SAFETY FIRST: WHAT SAFETY MEASURES ARE USED ON THE BUILDING SITES FOR THE BRENNER BASE TUNNEL
In a large infrastructure project such as the Brenner Base Tunnel, it is essential to ensure the safety of workers above and below ground at all times. The 28th of April is the World Day for Safety & Health at Work, created by the International Labour organisation (ILO). The aim of the observance is to raise the public’s awareness of the importance of preventing injuries and work-related illnesses and we spoke about this topic with Marco Loffredo, Project Director for the Mules construction lot, the largest in the BBT project.
Marco, what safety measures are used in the Italian construction sites for the BBT to ensure worker safety and prevent accidents?
The main rules governing safety on construction sites is the “Testo Unico sulla Sicurezza sul Lavoro”, or Uniform Code for Workplace Safety, set forth in Legislative Decree 81/2008, which is part of our Safety and Coordination Plan (SCP). Every company must draw up an Operational Safety Plan (OSP) which conforms to the SCP and provides details on personnel, equipment and certifications. The Construction Safety Coordinator approves the OSP and organises weekly meetings to coordinate among the various companies involved and to plan work sequences, avoid conflicts and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Safety is guaranteed by continuous training, regular monitoring and ongoing checks. The SCP includes measures such as an active fire prevention team, rescue vehicles, regular drills and and a permanent medical service post with an ambulance and EMTs.
How does cooperation between companies, institutions and associations improve safety standards in the tunnel construction sites?
Safety on our construction sites is ensured by cooperation among all parties involved, with prevention as our basic operating principle. Coordination between contractors and other stakeholders is guaranteed thanks to the weekly coordination meetings and the monthly meetings with the Fire Brigades of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. These meetings provide updates to rescue operators concerning any developments on the construction sites and serve further to identify any critical issues and improve safety measures.
In addition, rescue operators carry out regular inspections to monitor site conditions and pre-empt any possible emergency. This ongoing dialogue has led to significant improvements, such as the adoption of the TETRA system, a dedicated radio network for the Fire Brigades, the appointment of a unified 24-hr emergency coordination point and the creation of a unified emergency centre. This dynamic approach ensures that safety measures are always up to date and aligned with the requirements of the construction site.
What technologies and innovations are used to monitor and reduce the risks involved in the construction of such a complex piece of infrastructure?
Technology plays a crucial role in construction site safety, with various innovative solutions contributing to risk reduction. The Fibrolaser system, which is a heat-sensing fibre-optic cable, can sense sudden changes in temperature in the tunnels in real time, thus enabling fire prevention. Electrical rescue trains are designed to operate during mechanised excavation works, even in highly smoky conditions where combustion motors might break down. Video surveillance is active in all tunnel areas and allows constant monitoring of work areas, while the Tag system allows us to locate personnel in real time inside the tunnels.
Personnel undergo advanced training using a 3D simulator in VAR which improved preparation in emergency situations. The GSM antennas in the tunnels guarantee phone signal coverage and allow constant communication. Thanks to these technologies, we can prevent risks from occurring and optimise rescue operations.
Many thanks to Marco for having described the rigorous safety measures adopted by the Brenner Base Tunnel Company to protect workers on their construction sites. Thanks to the excellent cooperation between the project company, the contracting company and the local authorities, the site is able to guarantee a safe working environment and to prevent and manage emergency situations.
