Here, emergency services can practise firefighting in road tunnels and, since 2024, also in railway tunnels under real conditions.
"Only those who experience such situations realistically can act calmly and safely in an emergency," explains ÖBFV head of department Klaus Tschabuschnig. Over 800 firefighters have already completed the intensive three-day training programme. It strengthens routine, team coordination and confidence in standardised operational tactics, decisive factors for success in operations.
Technology, teamwork and precision in action
The state-of-the-art facility at Erzberg offers everything that makes a real tunnel system: two road tunnel tubes, two railway tunnels, cross passages, emergency call niches, an overhead line and adjustable ventilation. Realistic fire and smoke conditions are created in the gas-fired hot training facility, which are monitored from the control centre. Intervention can take place there immediately in an emergency.
A special feature: firefighters from the ÖBB company fire brigade train together with colleagues from the public fire brigades. This cooperation strengthens collaboration during real operations and creates valuable synergies for future tunnel projects.
Research meets operational practice
The TTZ is part of the "Zentrum am Berg" (ZaB) of the University of Leoben, a research infrastructure for underground construction and safety that is unique in Europe. Together with ASFINAG, ÖBB and the province of Styria, a strong partnership has been created that combines training, research and practice.
Fire service president Robert Mayer: "Austria is a country of tunnels, which makes training and further education in this very demanding area of operation all the more important. I am grateful that we have found a valuable partner in the Montanuniversität Leoben. The cooperation offers many new opportunities in the field of training and further education, but also in research into tunnelling systems. The tunnel operators have created the necessary framework through their financial contributions and have thus made a significant contribution to greater safety and smooth cooperation."
#schongenial, when tunnel training enables realistic practice for emergencies and thus guarantees maximum safety for everyone.
