Hatfield Tunnel Test

Concept Smoke Systems were pleased to be involved during the live emergency test in the A1M Hatfield tunnel during October 2011.

To read the Highways Agency full report please visit:  

http://www.highways.gov.uk/news/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=421444

The report concludes:

A live exercise involving emergency services and other authorities which took place overnight in the A1(m) Hatfield tunnel has been hailed a success.

The exercise involved a simulated serious crash in one of the tunnel bores between a tanker, a minibus, and other vehicles.

The completion of a major improvement project on the tunnel in May this year included improving lighting and ventilation through the 0.7mile-long tunnel.  New fire safety systems were also installed and critical areas of the tunnel structure were protected with passive fire protection.  CCTV cameras to help traffic officers spot and clear up incidents in the tunnel more quickly were also installed.

Last nights exercise included a complicated scenario, with artificial smoke to reduce visibility, a vehicle carrying LPG, and risk of leakage of an environmental pollutant all testing the response by the services involved.

Eamonn Colgan, senior project manager for the Highways Agency, said:

"Simulations like this are essential to ensure our readiness to deal swiftly and effectively with any incidents in this tunnel, and any other similar structures on our network.  The exercise successfully demonstrated the ability of the organisations taking part to work together in an emergency situation, and helped to ensure that the emergency procedures and equipment in place performed well"  

Chief Inspector Donna Pierce of Hertfordshire Police said:

"Police officers have a highly important role in helping to ensure public safety and welfare at significant incidents like the one simulated in this exercise.  Working in partnership with the Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance and other authorities, our procedures and communications worked well to deliver an effective command structure, and our officers gained invaluable further experience in working in an unusual environment"