3 Key Safety Pre-Departure Procedures Trains Undergo Before Departure

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train at a railway station
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train at Kibwezi railway station.
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Kenya Railways

The introduction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) enabled Kenyans to save on fares and commute time. 

Trains are usually used for long-distance travel across the country, thus the safety of passengers, staff, and goods has to be guaranteed. 

One of the train drivers from Kenya Railways noted that she always inspects the locomotive to ensure it is safe to use for close to eight hours of the ride.

Kenya Railways Train derailed after ramming into a car on Friday April 1, 2022
Kenya Railways Train derailed after ramming into a car on Friday, April 1, 2022
ma3route

Before every trip, she checks the train's water and oil levels. However, this is just one of the few crucial pre-departure training procedures.

Exterior Check 

Some of the parts to inspect on the outside of the train include headlights, emergency signs, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, the wheels, the stairs & steps, and the windows, among others.

If any of the above parts have an issue, the locomotive driver and other relevant authorities are tasked with replacing them.

Interior Inspection

Notably, passengers are more likely to interact with the train's interior than the exterior. Thus, frequent inspection is necessary.

Some things checked in the train's interior include seats, lighting, luggage racks, heating & air conditioning, doors, floors, aisle ways, and emergency signs, lighting, tools & exits.

A toolbox in the train is essential in case any parts break, it can include a hammer, screwdriver, spanner, pliers, etc.  Also, a first aid kid should be available in case a passenger gets sick and needs medical assistance.

Trains also offer snacks and food on board, an inspection of the remaining supplies is recommended.



Check the level of water and oil 

This is done to ensure enough lubrication while the train is in motion. The water acts as a coolant since it continuously heats up the locomotive

Passengers can be stranded if the engine seizes up and dies.  

Passengers travel to Mombasa using a Madaraka Express train at the Nairobi terminus in Syokimau.
Passengers travel to Mombasa using a Madaraka Express train at the Nairobi terminus in Syokimau.
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