This is the one name you never want to hear at a train station

Code words or code names during emergencies are common place in a variety of different public places.

They are used to notify staff that an incident is taking place without causing panic among the general public, which could inevitably lead to further problems.

'Inspector Sands,' is the name that is used on UK rail networks and the London Underground if a suspected fire or similar threat occurs at the attention.

Should such a scenario occur, you will here the announcement:

Would Inspector Sands, please report to the operations room immediatly

Sadly it's not a well dressed detective who will quickly solve the issue, but just a polite and low-stress way of alerting staff members without alarming passengers.

It was used yesterday on the London Underground when a Bakerloo line train filled with smoke at Oxford Circus station.

Mashablereport that the message was broadcast on loop on Friday, until a different announcement asked everyone to leave the station due to a 'reported emergency.'

According to the Guardian, two people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation but no further harm to passengers has been reported.

Now that the cats out the bag and everyone knows what the name means, you are probably asking yourself where the name comes from and the origin couldn't be anymore British.

It is first believed to have been used in theatres where Mr. Sands would be called upon if a fire broke out.

Why Sands? Because sand buckets are sometimes used to put out fires, which is quite a neat little reference when you think about it.

Although it is a very gentle way of preventing a potential disaster, we sincerely hope that you never have to hear the 'Inspector Sands' announcement when you are on a train.

HT Guardian Mashable Metro

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