In Switzerland, the VSH-Hagerbach Test Gallery Ltd has started construction of a fire research and training tunnel to allow firefighters to practice for tunnel incidents in a realistic environment, at the International Centre for Safety in Tunnels (ICST).
This will allow emergency crews to train under confined space conditions without disruption to existing infrastructure. Rail and road tunnels can be extremely hazardous during emergency situations with limited access and egress, together with a captive fuel source from stranded vehicles. The company claims that various firefighting authorities and national fire brigade associations throughout Europe have confirmed the urgent need for such a facility.
The ICST is intended to focus on training and education, research on construction materials, research and certification of tunnel equipment and an investigation into ventilation and the smoke distribution process. The facility will be equipped with cameras, fog machines and measurement devices to allow investigation of the processes at work.
