Construction

WHS Management for Tunnelling

Address the unique below-ground hazards of tunnel construction with engineering controls and real-time monitoring.

Tunnelling is among the most hazardous construction activities, with workers operating in confined atmospheres where ventilation, air quality and emergency egress are constant concerns. Diesel particulate matter now has a workplace exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m³ elemental carbon, requiring real-time monitoring and engineering controls on every tunnel project. Respirable crystalline silica from rock cutting compounds the respiratory risk, particularly with the reduced RCS exposure standard effective February 2026. A dedicated WHS management system covering ventilation design, continuous air monitoring and emergency evacuation planning is non-negotiable for tunnel construction under WHS Regulation 2025.

Key Hazards

Diesel particulate matter (new WEL 0.1 mg/m³ elemental carbon)Respirable crystalline silica from rock and concrete cuttingNoise exposure in enclosed environmentsConfined atmosphere with oxygen depletion riskVentilation system failureEmergency egress and rescue challenges

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Confined spaces, work in tunnels, work in atmosphere with airborne contaminants

Principal Contractor

Required for all tunnelling projects

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Confined SpacesConstruction WorkRCS (Feb 2026)

SWMS Required

Confined SpacesSilica Generating WorkExcavation

Related Sectors

Civil InfrastructureRoad BridgeExcavation Earthworks

Need Help with Tunnelling WHS?

We help tunnelling contractors develop compliant ventilation plans, DPM monitoring programs, confined space procedures and emergency evacuation SWMS.

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