Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has published research into the use of lap belts and requirements for windows on passenger trains.
Investigations into several recent accidents in the UK have highlighted that a number of passengers were ejected from vehicles, some of whom received fatal injuries. These findings emphasised the importance of containing passengers within the vehicle during the dynamic phase of an accident. Keeping passengers within vehicles can be achieved through use of seat belts or improved glazing integrity. RSSB research is looking at both these areas.
The aim of the research into seat belts was to assess the benefits and disadvantages in terms of passenger safety. The first part considers the use of lap belts and its findings are being published today. Work is continuing with an evaluation of three-point (lap and diagonal) belts.
The evaluation of lap belts has involved a suite of full-scale sled tests with crash test dummies and computer modelling to evaluate the effect of different seat spacings and different sizes of passengers. The tests directly compared the use of modern design crashworthy seats to restrain passengers and the use of lap belts. It has found that fitting lap belts would, in the majority of situations, increase passenger injuries in a crash situation.
The work has also revealed that passengers retained by lap belts would be more vulnerable to serious or fatal injury in areas of the vehicle suffering structural damage. A review of past accidents suggests that for every life that may have been saved by wearing a lap belt, several lives would have been lost due to major structural collapse. The use of crashworthy seat design offers better overall protection. The research took account of the practice in other transport systems, and the difference in associated risks.
The aim of the research into window requirements is to resolve the conflict between the need for windows to contain passengers during the dynamic phase of an accident and their potential role in emergency egress or rescue. A progress report is being published today. The work includes the development of windows with enhanced containment performance suitable for existing vehicles.
Aidan Nelson, Director, Policy and Strategic Initiatives said, ‘the research has taken a very thorough look at passenger survival in train accidents. The conclusions are that lap belts would, in the majority of situations, increase passenger injuries in a crash situation but that fitting glass to an optimised specification where window replacement is justified will bring additional safety advantages’.
Further phases still to be carried out are:
· The creation of a window standard and an associated evacuation strategy based on the requirements for containment and escape.
· Appraisal of a three-point passenger restraint (lap and diagonal).
· Review of the performance of hammers and development of a specification.
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For further information on the Rail Safety and Standards Board please contact the press office on 0207 904 7524/5 or visit the website at www.rssb.co.uk
Notes to Editors
1. Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) was established on 1 April 2003. RSSB is an independent not-for-profit company owned by major stakeholders in the railway industry. The company is limited by guarantee and is governed by members, a board and an advisory committee. It is independent of any single railway company and of their commercial interests.
2. Copies of the detailed research brief can be viewed at
Improving the design of seats and tables, and evaluating restraints to minimise passenger injuries
< http://www.rssb.co.uk/pdf/reports/research/T201%20Research%20Brief.pdf>
Requirements for train windows on passenger carrying rail vehicles
< http://www.rssb.co.uk/pdf/reports/research/T424%20Research%20Brief.pdf>
