Bus Fire Escape: Mechanism And Functionality Explained

how does a bus fire escape work

Buses, like all vehicles, are susceptible to catching fire. In the event of a bus fire, it is crucial to remain calm and follow emergency procedures to ensure the safe evacuation of all passengers. While the specific protocols may vary depending on the bus model and location, there are standard escape methods that can be employed. This includes the use of emergency doors, security hammers to break windows, fire extinguishers, and alternative escape routes like roof hatches or skylights. Understanding these escape methods and knowing how to act in an emergency situation can help improve the chances of a safe evacuation in the event of a bus fire.

Characteristics Values
Emergency exit locations Service doors, emergency exit windows, emergency exit hatches
Where to find the 'emergency door release button' Above the rear door on all buses; for the front door, it varies depending on the bus model
How to open the doors Press the 'emergency door release button'
How to identify emergency exit windows Illuminated 'emergency exit' sticker and 'break-glass' hammer
How to use an emergency exit window Remove the hammer, hit the glass with the metal point, run the hammer around the edge of the window base to remove excess glass
When to use the roof hatch When the bus is on its side
How to open the roof hatch Follow the directions on the roof hatch
External emergency door release buttons Two buttons on the outside of the bus to allow manual opening of the doors in an emergency
How to escape in the event of spontaneous combustion Use the emergency switch to open the door, use the security hammer to break the window glass and escape, use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire
How to extinguish a fire Use a fire extinguisher, cut off the fire spreading path, cut off the pressure containers

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Use of emergency doors

The use of emergency doors is an essential aspect of bus fire escape protocols, and these doors play a critical role in ensuring the safe and rapid evacuation of passengers in the event of an accident or fire. Here is a detailed guide on the use of emergency doors in such situations:

Location and Identification of Emergency Doors:

Emergency doors on buses are typically located at the front, side, or rear of the vehicle. They are usually clearly marked with signs such as "Emergency Door" or "Emergency Exit" to facilitate quick identification. These signs often include concise operating instructions describing the necessary actions to unlatch and open the door.

Operating Mechanisms:

Emergency doors on buses are equipped with specific operating mechanisms to ensure easy and swift opening. These mechanisms may vary depending on the model of the bus. Some buses have emergency switches located next to the driver's seat or at the top of the door. These switches are often shaped like a wrench or a fan switch. Operating the switch helps cut off the gas path, facilitating a safer escape.

Opening the Emergency Doors:

The process of opening emergency doors can vary. In some cases, the door may need to be rotated and pulled out before being opened with a trolley door. Other buses may have sliding doors or doors with a hinged action. It is crucial to follow the specific operating instructions provided near the emergency switch or by the driver.

Ensuring Proper Functioning:

To ensure the proper functioning of emergency doors, frequent checks are necessary. This includes regular inspections by drivers and maintenance staff, as outlined in the Public Service Vehicle Inspection Manual. These checks help identify defects such as doors that cannot be fully opened, missing or inoperative warning devices, or missing emergency exit signs. Corrosion on door hinges is another critical issue to look out for, as it may cause the door to fail when in motion or prevent it from opening fully during an emergency.

Prioritising Passenger Safety:

The use of emergency doors during a bus fire or accident requires a calm and orderly evacuation. Passengers should follow the instructions of the driver and evacuate in an organised manner to prevent crowding or rushing out of the vehicle. If the door cannot be opened, passengers can use a security hammer to break the window glass for escape. It is important to aim for the four corners of the glass instead of the centre to ensure it shatters effectively.

In summary, the use of emergency doors during a bus fire or accident is a critical aspect of ensuring passenger safety. By following the guidelines provided, bus operators and passengers can effectively utilise emergency doors to facilitate a swift and safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.

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Security hammers to break windows

Security hammers are an essential safety device in vehicles, designed to aid in the emergency extrication of occupants. They are usually bright in colour, such as orange, making them easy to find in the dark or in a state of panic. They are often placed in the glove compartment, armrest compartment, or door pocket.

