TRANSFEU · Transport Fire Safety Engineering in the European Union

There is an urgent need to have a confident toxicity measurement methodology that contributes to the existing level of surface transport fire safety, which is the most difficult issue to assess in case of fire. The lack of confidence in the robustness of the existing product toxicity classification forbids its acceptance as a standard which prevent the European industry from common safety rules and consequently competitiveness. Moreover, it is also important to have a holistic approach of fire safety design of vehicle being able to provide more flexible and economic solutions than the current approach. TRANSFEU undertakes to deliver both a reliable toxicity measurement methodology and a holistic fire safety approach for all kind of surface transport (trains, vessels, etc.). It will be based on a harmonized Fire Safety Engineering methodology which will link passive fire security with active fire security mode. This all embracing system is the key to attain optimum design solutions to respect fire safety objectives as an alternative to the prescriptive approach. It will help in the development of innovative solutions (design and products used for the building of the surface transport) which will better respect the environment. In order to reach these objectives new toxicity measurement methodology and related classification of materials, new numerical fire simulation tools, fire test methodology and a decision tool to optimize or explore new design in accordance to the fire safety requirements will be developed. A great effort of dissemination of TRANSFEU results with a significant contribution to European standardization process will also be undertaken. The participation of railway industrials, operators and fire science researchers, professional organisations for railway (UNIFE) and vessels (IMO) and finally standardisation organisations (CEN) demonstrates the great interest of TRANSFEU for the harmonisation of fire safety in all surface transports.