
Hazard Rail-related incidents in tunnels
Hazard Knowledge
In addition to the hazards of working on or near railways, rail-related incidents that are located underground or in tunnels present additional or amplified hazards, including:
- Disorientation, due to:
- Repetition of features
- Lack of wayfinder indicators, such as signage or landmarks
- Reduced visibility
- Restricted communication
- Extended access, egress and evacuation distances
- Lack of railway staff at or near to the scene of the incident
- High temperatures
- If the incident involves rail passengers they may:
- Become distressed, which may lead to attempts to self-evacuate
- Suffer from heat illness
- Control measureSafe system of work: Rail tunnels