The hammers are typically double-ended, with one end featuring a sharp, pointed metal tip for breaking tempered glass, and the other a shielded knife for cutting seatbelts. The metal tip is usually made from strong materials such as high-grade carbon steel, with some tips made from harder metals like tungsten carbide, which makes breaking the glass less difficult.

There are two main styles of glass breakers: hammer and spring-loaded. Spring-loaded glass breakers do not require the user to swing the tool to break the window. Instead, the metal tip is held against the window, and a pin is pulled back and released to activate a spring, which then breaks the glass.

Glass breakers can also be built into other tools, such as flashlights or multi-tools, and they come in various sizes. They are an essential item to have in your vehicle, giving you peace of mind while driving.

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Fire extinguishers

When using a fire extinguisher on a bus, it is important to keep people away as there is a risk of injury from the spray. If a gas fire occurs, the path of the fire should be cut off, and pressure containers should be isolated. For liquid fires, the extinguisher should be directed at the root of the flame, moving from near to far, left to right. If the engine is on fire, the hood should not be opened as this will increase oxygen flow and fan the flames. Instead, the fire should be fought from underneath the engine.

Fire extinguisher maintenance is also crucial. Monthly inspections, annual servicing, and refilling/recharging after each use are recommended. Additionally, dry chemical fire extinguishers must be emptied and maintained every six years, per OSHA requirements.

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Avoiding smoke inhalation

Smoke inhalation is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. More than half of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, according to the Burn Institute. Smoke inhalation occurs when harmful particles and gases are breathed in, inflaming the lungs and airway, causing them to swell and block oxygen. This can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure.

If you find yourself in a bus fire, it is important to remain calm and act quickly. Here are some steps to avoid smoke inhalation:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth or towel to prevent inhaling smoke. Smoke always rises, so try to keep low to the ground when escaping.
  • If possible, use a damp cloth or piece of clothing to cover your head and protect your hair, as singed hair can be an indicator of smoke inhalation.
  • If you are near a door, assist the driver in opening it using the emergency switch. If you are a powerful male passenger, and the door cannot be opened, use a sledgehammer or fire extinguisher to break a window and create an escape route.
  • If you are unable to escape through a door or window, look for emergency exits on the roof of the bus, often called escape skylights. These are usually push-out windows with a button or rotating mechanism.
  • If you are unable to find an escape route, use a fire extinguisher to help the driver put out the fire. Remember to keep a safe distance from the fire to avoid splash injuries.
  • If you are trapped, call for emergency services and activate any alarms to alert others of the fire.

Remember, in a bus fire, it is crucial to act quickly and escape as soon as possible. Do not rush or push others, as this can cause injury and hinder the evacuation. Always follow the instructions of the driver and other emergency personnel.

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Escape from emergency windows

If you need to escape from a bus fire through the emergency windows, here is what you should do:

First, locate the emergency exit windows, which are identifiable by an illuminated 'emergency exit' sticker and a 'break-glass' hammer. These windows are designed to be broken in an emergency, so do not worry about causing damage.

Once you have located the window, remove the hammer. To effectively break the glass, use the hammer to strike the four corners of the window, rather than the centre. Aim for each corner in turn, and the glass should shatter. Striking the centre may not break the glass as the pressure will be distributed across the whole pane.

If there is no hammer available, you can use other hard objects to break the glass, such as laptops, high-heeled shoes, or fire extinguishers. Be sure to cover your face to protect yourself from broken glass.

After breaking the window, remove any excess glass from the window frame by running the hammer around the edge. If there are still glass shards remaining, cover the window base before exiting.

Now that the window is clear, exit through the window carefully, being mindful of any broken glass or other potential hazards.

Remember, in an emergency, it is important to remain calm and act in an orderly manner to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Frequently asked questions

Stay calm and follow the driver's instructions. If you are near the door, you can help the driver open it using the emergency switch. If the door cannot be opened, use a sledgehammer or a fire extinguisher to break the window and escape.

If the door cannot be opened, use a security hammer to break the window glass and escape. You can also use other hard objects such as laptops, ladies' heels, or fire extinguishers to hit the window glass.

There are three types of emergency exits on a bus: service doors, emergency exit windows, and emergency exit hatches on the roof.

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