1. Introduction
The Tunnelling Safety Training Scheme (TSTS) is a one-day course designed for those who are involved in
the tunnel construction industry as a member of the workforce, to help them understand a variety of different
aspects of the industry, the associated working environment, and some of the potential hazards that they may
face working on a tunnelling site.
2. Aims and objectives
2.1. Aims
To ensure the delegates gain an understanding of:
• how tunnels are constructed, and the operations conducted within the construction phase and their
impact on the environment
• the health, safety and occupational health hazards and risks in the tunnelling environment
• legislation and standards relating to tunnelling and procedures to be adhered to in the tunnelling
environment, including confined spaces, exclusion zones and emergencies
• risk assessment and risk management
• what is expected of them by way of safe conduct and behaviour whilst working in a tunnelling
environment.
2.2. Objectives
At the end of the day delegates will:
• be aware of legislation and standards specific to tunnelling
• know the health, safety and occupational hazards and PPE requirements in the tunnelling
environment
• be able to understand risk assessment principles and risk management practice in a tunnelling
environment, and how these risks are identified and communicated
• know the generic operations taking place within portals, shaft top and pit bottom areas, and their
relevance to the tunnelling operation
• appreciate the basic principles of tunnel construction, tunnelling methods, and their inherent risks, and
how each method is influenced by ground types
• understand the hazards and the controls required with plant, equipment and services in tunnelling
operations.