Report: The MBTA doesn’t frequently examine fireplace suppression methods

Native Information

A failed fireplace security system at a Pink Line station final week has introduced elevated scrutiny of the MBTA’s fireplace security inspections.

Final week, firefighters struggled to place out a fireplace at a Pink Line station after they found {that a} key fireplace security system on the station was defective. The incident introduced elevated scrutiny of the MBTA‘s fireplace security inspections.

Now, new reporting from The Boston Globe reveals that the company shouldn’t be solely checking fireplace security methods much less typically than is normal, however that it isn’t topic to the state’s fireplace security code.

The Pink Line fireplace

On Thursday round 5:45 a.m., firefighters responded to Charles/MGH to place out a small fireplace that began beneath a practice.

The state of affairs turned way more tough once they realized that one of many station’s standpipes — an extension of the hydrant system that brings water into buildings — was cracked and non-functional.

With out a simple supply of water to attach hoses to, firefighters resorted to hauling cans of water and fireplace extinguishers upstairs to the scene, which considerably hampered the velocity at which they have been capable of put out the hearth.

After the incident, reporters requested the MBTA when it final inspected the standpipe. Finally, the Globe reported, it’s unclear when it was final checked, however the newest document of it being inspected is from 2019 when it was stress examined and handed inspection.

State fireplace security laws

State regulation requires most constructing homeowners to examine standpipes yearly, as is really useful by the Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation.

Regardless of this, the MBTA informed the Globe that it solely inspects standpipes as wanted.

This apply is authorized, the Division of Hearth Companies informed the Globe. Below state regulation, state businesses such because the MBTA (and their buildings) usually are not topic to the state’s fireplace security code, the Globe reported.

The Globe additionally reported that town’s fireplace division mentioned it “is empowered to make sure the T complies with standpipe testing necessities,” however didn’t specify what, if any, energy it might have to make sure that standpipes are inspected.”

How the MBTA plans to enhance fireplace security

MBTA Common Supervisor Phillip Eng reportedly informed the Globe that it’s engaged on a program that features yearly, visible inspections of standpipes.

“However that’s simply the one element of the stations. We’re going to do an entire top-to-bottom by way of how we’ve been doing issues up to now and the way we have to do issues shifting ahead,” he mentioned.

In Could, Eng introduced he was creating a brand new “chief of stations” place on the MBTA, who shall be chargeable for retaining T stations in good situation. Eng mentioned Tuesday that he shall be asserting who will fill the function “very shortly,” the Globe reported.

The announcement got here after two harmful incidents occurred at Harvard station on account of station deterioration. In a single incident, a girl was injured by a falling assist brace. Within the different, a ceiling panel fell and virtually hit a rider.

Learn the complete story at The Boston Globe.