TUNNEL SAFETY: SUCCESSFUL RESCUE EXERCISE IN THE H41 AND H53 CONSTRUCTION LOTS OF THE BBT

Safety is not just a rule, but an absolute priority in the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel. On 6 February, the H41 Sill Gorge-Pfons and H53 Pfons-Brenner construction lots hosted a major joint exercise to test underground emergency procedures.

The scenario: emergency in the “Iris” sector
At the construction area known as “Iris”, a highly realistic emergency scenario was simulated: a road accident involving multiple injured persons. Fire brigades and emergency services actively participated in a high-complexity drill.
The main objective of the exercise was twofold. On the one hand, the emergency response chain was tested by monitoring reaction times and the effectiveness of communication protocols. On the other, the aim was to strengthen coordination between site teams and external rescue services—an essential aspect for the optimal management of critical situations.

The complexity of underground operations
Operations in tunnels represent one of the greatest challenges in the infrastructure sector. Environmental conditions and confined spaces require impeccable preparation. Christian Schwarz, one of the deputy heads of Project Management in the “H41 Sill Gorge-Pfons” lot, confirms the crucial importance of these training moments: “If an accident were to occur, firefighters and all workers would know exactly how to act. That is why we carry out these exercises.”

The BBT project, across all its construction lots, includes regular drills: only through continuous training is it possible to ensure a rapid, precise and coordinated response, protecting those who work every day on the construction of this extraordinary infrastructure.