scope:

Introduction

Following the fire at LUL Kings Cross Underground Station in October 1987, there was concern within B.R. about the possibility of similar hazards existing in B.R. Underground and other specified locations. As a result, a number of Working Groups were set up to look at the perceived hazards. One such Working Group was remitted to:-

(i) Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of PVC and its alternatives for sheath material for electric cables. To consider the fire risk associated with each material and recommend which should be adopted for use by B.R. in all underground locations.

(ii) Determine the risks to B.R. caused by the current use of PVC sheathed cable in underground locations and to make recommendations regarding the replacement of existing PVC sheathed cables in such locations.

The Working Group's report reviews the existing cabling in use in B. R. underground locations for traction supply, power utilisation, signalling and telecommunications and recommends future material standards, tests and courses of retrospective action to minimise fire propagation, smoke and fume hazards. It also discusses the test requirements and cable availability for fire resistant emergency systems for lighting, public address and closed circuit television.

This document is based on the above report and should be used until such time as more comprehensive Fire Performance Guidelines to cover the use of all materials in underground locations are published.