client London Underground
project Non-ambulant Emergency Evacuation Study
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Transport for London were looking for solutions for the evacuation of non-ambulant customers from an Underground train in the event of a breakdown in a tunnel. Creactive organised user trials to test out proprietary and bespoke products which could be deployed in an evacuation.
We designed prototype steps to speed up the evacuation of all passengers and support evacuation devices for the non-ambulant. In response to feedback during the trials, modifications to proprietary products were implemented. Our feasibility report identified the most suitable equipment for issue to the network and included procedures for their use during an evacuation.
Creactive Design are sometimes engaged to study a client’s operational issues and make recommendations. One such study for Transport for London considered the evacuation of non-ambulant customers from an Underground train that has broken down in a tunnel.
Initial interviews were held with Tranport for London’s stakeholder groups and operational and emergency staff to establish the issues with currently issued equipment and procedures.
Creactive researched mobility and evacuation products currently available such as stretchers, stairclimbers and evacuation chairs. Creactive then organised a programme of trials for a shortlist of products representing the main types of equipment likely to be deployed in an evacuation. Creactive also designed and manufactured a set of prototype steps that could be quickly deployed at the train to speed the evacuation of ambulant passengers and support the use of the nominated evacuation devices for the non-ambulant.
The trials were performed by the Underground’s Emergency Response Unit off-line in a train carriage mock-up and on-line in a station carefully selected for the variety of access issues it presented. Product suppliers were on hand for training and advice. The products were used with human subjects and also with a 100kg dummy representing the 95th percentile male. A final demonstration of the equipment was made to stakeholder groups and their feedback captured in questionnaires. Video footage was taken throughout the trials and demonstrations.
The recommendations of Creactive Design’s final report identified certain equipment for issue to the network and where they should be located. A proposed procedure for their use in an evacuation was included. In response to feedback from the trials, Creactive Design also worked with a supplier to implement modifications to the harness system on one of their products to improve the passenger’s comfort and sense of security during assents on stairways and escalators.