Tunnel safety in planning, construction and operation
Identify risks. Systematically ensure safety.
Request a consultation on tunnel safety
Identify risks. Systematically ensure safety.
Request a consultation on tunnel safetyTunnel safety encompasses all technical, organisational and operational measures that effectively protect people, infrastructure and operations. Risks must be identified, assessed and appropriate protective measures developed as early as the initial project phases.
DMT supports public and private clients with risk analyses, safety concepts, fire safety and emergency strategies for road, rail and underground, public transport and infrastructure tunnels, as well as other underground facilities.
Our experts have already carried out safety assessments on more than 300 tunnel facilities in over 20 European countries. We combine in-depth engineering expertise with practical consultancy, regulatory know-how and a holistic view of technology, organisation and operations.
Jörg Krümpelmann
Fire and Explosion Protection
The safety of a tunnel system results from the interplay between infrastructure, technical equipment, operational organisation and human behaviour. That is why we take a systematic and interdisciplinary approach to tunnel systems.
We identify potential hazards, assess risks and develop appropriate risk mitigation measures. In doing so, we take into account national and international regulations as well as project-specific requirements, operational procedures and the interfaces with public authorities and emergency services.
This results in safety concepts that meet regulatory requirements whilst also supporting safe, cost-effective and practical operations.
You can contact our sales team on +49 231 5333-430
Risk analyses provide clarity on potential hazards and their possible impacts on people, infrastructure and operations. They form an important basis for selecting appropriate technical, organisational and operational protective measures.
DMT provides support in the systematic assessment of risks in new-build, modernisation and existing building projects. The results help operators, design consultancies, public authorities and regulatory bodies to make well-informed decisions and prioritise safety measures in a targeted manner.
In doing so, we use structured assessment methods and digital analysis tools to systematically identify and evaluate risks, and to provide reliable support for decision-making processes.
Fires, accidents and other emergency situations are among the greatest challenges in tunnel operations. In order to protect people effectively and ensure the operational capability of the facility, technical systems, organisational procedures and rescue plans must be reliably coordinated.
In doing so, we take into account both the requirements of the respective tunnel complex and the practical procedures to be followed in the event of an incident.
From the outset, we work in close consultation with the fire service, police and control centres. This involves workshops, exercises, scenario planning and the integration of these into AGAP, SiDo and operational procedures. In this way, we ensure that the concepts are fit for purpose.
In order to carry out the duties of a safety officer, tunnel manager or operator in a tunnel control centre, basic training and ongoing training in the field of tunnel facilities are required.
The TÜV NORD Academy, in cooperation with our team of tunnel safety experts (DMT GmbH & Co. KG), offers the following training courses, further training programmes and seminars:
Tunnel safety encompasses fire protection, explosion protection, ventilation, evacuation and rescue plans, operational organisation, and emergency and hazard prevention. This includes safety concepts, risk analyses, safety documentation (SiDo) and alarm and hazard control plans (AGAP). The aim is to achieve an integrated, economically optimised overall level of safety throughout the planning, construction and operational phases.
DMT draws up comprehensive safety concepts, safety documentation, risk analyses, AGAPs and safety reports. Further services include fire safety and ventilation concepts, concepts for the construction phase of underground structures, as well as training courses for tunnel managers, safety officers and control centre staff. We work in the fields of road tunnels, rail tunnels, public transport (underground and suburban rail), tunnel construction (construction phase) and other underground structures and utility facilities. Our focus is on practical, interdisciplinary solutions.
A comprehensive safety concept brings together all the technical, organisational and operational measures for a tunnel, ranging from fire safety to the control centre. It is required for new construction, major alterations and, in many cases, recertification. It provides a solid basis for demonstrating compliance to the authorities and sets out clear guidelines for operations and emergency management.
The safety officer is involved in coordinating and monitoring safety-related matters during the planning, construction and operation phases. The tunnel manager oversees safe operations, coordinates procedures and ensures that the systems are operational. Both roles involve working closely with the operator, the authorities and the emergency services.
The SiDo summarises all safety-related information for a tunnel facility: a description of the facility, hazards, protective measures, operations and emergency response organisation. It serves as a central reference document for operators, authorities and emergency services. DMT draws up and updates the SiDo in a structured manner and in accordance with regulations. The AGAP sets out procedures, responsibilities and communication channels for emergencies, such as fires, accidents or the release of hazardous substances. It is developed in collaboration with the operator, the fire service, the police and control centres, and is regularly practised. The aim is to ensure a rapid, coordinated and effective response.
The ventilation system controls smoke extraction in the event of a fire, air quality during normal operation and the flow patterns required for a safe evacuation. DMT develops ventilation concepts and prepares ventilation reports – ranging from variant studies (longitudinal, transverse and semi-longitudinal ventilation) to design based on specific scenarios. Measurements, simulations and verification ensure effectiveness.
We identify relevant scenarios (e.g. vehicle fire, traffic congestion, dangerous goods), assess the likelihood of their occurrence and their potential impact, and derive appropriate measures. The result is a transparent risk matrix setting out prioritised and cost-effective protective measures. It serves as a basis for decision-making and consultation with the authorities.
Yes. In collaboration with the TÜV NORD Academy, we offer basic and advanced training courses for tunnel managers, safety officers and tunnel control centre operators, including in-house seminars. Topics covered include regulations, operations, emergency management and drills.
We also develop in-house seminars and bespoke training programmes tailored to our clients’ specific needs, designed to address your particular facility, roles and processes.
Depending on the project: RE‑ING, EABT 80/100, ZTV‑ING, TRGS, BHKG and ADR requirements for dangerous goods. In addition, country-specific guidelines, operator’s manuals and ancillary regulatory provisions are incorporated. We coordinate the documentation closely with the relevant authorities.
Yes. We assess the transport of dangerous goods in relation to tunnel construction, operation, ventilation and emergency procedures, and draw up the relevant reports. The aim is to ensure safe and compliant operations in accordance with ADR requirements.