Minibus Emergency Evacuation Procedures (MEEP)

It's for all drivers, not just minibus drivers!

Who should take part?

All SU drivers! It is a compulsory part of initial driver training for new SU drivers  - see Helen's comments below. Members of the University staff and student body who are not SU drivers may take part if there are sufficient spaces. Or we'll arrange additional sessions.

How to sign up

Download the booking form here: MEEP Booking Request

Next MEEP sessions:

Note: All MEEP sessions are held next to Eastwood Learning Support Centre

 Why?

Because your car, MPV or minibus can easily catch fire, and the driver needs to know what to do. There are about 74,000 vehicle fires in the country every year, but virtually nobody plans for one. In acrid, choking, poisonous smoke, could you find the door handle? (Try it with your eyes shut). If you use one of those large people carriers with 3 rows of seats, could the back seat passengers find the seat release lever in smoke? Can they get out through the "boot" door? What if you've got a child booster seat on one of the tip-seats by the back doors? Do you know how to release it with your eyes shut so you can get the kids out of the 3rd row of seats?

Helen Reed, a former member of the Students’ Union Minibus Driver Training Team, said in 2007, “We have made MEEP training an essential part of our driver training. As everyone knows, we had a vehicle catch fire just recently and the MEEP training which I had taken part in made me much more confident in dealing with the situation."

What does it involve?

It involves using a smoke machine to simulate minibus fires, in order to train drivers in how to conduct a safe and effective evacuation of their vehicle. The smoke used is non-allergenic and the COSHH data sheet can be found here: Smoke data sheet

The precise location is by the laundry next to the Learning Support Centre, Eastwood Lodge

Warning!

If you see a vehicle apparently on fire at this location, please do not phone the Fire & Rescue Service. If you are unsure, please contact Security on 666 (internal) or 01225 383999 (from a Mobile Phone)

The MEEP course is facilitated by Lothian Community Transport Service. The Transport Office operates MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) which is run by the Community Transport Association (CTA). The Students’ Union Transport Office is a member of MiDAS and the CTA