MSHAW
I was the one who came up with the new Guideline design and I totally agree with your point that this equipment needed major changes in it.
Thin pieces of cord hanging down that you can't even feel with your gloves on and numerous aide memoirs that just lead to more confusion were just a few of the reasons why the present design needed changing.
I also agree with your points on the safety improvements since the Kings Cross Incident, but I think that even if the Whole of the London underground stations were fitted with guideline hooks, it would probably cost no more than £20,000.
Heaven forbid we have a similar incident to Kings Cross, but in this era of increased threats from terrorists, Fire brigades must take every precaution to ensure the safety, or reduce the risk to crews if such an incident happens.
Finally, you mentioned earlier (with tongue in cheek) about a permanent Guideline fitted to escape routes so staff could use them during an evacuation in smoke. You also said that the line could be made of various colours to blend into the decor of the building.
My answer to this is- WHY NOT?
I done a presentation on the new design to members of the public at the Glasgow Science Centre, and one immediately latched on to the fact that if you grasp the line and the tab feels smooth, you are going towards an exit. He said that he recently seen the video of the 9/11 incident and was amazed at how there was absolutely zero visibility when the first tower came down. the filming was taking place in the 2nd tower and survivors from there said that they were lucky to find their way to an exit.
The person at the presentation said that he thought that if an escape line was fitted in the entrance foyer of this building, it would have helped to get people to an exit.
It slightly saddens me that although this design is still going through the evaluation commitees in Scottish Fire Brigades, both American and Indian fire service equipment suppliers (to name but a few)have tried it, like it, and I am in the process of securing export deals to these countries.
Please visit the website
www.simline.co.uk and then let me know what you think.