

In the case examined, the first-aid extinguishing by the train driver was not effective, even though the driver used several fire extinguishers for the purpose. This was due to the ineffectiveness of the carbon dioxide fire extinguishers easily available on the rolling stock in case of a fuel fire. The effective use of carbon dioxide and other gaseous fire-extinguishing agents also requires that the space is as enclosed as possible, which is not the case in the engine compartment of a Dm12 rail bus, for instance, because its casing is almost invariably damaged. In such cases, a dry powder or a suitable liquid fire-extinguishing agent would be more effective.