What is UIC 564-2 Regulation?
UIC 564-2 establishes the fire protection regulations for passenger-carrying railway vehicles used in international traffic. Its primary objective is to prevent fire outbreaks and, in the event of fire, to prevent the Spread of Flame and limit the production of toxic smoke to allow safe passenger evacuation.
1. Material Certification: The “Appendices” Tests
UIC 564-2 classifies materials not by arbitrary names, but by specific Test Methods defined in the Appendices. A material is deemed “compliant” only if it passes the relevant test for its category.
Material Category Test Method (UIC Appendix) Pass Criteria Rigid Thermoplastics Appendix 4 (Spread of Flame) Self-extinguishing, no burning drops. Coated Textiles / Curtains Appendix 5 Burnt area must not exceed limit; no flashover. Rubber Seals & Foams Appendix 6 Flame must extinguish within specified seconds after ignition source removal. Electric Cables Appendix 9 Resistance to vertical flame propagation. Seat Upholstery Appendix 13 (Cushion Test) 100g paper pillow test: No progressive smoldering.
2. Structural Fire Barriers & Partitioning
Beyond materials, the vehicle design must actively contain fire.
- Fire Resistance Rating: Partition walls (especially between the engine room and passenger area) must typically withstand fire for at least 15 to 30 minutes (integrity and insulation) to guarantee evacuation time.
- Floor Integrity: The floor structure must prevent fire penetration from underframe equipment (brakes, transformers) for a minimum specified duration (often 30 mins).
3. Firefighting Equipment Requirements
Chapter 5 mandates the presence and accessibility of active firefighting tools.
- Extinguishers: Portable fire extinguishers (usually 6kg Powder or Foam/Water mist) must be located in clearly marked zones.
- Emergency Exits: Windows capable of being used as emergency exits must be marked and often equipped with breaking hammers (if not using ejection rubber profiles).
- Signage: All fire safety signs must use standardized pictograms (ISO 7010 compatible) visible even in low-light/smoke conditions.
