First P-Mark Certificate for Fire Suppression Systems in Engine Compartments of Buses and Coaches Now Published

In spite of many reported bus fire incidents, no international standards for evaluating performance of fire suppression systems in bus engine compartments have previously existed.

In cooperation with international stakeholders, SP has therefore developed a new fire test standard, SP method 4912. As a further extinguishment system quality assurance, SP has established a voluntary certification and quality mark – the P-mark – according to SPCR 183 (SP Certification Rules).

Several companies are at present running tests at SP in order to obtain the P-mark and recently the first issued P-mark certificate in accordance with SPCR 183 was published on the organization's website. 

A fire suppression system tested in accordance with SP method 4912 has shown its functionality against realistic bus engine fires. A P-marked system, tested in accordance to SPCR 183, further demonstrates a high degree of robustness as it is also tested for resistance to harsh environments in internationally accepted vehicle standards, in addition to the SP method 4912 fire tests. Quality assurance and control over time is maintained through an independent, approved auditor that reviews factory production control.

An innovative and important component of the P-mark process is a risk assessment requirement based on the fire test results to optimize the fire suppression system design in real bus engine compartments.

The P-mark will facilitate procurement processes for both buyers and sellers. By adopting the P-mark the industry can be assured that the systems maintain an acceptable level of quality and safety. At the same time it will be easy to spot and exclude substandard systems from the market.