V/V SIC
Vehicle/Structure
System Interface Committee/Rolling Stock Fire
Forum
V/V SIC Rolling Stock Fire Forum
Remit
21 June 2011
1
Introduction
1.1
This document defines the working arrangements for the Rolling Stock Fire Forum.
2
Purpose / Scope of the Sub Group
2.1
The Forum exists to promote a wider understanding of fire-related risks and fireprevention/mitigation technologies relating to or arising from rolling stock operation,
principally but not exclusively, passenger rolling stock.
2.2
The Forum exists to ensure a common approach to issues between rolling stock designers,
rolling stock operators, rolling stock owners and fire industry experts.
2.3
The Forum will aim to:

Review rolling stock related fire statistics, trends and incidents

Discuss, and where possible achieve stakeholder consensus, on technical
developments that may affect risk from fire related hazards

Encourage consideration of fire issues as part of a holistic approach to rail vehicle
risks

Consider research reports on rolling stock fire matters from UK or overseas

Examine practice and experience from other railway organisations

Propose, if appropriate, new research activities to improve understanding or
management of fire risk, and review outputs of any research undertaken

Ensure that rolling stock aspects are properly addressed by those dealing with
Standards relating to system-wide fireworthiness, maintaining appropriate liaison with
RSSB and BSI committees and mirror groups considering rail industry fire standards

Promote awareness of fire risks, mitigations and technologies among the UK rolling
stock community
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Work plan
3.1
The group will perform the following functions at every meeting.

Agree/review agendas, minutes and actions

Decide how to progress work items

Carry out the allocated work

Agree the report and recommendations to be made to V/S SIC
4
Conditions under which the sub group will cease activity
4.1
The forum will cease activity:

If requested by the V/V SIC
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
Where the group members deem that there is sufficient interface issues that meet the
scope.
5
Membership of Sub Group
5.1
The Forum will be open to representatives of all organisations that are either RSSB Members
or have Observer status at RSSB committees and groups.
5.2
In addition London Underground/Transport for London shall be invited to participate.
6
Disclosure of Interests
6.1
The group will ensure the policy relating to disclosure of interests, as set out in SIC Protocol
Issue 4, section 6.4 is conformed to and confirms that this policy applies to the sub group
7
Specialist Skills and Knowledge
7.1
The Chairman of the Forum may invite other relevant experts or organisations to participate
on a regular basis, or to attend specific meetings on particular topics.
8
Delegation of Authority
8.1
Decision Making
8.1.1 The group will make decisions based on mutual agreement between members. Where
external resources are required, the sub-group will seek approval as appropriate. For
example funding applications will be sourced through the V/V SIC and will be based
on a positive business case.
8.2
Reporting / Recommendations
8.2.1 The sub-group will report into the V/V SIC as and when required.
9
SIC Funding and Budget Management
9.1
The SIC Support agreement in relation to facilitation sets out the details of the research
budget set, and the process to manage and approve the budget
10
Process to elect and appoint new members / chairpersons
10.1 There is a procedure provided within SIC protocol Issue 4
11
Organisation / Operation of Meetings
11.1 The secretary is responsible for the production of the minutes. These are distributed and
approved by the group. The chairman sets the agenda.
11.2 The Forum will meet at least three times annually.
12
Meeting Quorum
12.1 If the group is not quorate then decisions will be deffered until the next meeting.
13
Administration
13.1 Reporting Structure
13.1.1 The reporting structure arrangements are in accordance with SIC protocol Issue 4
13.2 Minutes
13.2.1 Minutes will be produced within two weeks of the meeting and distributed by Email.
13.3 Meeting Documentation
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13.3.1 Papers will be issued with the Agenda at least one week before the meeting.
13.4 Remit Review
13.4.1 The group will review the remit as and when required and propose it for adoption by
the V/V SIC.
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