PCV Emergency Procedures on Coaches 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary emergency exit on most coaches?
- The rear emergency door — designed to allow passengers to exit from the back of the vehicle in an emergency (Correct answer)
- The front passenger door only
- The roof hatch exclusively
- Any window that can be opened
Correct answer: The rear emergency door — designed to allow passengers to exit from the back of the vehicle in an emergency
Most coaches have a rear emergency door as the primary emergency exit. This allows passengers to exit away from the front of the vehicle (where an accident is most likely to affect the cab area). Emergency windows and roof hatches are supplementary exits.
Question 2: What must a PCV driver do immediately upon discovering smoke or fire on a coach?
- Stop the coach safely at the earliest opportunity, activate the emergency exits, evacuate all passengers, call 999, and move passengers away from the vehicle to a safe distance (Correct answer)
- Continue to the nearest fire station if less than 1 mile away
- Only stop if the fire is visible from the driver's seat
- Attempt to fight the fire before evacuating passengers
Correct answer: Stop the coach safely at the earliest opportunity, activate the emergency exits, evacuate all passengers, call 999, and move passengers away from the vehicle to a safe distance
Fire on a coach is a life-threatening emergency. The driver must stop immediately (safely), evacuate all passengers before attempting anything else, call 999, and move everyone to a safe distance from the vehicle. Coaches carry fuel and may have gas cylinders — fire spreads rapidly.
Question 3: How does a driver operate the emergency door on a coach?
- By using the internal and external emergency release handle — pulling or pushing the handle unlocks the door from standard latches (Correct answer)
- By using the standard door opening mechanism
- By breaking the glass panel in the door
- Only by using a specific key carried by the driver
Correct answer: By using the internal and external emergency release handle — pulling or pushing the handle unlocks the door from standard latches
Coach emergency doors have dedicated emergency release handles (red/green labelled) that override the standard door locking mechanism. Drivers and passengers should know how to operate these. Regular safety briefings should cover emergency exit operation.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for a coach driver in the event of a rollover accident?
- If uninjured, switch off the engine, call 999, shout for passengers to respond, check for casualties, and assist evacuation through appropriate exits (including roof hatches) (Correct answer)
- Remain in the cab until emergency services arrive
- Only evacuate if instructed by emergency services via radio
- Immediately begin administering first aid before calling 999
Correct answer: If uninjured, switch off the engine, call 999, shout for passengers to respond, check for casualties, and assist evacuation through appropriate exits (including roof hatches)
In a rollover, the driver (if conscious and able) should: switch off engine, call 999, assess passenger responses, and assist evacuation. Roof hatches may be the primary exit if the vehicle is on its side. Passenger safety takes priority over everything.
Question 5: At what distance from a broken-down coach on a motorway should warning signs be placed?
- As far back as is safe — typically 45 metres or more on a motorway, further on roads with higher speeds — triangle must be visible to approaching traffic (Correct answer)
- Exactly 5 metres behind the vehicle
- 10 metres — the standard distance for all roads
- Warning triangles must not be placed on motorways — use hazard lights only
Correct answer: As far back as is safe — typically 45 metres or more on a motorway, further on roads with higher speeds — triangle must be visible to approaching traffic
Warning triangles should not be placed on motorways as doing so requires the person to walk in the live carriageway. On a motorway, use hazard lights and contact the emergency services. On other roads, place the triangle at least 45 metres (more on a fast road) behind the vehicle.
Question 6: What actions should a PCV driver take if their brakes fail on a steep descent?
- Apply the engine brake by selecting a low gear, use the retarder if fitted, aim for an escape lane if available, steer to a safe area, warn passengers to brace (Correct answer)
- Pump the footbrake to restore pressure
- Switch off the engine immediately
- Stop the vehicle using the handbrake alone
Correct answer: Apply the engine brake by selecting a low gear, use the retarder if fitted, aim for an escape lane if available, steer to a safe area, warn passengers to brace
In a brake failure on a descent: engage engine braking (low gear), use retarder, steer toward any escape lane or flat surface to reduce speed, warn passengers to brace for impact. Switching the engine off removes power steering. Handbrake alone is insufficient for a loaded coach at speed.
PCV Emergency Procedures on Coaches 1
What is the primary emergency exit on most coaches?