FIRE DETECTION AND PROTECTION SYSTEM IN BUSES      

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Context

• 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.

About

• 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.
• A water mist- based active fire protection system has been designed and developed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in consultation with various stakeholders, including DRDO along with 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.

What is the AIS/TAC certification for India?

• AIS stands for Automotive Industry Standards, the technical automotive standards for India.
• These are based on the UNECE standards.
• AIS certification was introduced in 1989 with the adoption of the India Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR).
• In the CMVR, rules and regulations are published, among other things, in relation to the approval of vehicles, traffic controls or the production and maintenance of motor vehicles.
• The Automotive Industry Standards (India AIS) are issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which is the ministry regulating the automotive sector in India.
• TAC is the abbreviation for Type Approval Certificate. TAC is issued for products that need to meet special technical and safety requirements.
• TAC approval must be obtained before the product is introduced to the market. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for issuing the certification.

Which products are covered by AIS certification?

• AIS certification is required for automotive components. These products all have in common that they are subject to safety or electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
• Currently it concerns for example the following products:
  • Automotive Electronics
  • Tyres
  • Brake Hoses
  • Lights
  • Seat belts
  • Door locks
  • Fuel tanks

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1757383