ABSTRACT
Guidelines for good occupational health and safety practice in tunnel construction has been published by the International Tunnel Association (ITA) Working Group 5 that provides a framework of regulations and guidance to ensure that underground construction is performed in a safe manner. Tunneling practitioners should be equipped with the basic personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety vest and comfortable boots. The safety policy of the client for PPE should be reviewed and confirmed prior to all site visits. Regardless of the level of experience of any tunneling practitioner, it is important that all visitors to a project site attend the safety orientation to be made aware of all site-specific work hazards and safety procedures that are often unique to any particular project site. All tunneling practitioners bear a responsibility to immediately stop all work and inform appropriate site staff of any safety risk that is identified during construction.
