FIRE SAFETY AT MRT STATIONS

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what fire safety measures have been set up at the various MRT stations and (b) if fire drills will be conducted at regular intervals at any MRT station.

The Minister for Communications and Information (Dr Yeo Ning Hong): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, our MRT is the newest in in the world. As Members are aware, we are only in the process of phasing it in in stages. It is one of the most modern in the world and therefore incorporates the latest proven technology in fire safety. It is built in accordance with the US National Fire Protection Association Code 130. This is a comprehensive document adopted for the design of all rail transit systems in the United States since 1979.

Very briefly, the fire safety measures incorporated in our MRT system include an extensive fire protection network of fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, smoke and heat detectors, and the provision of adequate emergency escape routes. In addition, all our station staff have been trained in emergency fire fighting procedures. The Fire Brigade also has teams of fire fighters which have been specially trained to cope with any emergency in the MRT stations and tunnels. Smoking is strictly prohibited in MRT trains and stations.

Sir, millions of people will be using the MRT trains. So it is not practical nor is it necessary to conduct regular fire drills with members of the public. What is important is that these fire drills be conducted for the members of the station staff regularly to ensure that the staff themselves are familiar with the procedures and hence are able to deal with all emergencies should they occur. It is also imperative that safety equipment should be properly serviced and maintained and tested, and kept in proper working condition at all times.

Sir, the MRTC and the SMRT, the operators of the MRT system, have jointly conducted tests of the procedures to be used, prior to the opening of the system some months back. They have enlisted special groups of members of the public and these tests have been reported in the mass media. All these procedures have been found to be effective. These exercises will continue to be conducted regularly during non-operational hours to ensure that the system works all the time.