(P2-42) Mass-Gathering Risks in the Beijing Subway System

Abstract

IntroductionMass gatherings pose a significant risk on health and safety. The mass gathering in the subway systems in Beijing represents a daily risk. An average of 4.52 million passengers rode the subway each day between 15 November and 30 November 2010, with the highest daily passenger number totaling 5.14 million. The purpose of this study is to identify the health and safety aspects of mass gatherings in Beijing subways, and proposes strategies that may mitigate these risks.MethodsThe methods included a literature review, field visitation of the subway systems, and interviews of 20 passengers and 10 management personnel from the subway system.ResultsMany safety and health measures has been taken by the Beijing Subway System, including emergency exit signs and other safety signs, prohibition of smoking, firefighting equipment and explosion-proof tanks, safety inspection of bags, and safety education in the subways. However, additional key health and safety aspects were indentified, including: (1) lack of strict flow control of passengers in interchange subway stations; (2) lack of platform safety gates in Line 1, Line 2, Line 13; (3) lack of passenger control during peak hours; (4) lack of biomedical monitoring systems in the subways; and (5) lack of health facilities and rescue equipments in the subways.ConclusionsMass gatherings pose great risks on subway passengers in Beijing, including psychosocial risks, biomedical risks, and environmental risks. Additional safety measures need to be taken to ensure the safety and health of passengers in subways in Beijing.