Key developments in the Channel Tunnel safety rules and the wider EU framework

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1 Key developments in the Channel Tunnel safety rules and the wider EU framework Caroline Wake Head of UK Delegation, Channel Tunnel Safety Authority September

2 Channel Tunnel content of presentation Tunnel design and performance Unusual regulatory system why? Additional safety rules why? 2

3 Channel Tunnel 3

4 Tunnel designed and constructed before the introduction of relevant EU legislation Over 50km long Two railway tunnels with a road service tunnel between them Cross-passage doors Four cross-overs allowing single line working for maintenance and repairs 4

5 Cross-section 5

6 Train Services using the Channel Tunnel Freight trains (locomotives plus freight wagons current operators include DBS and Europorte) Passenger trains (operated by Eurostar mainly between London/Paris, London/Brussels) Tourist shuttles (operated by Eurotunnel - cars, coaches from Folkestone/Calais) HGV shuttles (operated by Eurotunnel - lorries, vans from Folkestone/Calais) Works and test trains Capacity available and desire to increase international passenger and freight traffic 6

7 Safety performance No railway accidents in tunnel No significant incidents to passengers due to operation of freight or passenger trains Three fires: 1996, 2006 and 2008, caused by fires on heavy goods vehicles on HGV shuttles 7

8 Channel Tunnel regulatory system 8 Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) established by Treaty of Canterbury Represents both UK and French governments Sub-committees: Channel Tunnel Safety Authority (CTSA) Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Joint Security Committee Bi-national approach to implementation of EU legislation for the Tunnel: Bi-national safety and economic regulations

9 Key risk is fire 9 Challenges of managing evacuation of passengers Difficulties for emergency services Access to site (40 minutes from fire station to mid-point) Communications Optimum duration for use of breathing apparatus Stresses of working in hot, dense smoke and confined space Designed and constructed before the introduction of relevant EU legislation, the tunnel was designed as a system with fire safety provisions split between infrastructure and rolling stock provisions Underlying principle is to avoid having to fight fires in tunnel

10 Safety systems in the tunnel Pressurised service tunnel as a safe haven/escape route (not a rescue station ) Fire fighters permanently based on both sides, frequent patrols Communication systems, continuous monitoring by Tunnel control centre Ventilation system, lighting, water supply for fighting fires Fire detection systems (in tunnel and on trains) Other protection and detection systems (automatic train protection, hot axle box and binding brake detection) Emergency sidings at each end equipped for tackling fires As of November 2011, four fixed fire suppression stations ( SAFE stations ) 10

11 Original safety requirements for rolling stock A passenger train with a fire on board must continue running so that it exits the tunnel Leads to requirement for 30 minutes running time (worst case scenario) Original provisions included: a minimum length of train to allow evacuation through crosspassage doors; traction performance; splittability; Intumescent door seals. 11

12 Changes to safety rules EU market liberalisation: implications for passenger and freight services IGC working to put Channel Tunnel rules into EU framework March 2010, removal of some rules following consultation on passenger services: Concentrated power only Ability to split trains Use of only French fire standards Non-emergency call buttons in each coach 12

13 Changes to safety rules (cont.) IGC sought ERA technical opinion on rules, published in March 2011 Rules specific to the Channel Tunnel need to be examined and justified Separate exercise to consider rules for freight traffic 30 minute running capability for freight trains reduced to 15 minutes, subject to new infrastructure manager operating procedures, thanks to new high pressure water mist stations every 17km 13

14 Safety in Rail Tunnels Technical Specification for Interoperability Came into force in 2008 Running capability of trains operating in tunnels longer than 5km to be 15 minutes, to allow train on fire to leave tunnel Rolling stock to be equipped with adequate measures to control the spread of heat and fire through the train, and smoke outside from entering Tunnels longer than 20km may require additional safety studies 14

15 Safety in Rail Tunnels Technical Specification for Interoperability (cont.) Currently being revised, with CTSA participation: introduces rescue station coupled with safe area no rescue station in the Channel Tunnel Any additional provision needs to be justified as specific case Further review of rules leads to conclusion that some tunnel-specific provisions now covered by TSI: Traction requirements Smoke tightness Diesel 15

16 Safety in Rail Tunnels Technical Specification for Interoperability (cont.) Intent of SRT TSI is that train should optimally continue running while on fire until outside of tunnel IGC asked independent experts to examine running capability required for passenger trains in 50km tunnel Study concluded that: To reduce the fire resistance time of rolling stock from 30 to 15 minutes without compensatory measures in the infrastructure or in the operating rules would mean a significant reduction in safety level No compensatory measure would achieve the level obtained by evacuation into open air Working with ERA to consider whether a specific case is justified by the evidence from the study 16

17 Conclusion 17 The Channel Tunnel is a system with a high level of safety The IGC is working to harmonise its regulations and technical standards with others in Europe, while maintaining this level of safety IGC has removed a high proportion of the special rules it used to have and is working on justification for retaining 30 minutes minimum running capability for passenger trains and 15 minutes running capability for freight trains Challenge to do this shows importance of regulators examining evidence and not just continuing with current provisions

18 Further information Questions? Updates can be found under Ongoing affairs- Unified safety rules consultation section of the IGC website: 18