10. The expert from France, chairing the Informal Working Group (IWG) on the behaviour of the general construction of M2 and M3 vehicles in a fire event (BMFE), introduced GRSG-115-07 on the outcome of the recent meetings held in Berlin on 15 June 2018 and in Paris on 10 and 11 September 2018. He reported that IWG had identified mainly the need to strengthen the provisions of (a) UN Regulation No. 118 particularly on the toxicity and opacity of the smoke, its invasion and evacuation and (b) UN Regulation No. 107 on smoke extraction and fire detection systems, taking into account the safety instructions and functionalities of automatic opening of exits, luminous indicators and trajectories. GRSG welcomed the updated information by France on the progress of work and noted that the forthcoming meeting of IWG on BMFE was scheduled to be held in Madrid on 27 and 28 November 2018.

11. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this subject at its next session.

8. Furthermore, the expert from France presented the draft terms of reference and the rules of procedures for the new IWG on BMFE (GRSG-114-12). The expert from OICA supported the proposal and suggested further improvements to the text (GRSG-114-24). GRSG revised the proposal (GRSG-114-24-Rev.1) and adopted the terms of reference and rules of procedures as reproduced in Annex II to the session report. The expert from France thanked GRSG for the support and announced the organization of a further meeting of the task force on 15 June 2018 (venue at VDA in Berlin).

8. Furthermore, the expert from France presented the draft terms of reference and the rules of procedures for the new IWG on BMFE (GRSG-114-12). The expert from OICA supported the proposal and suggested further improvements to the text (GRSG-114-24). GRSG revised the proposal (GRSG-114-24-Rev.1) and adopted the terms of reference and rules of procedures as reproduced in Annex II to the session report. The expert from France thanked GRSG for the support and announced the organization of a further meeting of the task force on 15 June 2018 (venue at VDA in Berlin).

7. The expert from France introduced GRSG-114-11 on the two task force meetings held in Paris on 29 January 2018 and in Brussels on 13 March 2018. He added that after detailed consideration of a technical report on French accident investigations, of the synthesis of the UN Regulations Nos. 107 and 118, as well as of additional research results, the task force had concluded on the need to establish a new Informal Working Group (IWG) on the behaviour of the general construction of M2 and M3 vehicles in a fire event (BMFE). GRSG endorsed the request of the task force and welcomed their recommendations to further develop both UN Regulations, taking into account the preventative measures to mitigate and even avoid such accidents in future. The GRSG Chair thanked France for the offer to chair the IWG and OICA for the commitment to ensure the secretariat services of the IWG. He announced the intention to seek, at its session in June 2018, the consent of WP.29 to set up the new IWG on BMFE.

10. Referring to the final report (GRSG-113-05) and its summary (GRSG-113-04) on the severe collision between a coach and a heavy duty vehicle that occurred in Puisseguin (France) on 23 October 2015, the expert from France presented GRSG-113-23 on the research and conclusions of the final report. GRSG recognized the detailed work done by France and acknowledged the results of the technical investigation on this tragic accident. GRSG welcomed of the recommendations by the French investigation body listing a number of preventative measures to mitigate and even avoid such accidents in future. The expert from France suggested establishing an informal working group to develop concrete proposals for amendments to UN Regulations Nos. 107 and 118.

11. The expert from UK expressed his concerns about the serious accident and appealed for the responsibility of GRSG to take actions to avoid such accidents in future and to further strengthen the provisions on emergency exits, flammability of materials used in vehicles. The expert from Japan gave a presentation on their national requirements for emergency exits in school buses (GRSG-113-34) i.e. the mandatory installation of an emergency exit at the opposite side of the bus-entry.

12. The expert from the United States of America informed GRSG experts about some safety research conducted by his organization that was publicly available under docket NHTSA-2007-28793. He added that two further evacuation studies and a motorcoach wheel well fire simulation were also available in docket items 0024, 0022, 0026 and 0027. Furthermore, he referred to a NHTSA report on fire suppression and fire detection research.

13. Following the discussion, the Chair invited the expert from France to organize a task force meeting with all interested experts to investigate the need to set up a new Informal Working Group (IWG) on the behavior of the general construction of M2/M3 vehicles in case of a fire and also to develop, if necessary, the draft terms of reference and rules of procedures for consideration and adoption at the forthcoming session of GRSG.

9. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2017/21 to correct the current text of the definition on interior compartment by replacing the word “roof” by “ceiling”. GRSG adopted the proposal and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 as draft Supplement 4 to the 02 series of amendments and for Supplement 1 to the 03 series of amendments to Regulation No. 118.

54. The expert from Germany proposed to align in UN Regulation No. 118 the wording for the upper boundary surface by replacing “roof” by “ceiling” (GRSG-112-12). GRSG noted general support and agreed to resume consideration at its next session on the basis of an official document.

