Thursday 3 April Munich Germany
Professor Arnold Dix, independent tunnel risk adviser, today called upon the assembled International Water Mist industry representatives to exercise corporate responsibility when promoting their technologies. “Don’t fall into the trap of selling these technologies to safety sensitive customers like sweets to children. Professional corporate responsibility demands that you promote your water mist technologies as part of a truly integrated approach to delivery of improved tunnel safety and infrastructure protection.”
He warned, “Here in Europe there has been a great deal of research on aspects of mist systems. The results are promising, but the critical importance of their integration into tunnel safety is not well documented.”
He noted that there was an emerging opportunity for these technologies, due to changes in the world’s leading standards. “Recent recognition of the potential role of fixed fire fighting systems by both PIARC and the NFPA in delivering improved tunnel safety and infrastructure protection does not mean earlier reservations about their use are without foundation”
He reminded the audience that “The development of advanced incident detection technologies coupled with improved tunnel ventilation options underlie the effectiveness of these fire fighting systems today and in the future. If you are promoting your mist systems you must bundle them with integrated ventilation, incident detection and rapid control capabilities. They are not an end in themselves. If, for what ever reason, your client cannot or will not integrate the systems into their emergency systems, especially ventilation, or they are unable or incapable of maintaining or operating such systems, then you are doing nothing more than engaging in a cynical sales exercise by promoting these systems.”
Prof Dix said that, after investigating tunnel disasters around the world in countries such as US, South Korea, Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland, “It is clear that there is a strong and direct relationship between the proper operation of advanced ventilation systems integrated with fixed fire fighting systems and higher levels of tunnel safety, reduced tunnel damage and more rapid re-opening after a crash.”
However he also warned that “The EU directive on tunnel safety establishes only a minimum standard for the Trans European road networks, given the issues it is creating in Europe to establish even minimum standards, the responsibility for advancing tunnel safety falls squarely on the shoulders of the tunnel industry and its consultants.”
Useful lessons can be learnt from countries with long histories of fixed fire fighting systems. “Japan and Australia use fixed fire fighting systems in all heavily used urban tunnels. 40 years experience clearly demonstrate fixed fire fighting systems, when integrated as part of the safety systems and rapidly and reliably operated, deliver safer and more secure tunnels.”
However he pointed out “the safest tunnel is not the one with the most equipment, it’s the one that works.”
Dix was unable to share information on the fatal Burnley Tunnel fires in Australia last year, as scheduled, for legal reasons. “Court proceedings are ongoing in relation to the Burnley event. I am compelled by the rules of court not to disclose the results of my detailed investigation. I understand further court orders are being made today in Australia about that matter.”
Dix has been invited to deliver the prestigious bi-annual “Harding Lecture” in London on 14 April by the British Tunnelling society. Judging by the conviction of his comments today and the warm reception by the audience here in Munich it promises to be a lively affair.
