Action in emergencies

Here, we explain our most important safety facilities and their operation. Naturally, we hope that you never need this. But in an emergency, the life and health others can depend upon your quick and correct actions – for this reason, it is a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with these systems.

Saving lives on underground train platforms

There are at least three emergency signal switches per platform on the underground train platforms. If one of these switches is pulled, all trains are blocked from departure, including the opposite track!

Trains that are approaching the platform are warned by an appropriate signal in the tunnel. Even if a train should leave the platform, the driver is warned by a signal in the tunnel and is obligated to immediately initiate emergency braking. If, for example, someone falls into the track area, the emergency stop handle must be pulled immediately. Then, please immediately inform the Safety and Service Centre of the reason for activating the emergency brake by means of the next emergency callbox.

Platform cameras

All B-levels and platforms of the 27 underground subway stations are monitored by a total of 483 video cameras, which are connected to the "Safety & Service Centre".

Emergency braking switches in the vehicles

Emergency brake handles are installed in the door area of all subways and trams. Subway: By pulling the emergency brake handle, you can prevent a stationary train from starting in case of danger or bring a moving train to a standstill. Note: In order to prevent a moving subway train from stopping in a tunnel, a so-called "emergency brake override" kicks in a few seconds after leaving the station: If the emergency brake is pulled, the train continues to the next station – accompanied by an announcement from the driver – for safety reasons, because assistance (e.g. evacuation of the passengers, fire fighting, etc.) is much faster and more possible here, than if the train were to stop between two stations.

This is not the case with the tram: if a passenger pulls the emergency brake in this case, the train is prevented from starting or brought to a stop if it is in motion by means of emergency braking.

Driver emergency callbox

If there is no acute danger to life, you can speak directly with the driving personnel by means of the driver emergency callbox and describe the dangerous or emergency situation. Every driver will immediately initiate the necessary steps and request assistance over the radio system or stop the train. The driver emergency callboxes are located in the door area. Please speak as calmly and clearly as possible. Only leave the emergency callbox if the driver has no more questions.

Emergency door opening

n the subways, it is possible to manually open the doors in case of emergency. You can unlock the doors with a marked lever located beside the doors. They should then be pushed open manually, but only when the train has completely stopped.

Vehicle cameras

A portion of the vehicles of VGF is monitored by cameras. Currently, such video monitoring exists in 61 out of 180 busses, 11 out of 103 trams, and 18 subways. By 2015, VGF will equip or upgrade all 146 Type "U5" subways and an additional 38 of the Type "U4".

Emergency callbox in the stations

In all subway stations, there are emergency callboxes on the platforms, which create a direct connection to the security and service centre. In this case, please always list your name, location, and the reason for your emergency call. Please speak as calmly and clearly as possible. Only leave the emergency callbox if the employee in the control centre has no more questions.

In any situation of danger please contact our Security Service staff directly or use the emergency two-way communications points, which are installed in all the city tram stations. When the emergency alarm is set off you will have a direct, free connection to the police. You can also use coin-operated or card-operated phones free of charge if you dial the fire brigade or police emergency number.

In individual stations you will also nowadays find our emergency and information pillars, with which you can contact our Security and Service control room directly. These pillars are video-monitored so that our Security Service staff can gain a view of the situation as soon as the alarm is set off and initiate the right action.

In addition to this the VGF is subject to strict fire prevention regulations. All parts of our company are equipped with fire extinguishers. Escape routes and emergency exists are clearly marked. If you travel the same route regularly it is worth your while to memorise the escape route signs in the stations.

If you have any basic questions to raise you will always find an open ear if you phone 069 19449. Your e-mail will reach as at info@vgf-ffm.de, and if you would like to send us a fax, the number is 069 213-22727.

Monitoring of the train doors

Technical equipment tells the driver whether all doors are properly closed. The automatic doors in the trains are secured by photoelectric barriers and pinch protection. In case of blockages in the area of these security elements, the affected door opens again. If the door is completely closed, however, it cannot be opened again by means of the security elements.
A technical device in the vehicles, a so-called start block, prevents starting with the doors open. The train can only be moved when all doors of the train are closed.

Emergency stop on escalators

Emergency stop levers or buttons are located on all escalators, with which the escalator can be immediately stopped in case of a dangerous situation (e.g. in case a person falls, clothing gets caught, etc.). The escalator stops with a sudden jerk (danger of falling) after the emergency stop is activated. For this reason, the handrail should always be used when using escalators.
After activating the emergency stop, the Security and Service Centre of VGF should be immediately informed of the reason for the emergency stop at the next emergency callbox.

Emergency callbox in lifts

Emergency callbox systems are installed in all lifts, which create a direct connection to the control centre of VGF. Our security service-employees are specially trained for lift rescues and quick to react. In case of emergency, please list your name, location, and the reason for your emergency call. Please speak as calmly and clearly as possible. Wait for questions from the security service employees. Naturally, you can also dial 110 or 112 in all dangerous situations, as the police, fire department, and the control centre of VGF are in direct telephone contact with one another.