FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARDS RELATED TO POLYMERIC MATERIALS IN CARS OF WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY

This report by the National Materials Advisory Board of the National Research Council represents a review of the technical decisions made by WMATA in selection of materials and design for car interiors from the viewpoint of fire safety. It is concluded that electrical fires are a continuing threat to rapid transit system safety and that awareness of fire safety in transport vehicles was only emerging when the WMATA cars were planned. Review of prior fire experiences was not made; emphasis on comfort and styling have increased fire load in car interiors; hydraulic brake systems increase the probability of electrical fires; choice of polymeric interior materials and wool carpeting should be reevaluated.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Research Council

  2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20418
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 25 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric insulating materials; Fires; Insulating materials; Passenger cars; Passenger comfort; Passengers; Polymers; Rapid transit cars; Safety; Transportation safety; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Passenger safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Passenger car design
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00127700
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 3 1981 12:00AM