Head-end View wrote:Flashlight app..........I like that! Seriously though, I wouldn't count on any of those emergency lighting systems to be well maintained and function as intended. So, I carry the mini-mag. That's alway's well maintained! I'd carry a bigger flashlight if there was a convenient way for me to do it.
I can't speak to a publicly operated railroad- but I can say that in private industry any such systems are regularly tested and maintained. Try explaining to the fire inspector exactly what happened when he pressed the test button on your emergency lights and they dont work. Explain to your insurance company that most of the damage from a rubbish fire happened becasue you didn't maintain your sprinkler system. Never mind explaining it to "the man"- but picture you're the guy responsible and you have to sit down with a man's wife and explain to her that her husband died becasue the fire extinguisher, safety shower, or emergency respirator that he tried to use to save himself didn't work. I have some such responsibilities at my workplace and I do everything in my power never to have to worry about that conversation. I doubt in this day and age there is wholesale systemic ignoring of safety systems, even at an entity that doesn't have to worry about "the man" fining them. If anything could even be that after the sept 11 attacks that public transit agencies are more vigilant as a whole than private industry.
That said- If you want a crazy bright medium sized flashlight- try a streamlight strion. Fits in your pocket, a little bigger than a AA maglight, yet seems to have the power of the sun- lol.