Webro Cables and Connectors is working with London Underground Limited (LUL) on safety in deep-level tube stations.
Webro has a range of Section 12-approved cables which have undergone safety tests so they do not emit toxic fumes or smoke if set alight and can thus aid a clear path to the exit for passengers. Roger Webster, Nottingham-based Webro’s managing director, said: “We are in a unique industry position in that we are the only UK firm able to provide the full range of products required for London Underground stations and we’re constantly looking to expand our range.” After the King’s Cross fire in 1987, the Fire Precautions (Sub-Surface Railway Stations) Regulations 1989 – more commonly known as the Section 12 regulations – were introduced. Within Section 12 locations, all cable must pass a fire safety performance testing policy covering flammability, flame spread and smoke emissions. Webro’s cables are fully Section 12-approved and can be used for all station communications such as passenger display boards, fire alarms, CCTV cameras and public address systems. The firm’s cables are in use at more than 100 underground stations and the Webro team is testing two new cables to add to the range.
Webro has a 30-year legacy in the coaxial, telecom, security and fibre optic industries and supplies UK TV, satellite and broadband distributors, plus a number of rail industry manufacturers. Roger added: “What happened five years ago was a truly terrible event but I’m proud to say that Webro is playing its part in helping ensure such an incident never happens again."
