Without Temporary Installations, There Is No Progress.

Temporary installations are indispensable in tunnel construction: they ensure that people can work, communicate, and react in case of an emergency underground. RS safetec has been a specialist in safety and communication technology in this environment for many years. We speak with Managing Director Stephan Ottersbach about the requirements of tunnel construction sites – and how modern temporary systems keep pace with digitalisation. 

We essentially act as the general contractor for communication and safety technology – from the very first hours of structural tunnel construction through to commissioning. Our key advantage: everything from a single source. This reduces interfaces and ensures that systems interact reliably. 

Temporary installations are the provisional systems without which underground construction wouldn’t be possible at all: power supply, lighting, ventilation, communication systems, and tracking. They create the foundation for a safe, technically stable, and efficient construction site operation. 

Underground areas typically have only a few access points and long distances. This makes logistics and installation more complex. At the same time, systems must operate autonomously – for example during a power outage – and ensure reliable communication in the event of an incident. In addition, data networking is more demanding. The control centre must always know where people or vehicles are located and how an evacuation can be carried out. 

The most important factor is communication. In routine operations as well as in emergencies, everyone involved must be able to talk to each other and with the control centre. We rely on a broad spectrum of solutions: from emergency telephones to Wi-Fi and radio (analog/digital) to GSM/LTE systems. We also offer tracking systems for people and vehicles that provide situational awareness in emergencies. This is essential for rescue teams. 

The basic needs remain similar throughout the construction phases, but as the project transitions to the equipment stage, additional areas come into play: technical rooms, cross passages, or new trades. Coordination becomes more complex. Given the long duration of many tunnel projects, it is important to consider the availability of individual components early and remain flexible. 

Quite clearly: the demands are increasing. Today, people expect to be able to use their smartphones even inside a tunnel. At the same time, the need for high-performance data transmission is growing – especially with the use of video, sensors, or the integration of ventilation and gate systems. TETRA, LTE/5G, automated monitoring, or autonomous logistics solutions are increasingly becoming standard. 

Definitely the Unterinntal railway section for the ARGE Alptransit Brenner. It was there that we first realised how many interfaces exist in the area of temporary installations – and we provided a comprehensive solution. This successful approach ultimately led to the founding of today’s RS safetec. We then moved straight on to the Brenner Base Tunnel, where we are still active today. 

Continuous monitoring – for example of air quality – will become increasingly important. At the same time, the requirements for data and voice communication are rising. TETRA and LTE/5G will play a central role here. Automation and AI-based detection are also gaining momentum: from robotics to autonomous logistics systems.