Scientifics has a long tradition of being involved with fire problems on the UK railways.  Before privatisation of the railways, high profile incidents such as Merseyrail EMU (electrical multiple units) fires, and the Mk1 Sleeper fire led to recreations of the incidents and full scale testing of vehicle modifications.  This type of testing is too specific and expensive to be routinely carried out, although the information and experience that was gained eventually led to the robust specification which for the last ten years has been applicable to all types of passenger rolling stock being manufactured.

This code of practice, BS 6853: 1999 gives detailed information on all aspects of vehicle construction and material fire properties which affects a vehicle’s fire performance.  It is the latter which Scientifics’ has had most involvement during the last twenty years.  The test equipment we have is railway specific.  The BS 6853 Annex D “3 metre cube” allows the smoke emission performance of all materials and assemblies to be routinely tested.  The ISO 5660 “cone calorimeter” measures the flammability of materials that have proved difficult to test and measure by traditional means.

There aren't many items from UK trains that have not passed through Scientifics Fire Laboratories to be tested, although many other materials have proved unsuitable for usage on trains.

Fire performance standards are recognised as being very high in the UK, which has led to BS 6853 being adopted by some foreign rail-networks.  However, this has required manufacturers to work hard to find materials which meet the requirements and the very high standards set.  This situation still continues, especially in panelling and seating.

For further information please click on the following link:

http://www.scientifics.com/info_/Fire%20Technology.pdf