Rethinking the response to underground fire.

The effects of fire tests in small-diameter tunnels caused by leakage of hydraulic fluid from a tunnel boring machine (TBM) or its equipment are described. The build-up and travel of smoke along the tunnel is very rapid, and unless the fire is detected and extinguished extremely rapidly, the practicality of using hand-held extinguishers is questionable. The time available to don self-rescuers is extremely limited, particularly if they are not worn on the belt. Fixed fire fighting systems for small-diameter TBMs should be fitted as standard. Shut-down of the TBM systems must be part of the fire response strategy to shut off the fuel source.
The effects of fire tests in small-diameter tunnels caused by leakage of hydraulic fluid from a tunnel boring machine (TBM) or its equipment are described. The build-up and travel of smoke along the tunnel is very rapid, and unless the fire is detected and extinguished extremely rapidly, the practicality of using hand-held extinguishers is questionable. The time available to don self-rescuers is extremely limited, particularly if they are not worn on the belt. Fixed fire fighting systems for small-diameter TBMs should be fitted as standard. Shut-down of the TBM systems must be part of the fire response strategy to shut off the fuel source.