39. The expert from Germany presented updated test requirements for electric cables sleeves and cable conduits (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/24 superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/3). The expert from OICA supported the principles of the proposal, but underlined the need for transitional provisions that give sufficient lead-time for the automotive industry. GRSG reviewed the proposal as reflected in GRSG-111-30-Rev.1. GRSG noted the preference by the experts from CLCCR and OICA to add one additional year (2021 instead of 2020 for all registrations) to the date specified in paragraph 12.13.

40. Finally, GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/24 as reproduced in Annex III to this report and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2017 sessions, as draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

38. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/23 aimed at simplifying the administrative procedures that do not benefit the level of safety. GRSG adopted the proposal and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2017 sessions, as draft Supplement 3 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

39. The expert from Germany presented updated test requirements for electric cables sleeves and cable conduits (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/24 superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/3). The expert from OICA supported the principles of the proposal, but underlined the need for transitional provisions that give sufficient lead-time for the automotive industry. GRSG reviewed the proposal as reflected in GRSG-111-30-Rev.1. GRSG noted the preference by the experts from CLCCR and OICA to add one additional year (2021 instead of 2020 for all registrations) to the date specified in paragraph 12.13.

40. Finally, GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/24 as reproduced in Annex III to this report and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2017 sessions, as draft 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

42. Recalling the discussion on this subject at the previous GRSG session, the expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/3 proposing updated test requirements for electric cables sleeves and cable conduits. The expert from Finland suggested amending also the test provisions of Annex 8 on the test apparatus and the sample dimensions (GRSG-110-02).

43. Following the discussion, GRSG could not give full consent to the proposals and agreed to have a final review of the proposals at the next session of GRSG. Thus, the secretariat was requested to keep both documents on the agenda unless a revised proposal would be submitted.

42. Recalling the discussion on this subject at the previous GRSG session, the expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2016/3 proposing updated test requirements for electric cables sleeves and cable conduits. The expert from Finland suggested amending also the test provisions of Annex 8 on the test apparatus and the sample dimensions (GRSG-110-02).

43. Following the discussion, GRSG could not give full consent to the proposals and agreed to have a final review of the proposals at the next session of GRSG. Thus, the secretariat was requested to keep both documents on the agenda unless a revised proposal would be submitted.

40. The expert from Germany also introduced GRSG-109-09 (superseding document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/28) proposing to insert, as a further improvement of the provisions of UN Regulation No. 118, new test requirements for electric cables sleeves and cable conduits. The proposal received a general support. The expert from OICA suggested clarifying the proposed text of paragraph 1.2. GRSG agreed to have a final review of the proposed transitional provisions at the next session of GRSG and requested the secretariat to circulate GRSG-109-09, as revised, with an official symbol.

38. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/29 and Corr.1 aimed at clarifying the scope and updating the reference to ISO standards as well as the test requirements for electric cables in UN Regulation No. 118. The expert from Finland proposed to correct a reference error in Annex 4, Appendix 1 (GRSG-109-06).

39. GRSG adopted both proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2016 sessions, as draft Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

38. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/29 and Corr.1 aimed at clarifying the scope and updating the reference to ISO standards as well as the test requirements for electric cables in UN Regulation No. 118. The expert from Finland proposed to correct a reference error in Annex 4, Appendix 1 (GRSG-109-06).

39. GRSG adopted both proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2016 sessions, as draft Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

40. The expert from Germany also introduced GRSG-109-09 (superseding document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/28) proposing to insert, as a further improvement of the provisions of UN Regulation No. 118, new test requirements for electric cables sleeves and cable conduits. The proposal received a general support. The expert from OICA suggested clarifying the proposed text of paragraph 1.2. GRSG agreed to have a final review of the proposed transitional provisions at the next session of GRSG and requested the secretariat to circulate GRSG-109-09, as revised, with an official symbol.

38. The expert from Germany introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2015/29 and Corr.1 aimed at clarifying the scope and updating the reference to ISO standards as well as the test requirements for electric cables in UN Regulation No. 118. The expert from Finland proposed to correct a reference error in Annex 4, Appendix 1 (GRSG-109-06).

39. GRSG adopted both proposals and requested the secretariat to submit them to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2016 sessions, as draft Supplement 2 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

50. Recalling the purpose of his justification document GRSG-107-18, the expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/24 updating the provisions on the cable test, especially the reference to international standard ISO 6722 (available in GRSG-107-28). The expert from Germany presented additional test requirements for cables (GRSG-108-09). The expert from OICA supported in principle the more stringent test requirements proposed by Germany, but raised a reservation to study the possible need for transitional provisions.

51. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this subject at its next session on the basis of an official document, jointly prepared by Germany and OICA, including a proposal for transitional provisions, if necessary.

