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CHAPTER 4 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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Summary

a) The Divisional Medical Officer shall proceed to the site of the accident by the

Text of the circular

18 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 
DISASTER MANAGEMENT 
 
A. 
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:- 
 
Disaster Management is the art of functioning under conditions of extreme 
difficulty. It is the ability to take cool rational decisions in a crisis situation filled 
with tension and even danger. It is the ability to function effectively when all 
known chains of command have been broken and when even channels of 
communication have failed. In short, it is the ability to function in chaos. 
 
The Railway is a highly structured organisation, with a clear chain of command, 
effective communication channels and a time-tested pattern of working. During 
accidents, however, almost all these break down. It is in this situation that cool 
and clear thinking is necessary and decisions have to be taken quickly and 
effectively. 
 
4.01 OBJECTIVES IN DEALING WITH ACCIDENTS: 
 
The main objectives to be ensured while dealing with a serious accident are to 
a) save lives and alleviate suffering 
b) protect property including mail 
c) provide succour and help to passengers at the site of the accident 
d) ascertain the cause of the accident 
e) restore through lines of communication and 
f) instil a sense of security and confidence in the minds of the affected people 
 
4.02 RESOURCES OF ALL DEPARTMENTS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE: 
 
The resources of all departments including men and material should be promptly 
made available, rendering assistance to passengers and for restoration of traffic. 
Every facility must be afforded to the Civil Police, Medical Officers and the 
Commissioner of Railway Safety to enable them to proceed to the site, in case of 
a serious accident.

19 
 
 
 
4.03 IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES OF RAILWAYOFFICIALS PRESENT 
AT SITE: 
 
1. 
Till such time relief and assistance arrive and a more senior official replaces 
him, the senior most railway official present shall take charge of the situation. 
 
2. 
He shall ensure that the accident has been reported properly to the controller 
or the nearest Station Master, that the train is protected and relief, if required 
is asked for and arrange to 
 
a) 
collect railwaymen and volunteers, 
b) 
allot duties to each as best as possible under the prevailing circumstances, 
c) 
allot duties to Police, Military and Railway security staff and 
d) 
Organise relief with the assistance of volunteers. 
 
3. 
Railway servants present during an accident shall take note of the exact time 
of the accident, besides other important details connected with the accident. 
They shall also take the earliest opportunity of checking their watches with 
the Guard’s watch or control time, as the exact time of an accident is often an 
important clue in determining the cause of the accident. 
 
4. 
All railway servants present at an accident site or asked to handle at accident 
site should maintain a log indicating time and activities. 
 
4.04  DEALING WITH STAFF ALLEGEDLY RESPONSIBLE FOR AN 
ACCIDENT OR INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT: 
 
1. 
Staff alleged to be guilty of offences which in the opinion of the Divisional 
Railway Manager or the concerned Divisional Officer, if proved will, result 
in their dismissal/removal from service, should be placed under suspension, 
pending the result of the inquiry. 
 
2. 
Staff may also be suspended where the alleged failures are serious in nature. 
 
3. 
As soon as the accident takes place where the Loco Pilot may have in some 
way connected to the accident, the Loco Pilot shall be examined by a Doctor.

20 
 
 
 
It should therefore, be ensured that the Loco Pilot is relieved and sent to the 
Doctor as quickly as possible for special medical examination. 
 
4. 
Medical Officers at an accident shall examine the Motorman/ Loco Pilot or 
any other staff connected with the safe running of trains involved in an accident 
to find out whether they were under the influence of alcoholic drinks, sedative 
or any stimulant drug and send a report to Divisional Railway Manager 
endorsing a copy to Chief Medical 

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