The Importance of the EU Standard (EN 45545-2)
The European standard, EN 45545-2, was introduced to establish unified fire safety regulations for railway vehicles, enhancing passenger safety and reducing fire-related risks. Despite its introduction, the transition from previous national standards remains ongoing.
EN 45545-2 was officially published in 2013, with a transitional period lasting up to three years, during which member states and railway authorities had the flexibility to choose between this new standard or their national reference standards. In France, for instance, EN 45545-2 was prioritised, but deviations to the national NFF 16 101 classification were permitted when necessary. However, following this transitional phase, compliance with EN 45545-2 became mandatory.
What is the Goal of EN 45545-2
Ultimately, the standard aims to minimise the likelihood of fire outbreaks on trains. However, it also enhances fire safety by restricting fire spread between train compartments, reducing the impact of fire on passengers and staff and ensuring that passengers can evacuate safely without external assistance. But how does it work?
EN 45545-2 classifies railway vehicles into four categories and four design types, which correspond to three hazard levels (HL1, HL2, and HL3). These hazard levels determine the fire resistance requirements of materials used in railway construction. The standard defines 26 fire safety requirements (R) that apply to different components of a train, including interiors, exteriors, electromechanical parts, and mechanical components. Additionally, it prescribes rigorous fire, smoke, and toxicity tests for these materials.
Railway construction can prove to be a dangerous environment, even when following proper guidelines and safety standards. Which is why Ramtech’s WES3 and REACT systems can be extremely useful in safeguarding projects and workers.
Ramtech’s Role in Ensuring the Safety of Railway Sites
WES3 is an adaptable and highly versatile temporary wireless system, expertly designed to deliver a quick, reliable, and secure solution for communicating fire and medical emergencies in demanding environments.
Backed by a market-leading two-year warranty, WES3 builds on the success of our groundbreaking WES+ range and harnesses Ramtech’s in-house expertise in wireless technology. As the most advanced temporary wireless fire alarm system available, WES3 includes a dedicated medical alert function, allowing users to raise a medical emergency alarm from any WES3 call point without activating a site-wide alert.
REACT, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform that instantly notifies project managers when an alarm is triggered, even on unattended sites, ensuring round-the-clock protection while significantly reducing costs.
REACT’s intuitive desktop and mobile interface sends real-time push notifications in case of fire or water leaks. Beyond that, it enhances site safety with features like medical emergency alerts and a “Lone Worker Mode,” enabling individuals working alone to check in with supervisors while sharing their GPS location, ensuring rapid response in case of injury.
EN 45545-2 represents a crucial advancement in railway safety by standardising fire protection measures across Europe. By ensuring uniform compliance, the regulation minimises fire risks, protects passengers, and enhances the overall resilience of railway transport systems. As the railway industry continues to evolve, adherence to EN 45545-2, and embracing wireless devices such as WES3 and REACT, will play a pivotal role in shaping a safer and more reliable transportation network across Europe.