BORAS, Sweden — The first P-mark certification for bus fire suppression has been issued to the Compact Line system.

As reported last year, SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden established the voluntary P-mark certification/quality mark for fire suppression systems for the bus and coach industry.

SP launched the project in 2005 with the objective of creating a safer environment for passengers and bus drivers worldwide. The institute also developed a new standard, SP method 4912, edition 3, which was published last year.

SP officials said that in addition to the first P-mark being issued to the Compact Line system — which is manufactured by CEODEUX Extinguisher Valves Technology — several other companies are running tests at SP to obtain the certification.

“A fire suppression system tested in accordance with SP method 4912 has shown its functionality against realistic bus engine fires,” SP officials said in a statement. “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.”

One key 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.

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