Rail air quality review launched

On board tests show ‘poorer than desired’ results on some sets using diesel power.

RAIL Minister Chris HeatonHarris has launched a review of industry air quality standards and regulations following Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) research that highlighted issues on board some trains while using diesel power.

Six different types of train (Classes 168, 221 and 230 diesel units, Class 755 and 800 bimode sets operating in diesel mode, and the now withdrawn East Midlands Railway High Speed Trains) were covered by the Department for Transportfunded study, which tested for major health-related pollutants during five separate journeys on each.

The highest levels of particles recorded during the study were on a Class 221 ‘Super Voyager’ between Euston and Birmingham New Street, and the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide were on a Class 800 operating in diesel mode during a Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads journey.

While the study concluded that air quality remains within legal workplace limits, researchers calculated that both of these levels were significantly higher than those routinely measured at a busy urban roadside.

The report also found that there was a large difference in measured nitrogen dioxide levels on the Class 755 and 800 trains when comparing diesel to electric modes.

Particle sources

Four main sources were identified for the particles: the exhaust, passenger movement, brakes, or dust from hard floors.

The exhaust was found to have contributed most to the particles during Class 168 and HST monitoring, while on the Class 221, 755 and 800 trains tests showed exhaust and passenger movement contributed about the same levels. Data showed that on the Class 230 (the only train tested that had hard flooring rather than carpet), brakes or dust from the hard floors contributed over half of the particles.

Cross-industry research on air quality, and any potential short or long-term solutions, has been underway for some time. But in response to the report, the Department for Transport has asked the RSSB to publish its full findings and manage further studies in order to better understand on board air quality issues. Tests on a further eight classes of train across the country will form part of the process.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: “I have also launched a comprehensive review of the current standards and guidance related to air quality on the rail network. If required, we will not hesitate to strengthen legislation to ensure the highest standards of air quality are met and maintained.”