Locomotive wrapping and EN 45545-2: is your livery fire safe?

A locomotive wrap changes how a locomotive looks. But how does the film system behave in a fire?

When choosing materials for locomotive wrapping, design, durability and price matter. Where EN 45545-2 applies, the proposed railway film system must also meet the relevant fire-performance requirements.

Why does fire performance matter for railway films?

Self-adhesive films add material to a locomotive’s surface. Their behaviour when exposed to fire therefore needs consideration.

Smoke is a particular concern. During a tunnel fire, it can reduce visibility and make evacuation more difficult. Toxic gases create an additional danger for people trying to escape. Both are recognised risks in tunnel fires.

That is why material selection involves more than checking whether a film catches fire.

What does EN 45545-2 assess?

EN 45545-2 sets fire-performance requirements for materials and products used on railway vehicles. Depending on the application, assessment includes flame spread, heat release, smoke density and toxic gas emissions. The applicable requirements depend on the application and the vehicle’s hazard level.

Meeting these requirements does not mean a material is fireproof. It means its performance meets defined criteria under specified test conditions.

What should you check before wrapping a locomotive?

A printed locomotive livery typically combines self-adhesive film, printing ink and a protective laminate.

Ask your supplier three questions:

• Which film, ink and laminate will be applied?

• Which fire-performance requirements apply to the project?

• Does the supporting documentation cover the proposed system and intended use?

A product name or a general reference to EN 45545-2 does not answer all three questions.

How Fleetshield can help

Fleetshield is the livery lifecycle partner for rail and public transport. We help operators, leasing companies and manufacturers select suitable railway film systems for branding and protection, with attention to project requirements and supporting documentation.

Planning a locomotive wrap, or unsure about your current film system? Contact Fleetshield.

Consider it covered.

Sources and further reading

• NEN — EN 45545-2: Fire behaviour requirements for railway materials

• RISE — Smoke density and toxicity testing for railway materials

• European Commission — Tunnel safety report (PDF)

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