The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued a Draft Notification on 21st September 2021 for introducing the Fire Alarm System and Fire Protection System in the Passenger (or Occupant) Compartment in buses, through an amendment in AIS (Automotive Industry Standard)-135.
At present, fire detection, alarm and suppression systems are notified for fires originating from the engine compartment only.
The draft notification is intended for fire detection and protection in the passenger compartment for Type III buses [‘Type III’ buses are those designed and constructed for long distance seated passenger transport) and School Buses. Studies on fire incidents indicate that injuries to passengers are mainly due to heat and smoke in the passenger compartment. These injuries can be prevented if the heat and smoke in the passenger compartment is controlled by providing an additional evacuation time (of at least 3 minutes) to the occupants by thermal management during fire incidents.
A technical solution to this problem has been developed by the Ministry in consultation with various stakeholders, including DRDO. A water mist- based active fire protection system has been designed and developed alongwith a fire alarm system. Simulation studies have demonstrated that the designed system is able to manage the temperature in the passenger compartment within 50 degree C centigrade in less than 30 seconds of mist operation.
Comments have been sought on this notification from stakeholders within a period of thirty days.