UIC Leaflet 584: Standardizing Passenger Access and Boarding Safety

What is UIC Leaflet 584?

UIC Leaflet 584 is an international technical standard titled “Coaches – Steps and handrails.” Its primary function is to standardize the physical interface between the passenger coach and the platform. In a trans-European rail network, it is vital that passengers can board and alight safely, regardless of which country’s rolling stock is serving the station.

This leaflet provides the mandatory geometric requirements for the design and positioning of entrance steps (both fixed and folding) and the handrails that assist passengers during boarding. It ensures that these components do not violate the Clearance Gauge while providing maximum ergonomic support.

Technical Design and Dimensions

To achieve interoperability, UIC 584 sets strict limits on several physical parameters. These dimensions are calculated to accommodate the widest possible demographic of travelers:

• Step Height and Depth: Defines the maximum vertical distance between steps and the minimum tread depth to prevent slipping and facilitate ease of movement.
• Handrail Geometry: Specifies the diameter, length, and clearance of handrails. They must be positioned so that a passenger can maintain a grip from the platform until they are safely inside the vestibule.
• Anti-Slip Properties: Treads must be constructed with high-friction materials or patterns to ensure safety in wet or icy conditions.
• Folding Steps (Retractable): For vehicles operating on lines with varying platform heights, the leaflet governs the mechanical behavior and “reach” of retractable steps to bridge the Platform Gap.

Safety and the Kinematic Envelope

A critical engineering challenge addressed by UIC 584 is ensuring that steps do not strike infrastructure. All steps must remain within the vehicle’s Kinematic Envelope when the doors are closed and the train is in motion. For retractable steps, the standard mandates fail-safe interlocks that prevent the train from moving if a step is extended.

Evolution and TSI PRM Compliance

While UIC 584 provided the historical foundation, modern passenger access is heavily influenced by the TSI PRM (Technical Specifications for Interoperability for Persons with Reduced Mobility). Current designs must balance the dimensions of UIC 584 with the need for level boarding and wider clearances for wheelchairs.

Comparison: UIC 584 vs. TSI PRM Requirements