UIC Leaflet 573: Technical Conditions for Special-Purpose Freight Wagons

What is UIC Leaflet 573?

UIC Leaflet 573 is an essential technical standard titled “Technical conditions for construction of special-purpose wagons.” While standard flat or box wagons follow general rules, special-purpose wagons designed for Dangerous Goods, chemicals, or perishable items require unique protective features to maintain Operational Safety.

The leaflet ensures Interoperability by standardizing the safety interfaces of these vehicles. This allows a tank wagon or a refrigerated unit to be integrated into any international freight consist while meeting the rigorous safety requirements of different Infrastructure Management networks.

Safety Requirements for Specialized Transport

A primary focus of UIC 573 is the protection of the cargo and the environment during accidents or heavy shunting. Key technical requirements include:

• Crash Buffers: Requirements for specialized Buffers with high energy-absorption capacity to prevent tank piercing during longitudinal impacts.
• Derailment Protection: Specifications for “anti-climbing” devices that prevent wagons from riding over each other in the event of a collision.
• Protective Shielding: For wagons carrying Dangerous Goods, the leaflet defines the thickness and placement of head shields (end-protection plates) to prevent puncturing of tank ends.
• Earthing and Grounding: Strict standards for electrical continuity between the wagon body and the rails to prevent static discharge in flammable environments.

Structural Integrity and Design

Because special-purpose wagons often carry concentrated loads (like heavy liquid tanks or specialized machinery), the Structural Integrity of the Underframe is critical:

• Load Distribution: Standardized methods for mounting specialized containers or tanks to the chassis to ensure even weight distribution across the axles.
• Ventilation and Drainage: For refrigerated or chemically active loads, the leaflet specifies the design of drainage systems to prevent corrosive liquids from damaging the track or the wagon structure.

Integration with Combined Transport

UIC 573 also touches upon wagons used in Combined Transport, such as those carrying swap bodies or specialized temperature-controlled “reefer” containers. It ensures that the power supply connections (if applicable) and securing mechanisms are standardized across European rail corridors.

Comparison: Standard vs. Special-Purpose Wagons (UIC 573)