This report provides a comprehensive package covering both regulatory and technical issues concerning the transport of dangerous goods through road tunnels. The report proposes harmonised regulations to facilitate compliance by road transport operators and enforcement, thus improving safety. A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model has been developed as part of the research which compares the risks of transporting dangerous goods through a tunnel to using an alternative route. A decision support model (DSM) was also developed as part of the research which allows decision makers to combine the results from the QRA with other relevant data (which are not of a scientific or technical nature but rather of a subjective or political nature). The DSM will help the decision-maker to determine the preferred route for the transport of dangerous goods or upgrades to existing tunnel infrastructure and other measures required to meet safety objectives. Finally, the report details the effectiveness of measures that can be taken to reduce the risks of incidents in tunnels. (Author/publisher)
Abstract