NSW Trains’ methods of providing safety information to passengers (including verbal safety briefings, onboard guides and signage) did not provide reasonable opportunity for all passengers to have knowledge of what to do in an emergency.
To be advised
NSW Trains advised that (in addition to existing methods of providing safety information) it had installed onboard safety signage (decals) on all its regional fleet. The signage provides guidance to passengers on actions for them to take in the case of an emergency. NSW Trains also advised that it was undertaking a review of its guidance material for on-board staff and trialling the introduction of a crew safety pre-departure briefing.
The ATSB acknowledges that NSW Trains has introduced additional onboard safety signage, however the ATSB considers that further improvements can be made to the way safety information is conveyed to passengers including in the format of onboard safety guides and the procedures for verbal briefings. Accordingly, the ATSB considers that it is appropriate to issue the following recommendation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that NSW Trains undertake further work to improve the methods used to provide safety information to ensure that passengers are given a reasonable opportunity to gain knowledge of what they may be required to do in the event of an emergency.
