Smoke tests are being carried out at all the stations about to be handed over to check the efficiency of the new heat and smoke extraction system. During the test run, which lasts for days, the most critical fire area of each station is tested. The test then concluded with an official smoke test in the presence of representatives of the railway authority and the fire safety authority.
During the test, a simulated fire is used to check the functionality of the equipment required for evacuation and fire-fighting. In order to make the incident as realistic as possible, a superstructure simulating a subway car is built between two subway cars at platform level, and the fire box placed under the superstructure. Once the fire is started, the main ventilation fans switch from normal operation to fire mode. The change of direction of rotation shall be automatic if the fan is operating in the opposite direction before the fire is declared. The smoke generated is vented to the surface via the metro ventilation outlets, so the fire brigade and the public are always notified in advance of the time and place of the tests. The smoke emitted contains natural substances and has no harmful effects on health.
A video of the smoke tests at the Ferenciek tere and Deák Ferenc tér metro stations, which will open to passengers in January, shows what happens during the smoke tests.
Video made by: Júlia Vincze
