As countries turn to modern rail systems as an environmentally sound alternative to road transportation, the investment in both new and current infrastructure and rolling stock brings the need for the highest level of rail fire testing.

Fire safety strategists employ recognized design standards and codes of practices as a guide to achieve a balance between preventative measures and active fire fighting and containment systems. But, with a wider range of systems and products entering the market, the challenge – particularly for existing networks - is to ensure a consistency of performance levels.

Warringtonfire has a proud track record of helping customers achieve a holistic view of rail fire testing standards through the provision of a full service offering that includes testing, certification, advisory services and test method development.

Our extensive range of fire testing is supported by experts who represent Warringtonfire on various national, European and international committees.

Warringtonfire is able to conduct the fire tests detailed in the following rolling stock standards:

  • EN 45545-2 - Requirements for fire behavior of materials and components
  • BS 6853 - Code of practice for UK fire precautions in the design and construction of passenger carrying trains
  • London Underground Limited (LUL), Number S1180 (Rolling Stock)
  • London Underground Limited (LUL), Number S1085 (Stations and Tunnels)
  • DIN 5510-2 - Standard for German classification of materials fire behavior
  • NF F 16-101 - Standard for French selection of materials for railway rolling stock (for which we hold Certifier approval for I & F rating testing).
  • U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements.
  • UIC 564-2 - Regulations relating to fire safety in passenger carrying railway vehicles or assimilated vehicles used on International services.

Warringtonfire can conduct the fire testing methods that are specifically called upon in the aforementioned railway standards, including but not limited to:

  • ISO 5658-2 - Lateral flame spread on building/rail products in vertical configuration
  • ISO 5660-1 - Cone calorimeter for measuring the rate of heat release of products
  • ISO 5659-2 – Smoke density test
  • EN 45545-2 Annex C – Toxicity test
  • ISO 4589-2 - Determination of burning behavior by oxygen index
  • EN ISO 4589-3: Annex A - Temperature index / flammability temperature test
  • EN 45545-2 Annex A and B - Seat vandalization and heat release test
  • ISO 9239-1 - Horizontal surface spread of flame on floor-coverings
  • BS 476: Part 6 - Fire propagation
  • BS 476: Part 7 - Surface spread of flame
  • BS 6853 Annex B – Toxicity test
  • BS 6853 Annex D – Smoke density test
  • ISO 1182 - Non-combustibility test

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