Experts suggest the Singapore model proposal against suicides in the subway!
Evaluating the issue of preventing the increasing suicide attempts in metro stations in the world and in Türkiye, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan pointed out that platform screen doors, especially in Singapore, have completely eliminated such cases.
Stating that a hierarchy of hazard and risk management should be developed to prevent such attempts, Dr. Uçan explained that it is to eliminate the danger, reduce the danger, isolate the danger, control, discipline and supervise with engineering measures.
Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan evaluated the issue of preventing suicide attempts at train and metro stations.
The Singapore Model: Zero suicide attempts
Pointing to examples around the world, Asst. Prof. Prof. Rüştü Uçan pointed out that platform screen doors, especially in Singapore, have completely eliminated such cases.
Singapore's underground metro system has not had a suicide case since 1987. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that "The biggest reason for this is that passengers are completely prevented from accessing the rails thanks to the platform screen doors. The passenger can get on the subway after approaching the subway platform and opening the doors. Therefore, there is zero risk of jumping in front of the subway and getting run over or electrocuted.”
If there is no Singapore Model, what are the alternative solutions?
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that to prevent suicide attempts in metro stations, a hierarchy of hazard and risk management should be developed. Uçan explained that it is to eliminate the danger, reduce the danger, isolate the danger, control, discipline and supervise with engineering measures.
Stating that access to the rails can be prevented by using platform screen gates (PSD) as in Singapore, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan also noted that physical barriers or guardrail systems can be installed at a certain distance from the rails, automatic alarm systems that detect people approaching the rails can be created with sensor warning systems, systems that send automatic warnings to the incoming metro can also be installed, and security measures can be increased at metro stations.
Common features of subway suicides!
Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan stated that in the investigations carried out in Austria, it was seen that the suicide cases in metro stations had certain common points and said that "The majority of those who committed suicide were 30 years old. Stations with high levels of drug sales carry more risk. In cases, people jump in front of the subway as soon as they enter the platform or in the middle of it. Their initiatives increase during the hours when the crowd is low. In high-speed trains, there is a risk of being crushed, as well as electric shock, braking does not save. Those who commit suicide usually do it at the metro station closest to their homes."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)