Risk analysis and safety

For the design and operation of major infrastructure projects, quantitative and qualitative risk analysis becomes increasingly important. Risk analysis is used to optimise the safety concept with respect to costs and benefits. Furthermore, quantitative risk analysis is formally employed in order to evaluate the risk category for the transport of dangerous goods in road and railway tunnels or on alternative routes. Several different methodologies are used today. The selection of the appropriate method is made according to project related or national requirements.

Fires in underground transport system have to be considered at an early design phase of a project. Based on a comprehensive risk assessment and a useful combination of preventive and curative measures, it is important to find the optimum solution for a given project. Evacuation and rescue concepts are important requirements for a successful handling of underground fires.

New or adapted norms and guidelines lead to changing requirements for tunnel constructions. Changes of the usage requirements can lead to new performance requirements. With the check of the functional and safety requirements of existing tunnels by HBI, the safety level is determined and the need for action and the measures to be realized are demonstrated.

HBI has the high level of competence and broad experience required to serve as an independent inspection entity. The service that includes assessment of the safety and scrutiny of the safety documentation is targeted to assist in particular the administrative authority. The EU-Directive 2004/54/EC dated 29 April 2004 on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the trans-European road network prescribes that a safety documentation has to exist. Moreover, the organization shall consist of various entities with clearly defined roles and responsibilities: administrative authority, tunnel manager, inspections entity and safety officer.