Researchers test tunnel emergency plans for hazardous-goods accidents

Researchers from Montan University Leoben are testing how hazardous-goods accidents could unfold in tunnels at the Zentrum am Berg research centre in Eisenerz, ORF reported on Monday. The findings are intended to improve emergency plans and support rescue crews.

About 10 percent of freight transported in Austria is classified as hazardous-goods transport. The scenarios under examination include a heavy truck fuelled with hydrogen crashing in a tunnel.

Hannes Kern, a Montan University researcher who is also active in the fire service, said accidents involving gases were particularly challenging. These include gases that are heavier than air and flammable, as well as lighter-than-air gases such as hydrogen. Propane is an example of a heavier-than-air gas, which can pose a serious risk if ignited.

Emergency plans have so far been based on computer modelling. The tests at the research centre will assess whether those plans work in practice.

Firefighters trained to handle hazardous-goods incidents will join the tests on September 2. The researchers will examine where emergency crews can move safely, how they can reach an accident quickly and how safe areas can be created in cooperation with ventilation systems and tunnel operators.

The results will be incorporated into emergency plans and could also help in developing equipment to rapidly dilute gases.