Science & Tech

Here's what those codes in Tube announcements actually mean

Here's what those codes in Tube announcements actually mean

Ever taken the Tube in London and heard someone announce "code six" - or, more intriguingly "Inspector Sands" over the tannoy?

Well, we have - and we were curious - so we spoke to some underground workers to find out what the codes mean.

We ran the master list past a TfL press officer who confirmed the codes were accurate, but we do have to include a word of caution - while Inspector Sands is the same in all stations, codes 1-6 are cleaning codes which are not uniform in every single station.

Here they are:

Code 1: Blood
Code 2: Urine/Feces
Code 3: Vomit
Code 4: Spillage
Code 5: Broken glass
Code 6: Litter
Code 7: Anything not fitting these categories (the mind boggles)
Inspector Sands: A fire alarm has been operated and staff have two minutes to come to the control room - if they don't check it automatically evacuates the station.

Now we know - and knowing is half the battle.

More: James O'Brien goes on magnificent rant in support of striking Tube staff

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