31. The expert from OICA introduced detailed justifications (GRSG-107-18) for his proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/24) to update, in UN Regulation No. 118, the ISO standard references. GRSG agreed to resume discussion on this agenda item at its May 2015 session and to keep GRSG-107-18 as reference, to leave time for experts to study ISO STD 6722 (see para. 26 above). Experts were invited to send comments to the secretariat concerning the above-mentioned ISO standard.

50. Recalling the purpose of his justification document GRSG-107-18, the expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/24 updating the provisions on the cable test, especially the reference to international standard ISO 6722 (available in GRSG-107-28). The expert from Germany presented additional test requirements for cables (GRSG-108-09). The expert from OICA supported in principle the more stringent test requirements proposed by Germany, but raised a reservation to study the possible need for transitional provisions.

51. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this subject at its next session on the basis of an official document, jointly prepared by Germany and OICA, including a proposal for transitional provisions, if necessary.

31. The expert from OICA introduced detailed justifications (GRSG-107-18) for his proposal (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/24) to update, in UN Regulation No. 118, the ISO standard references. GRSG agreed to resume discussion on this agenda item at its May 2015 session and to keep GRSG-107-18 as reference, to leave time for experts to study ISO STD 6722 (see para. 26 above). Experts were invited to send comments to the secretariat concerning the above-mentioned ISO standard.

50. Recalling the purpose of his justification document GRSG-107-18, the expert from OICA introduced ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/24 updating the provisions on the cable test, especially the reference to international standard ISO 6722 (available in GRSG-107-28). The expert from Germany presented additional test requirements for cables (GRSG-108-09). The expert from OICA supported in principle the more stringent test requirements proposed by Germany, but raised a reservation to study the possible need for transitional provisions.

51. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this subject at its next session on the basis of an official document, jointly prepared by Germany and OICA, including a proposal for transitional provisions, if necessary.

37. The expert from OICA presented GRSG-106-17 updating the reference to standard ISO 6722 in the provisions on the cable test. The expert from OICA volunteered to prepare a justification with the differences between the former and the new standard. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this subject at its next session on the basis of an official document and requested the secretariat to provide a copy of the corresponding ISO standard.

36. The expert from the Netherlands proposed to extend the scope of UN Regulation No. 18 to vehicles equipped with propulsion systems using CNG (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2014/13). GRSG noted a number of comments and agreed to resume consideration of this subject at a later session awaiting the outcome of deliberations on the automatic fire suppression systems into UN Regulation No. 107 (see para. 10 above) and the proposed directional discharge of the pressure relief devices of GNG containers under UN Regulation No. 110 (see para. 32).

16. The World Forum noted the revised programme of work and availability of documentation (ECE/TRANS/WP.29/2012/1/Rev.2). WP.29 representatives were requested to revise it and to communicate to the secretariat any amendments deemed necessary. The secretariat presented the draft calendar of sessions for 2013 (WP.29-158-01). The Chair of GRE requested a one day delay of the October 2013 session of GRE. The secretariat indicated that the request has been transmitted to the Conference Services for confirmation. (Note by the secretariat: The change was not possible.) The definitive calendar of sessions for 2013 is reproduced in Annex II to this report. The secretariat presented WP.29-158-02 containing the list of informal working groups of WP.29 and its GRs. The secretary invited the Chairs of the GRs and informal working groups to update the document with respect to the expiration date of the mandate for each informal working group.

25. The expert from Germany introduced GRSG-103-18, superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2012/22, and clarifying the current provisions on interior materials which shall be tested. GRSG adopted the document, as reproduced in Annex III to this report, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2013 sessions, as draft Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

25. The expert from Germany introduced GRSG-103-18, superseding ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2012/22, and clarifying the current provisions on interior materials which shall be tested. GRSG adopted the document, as reproduced in Annex III to this report, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their March 2013 sessions, as draft Supplement 1 to the 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 118.

36. The expert from Germany presented GRSG-102-11 aiming at clarifying the provisions of UN Regulation No. 118 concerning the interior materials which need to be tested. GRSG welcomed the proposals and noted a number of comments. GRSG agreed to resume consideration of this subject at its next session. The secretariat was requested to distribute GRSG-102-11 with an official symbol.

16. The experts from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2011/11 covering the burning behaviour of materials used in the interior compartment, the engine compartment or any compartment where the combustion heater is located. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2011/11 as reproduced in GRSG-100-32 and Annex III, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2011 session, as draft 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 118.

16. The experts from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden presented ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2011/11 covering the burning behaviour of materials used in the interior compartment, the engine compartment or any compartment where the combustion heater is located. GRSG adopted ECE/TRANS/WP.29/GRSG/2011/11 as reproduced in GRSG-100-32 and Annex III, and requested the secretariat to submit it to WP.29 and AC.1 for consideration at their November 2011 session, as draft 02 series of amendments to Regulation No. 118.