An International Approach to Tunnel Emergencies

By Shan Raffel
Published Wednesday, June 1, 2011 | From the June 2011 Issue of FireRescue
Fire and rescue operations in tunnels and underground infrastructure create extremely difficult work environments for firefighters. In 2010, I was privileged to conduct a 10-week Churchill Fellowship to study international best practices for planning, preparation and response to emergencies in tunnels. This provided me a unique opportunity to look at a wide range of technical solutions currently underway in Europe and North America. The following three slideshows show some of the highlights. Specifically, one slideshow focuses on Switzerland’s LRZ 08 fire and rescue train. Another highlights the Rosenbauer RLF ZW-T, an apparatus stationed at St. Valentin (Sankt Valentin) in Lower Austria. The other slideshow highlights more compact technological solutions, focusing on ATVs and rail carts used around the world.
Prevention through sound design and enforcement of regulations plays a vital role in keeping our underground infrastructure safe and secure. In spite of our best efforts, there will be times when deliberate acts or unavoidable accidents will place lives in grave danger. Only the best equipped and trained firefighters will be able to perform rescues after such extreme events.

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Shan Raffel

Shan Raffel is currently serving as an operational station officer in Brisbane, Australia. He is dedicated to exploring ways of improving efficiency and safety. During his 28-year career in the fire service, he has conducted numerous international study tours--including a 10-week Churchill Fellowship to research planning, preparation and response to emergencies in tunnels--in the USA (FDNY), Canada, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia and Switzerland. Read Full Bio

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An International Approach to Tunnel Emergencies: Compact Solutions

Published Friday, May 20, 2011

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The Oslo fire service has modified an Argo 8 x 8 ATV to allow for the fitting of rail wheels. When fitted appropriately, these apparatus can quickly transport personnel and equipment in and out of tight areas. A trailer can be added to increase the carrying capacity. These simple modifications provide a rapid response capability and flexibility at minimal cost. A major advantage of the Argo is that it can negotiate a wide range of difficult terrain to get to the track.
Fire and rescue operations underground are extremely resource-intensive. And a number of serious rail incidents have highlighted issues with rapidly getting equipment to the area of operation in or near underground rail stations. Breathing apparatus, hydraulic rescue equipment, firefighting equipment, portable lighting plants, etc., can be heavy and difficult to carry, and it’s often simply not possible to position the fire and rescue vehicles close to the point of operations. FDNY has customized a battery-operated rail cart system that can operate independently for several hours. The drive cart has been designed to have sufficient horsepower to tow the required resources even in the steepest section of track likely to be encountered. Further, trailer carts can be attached. These rail carts allow for rapid deployment in all conditions and can be operated by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus if necessary. In addition to the battery-powered carts, certain vehicles carry the Nolan ATS-1 emergency rail cart (pictured). This lightweight cart folds up for easy stowage and can be quickly assembled. Once assembled, it can be pushed or pulled by two people.
Clever technical solutions don’t always have to be complicated or expensive. There are a number of very simple compact or folding rail carts that can greatly assist operations in the early stages. For example, Toronto’s S.E.R.V. folding rail cart can be assembled quickly.
This rail cart has a simple design, and it is worthwhile to note that it was designed and built by the people who have produced the largest and most complex rail fire and rescue equipment—the Swiss National Rail Service.

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