Citation

Bansemer B, Paschen C, Wittbecker FW. Eisenbahningenieur 2006; 57(12): 48-53.

Affiliation

IBW Institut, Brandtechnologie GmbH, Leverkusen

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Eurailpress Tetzlaff-Hestra)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In terms of fire protection, the design of railway vehicles is based on primary regulations (such as the Railway Construction and Operating Regulations) in combination with supplementary rules and specific standards (e.g. DIN 5510). This rigid system creates a uniform basis for assessment. On the other hand, individual features are considered on an additive basis and there is no quantification of the way in which in particular the fire protection infrastructure (fire extinguishing systems and fire detection) interacts with the design features. In the event of non-compliance with standard parameters, it is still possible to certify the same level of safety. This however, gives those involved in developing and testing the fire protection concept the problem of how to quantify such divergences and the requisite offsetting measures. A prerequisite for this is an overall evaluation of the design and infrastructure features in light of the aimed-for safety level.