Safety First - London Tube Bomb Attacks

Following the attacks on London's transport system on 7 July and 21 July 2005 the union put a number of demands to ensure the maximum protection for its members and issued advice about train radios, the HOT procedures, seat security tags and unmanned stations.

• On train radios, the union was adamant that it is wrong to operate any tube without a fully functioning radio. Communications at the time of the incidents was a major concern. ASLEF therefore demanded that any train with a defective radio must be withdrawn from service, and said that partial or total failure of the radio system on the line must result in the service being withdrawn until the defect is rectified.
• The union also pointed out our view that the current procedures for unattended baggage -  'Hidden, Obvious and Typical'  - was not robust enough for the current threat, and that it was incompatible with the advice of the Met Police given to the public. We believe this has contributed to a culture amongst some staff to take a chance and handle suspicious bags, parcels and packages left on stations and trains.
• The union advised all members to report all unattended objects, bags and parcels on trains and stations; and in the interim to treat them all - and not just hidden ones - as potential explosive devises, and act accordingly.
• Members were also advised to report all missing or tampered seat tags or broken locks that do not secure seats, and to run non-stop through un-staffed stations.

Discussions have also been held at the TUC about establishing improved communications between emergency, transport and security staff. In particular ASELF demands:

• Clear procedures that are understood by everyone involved
• Common understandings about things like what 'Code Amber' or 'Orange Alert' mean - and making sure it means the same thing to everyone

Andy Reed, the National Organiser, blamed the lack of established procedures for the incident at Stockwell when the driver of the train on which an innocent Brazilian was shot was himself held with a gun at his head. 'Naturally, he got out of the way - but running made him suspicious. Because of a lack of clear codes of practice, this driver could have been murdered,' Andy said.