Operations & safety

The BedrettoLab is located inside the Bedretto tunnel, a former annex tunnel originally constructed to support the building of the Furka railway tunnel (s. history). The tunnel has a cross‑section of approximately 2.7 meters in height and width and allows only one‑way traffic. Heavy loads are transported using electric utility vehicles, while personnel moving smaller equipment, tools, or instruments typically use electric bikes to commute through the tunnel. A coordinated traffic‑light system at the tunnel entrance and at the testbeds ensures that vehicles do not meet in opposite directions and block the passage.

As a bare‑rock tunnel, the BedrettoLab presents safety considerations that differ significantly from those of conventional workplaces. Mandatory personal protective equipment includes helmets and high‑visibility clothing, and all personnel carry self‑rescuers. These devices provide oxygen for up to 60 minutes in the event of fire or smoke formation, such as that caused by a cable fire. The handling of heavy equipment, specialized instruments, and various tools further reinforces the need for strict safety procedures.

To protect technicians, researchers, and visitors, work processes are carefully defined in advance and monitored wherever possible. All personnel working in the tunnel are required to complete regular safety training. In addition, occupational safety is assessed regularly by an external authority.

Visitors are required to watch a safety video [link to safety video] before coming to the tunnel. Before the visit begins, guides also give a short on‑site safety briefing to ensure that all rules are understood and followed.

The structural condition of the tunnel, particularly any changes in walls or ceilings that could indicate rock‑fall risk, is inspected at routine intervals.

For each experiment, a risk assessment is conducted and a specific safety concept is developed. Experiments involving high‑pressure water injections are controlled remotely, and the tunnel is evacuated for the duration of the injection to ensure that no one can be injured. During injection tests, a so‑called adaptive traffic‑light system (s. figure below) operates continuously. This system calculates and forecasts short‑term seismicity, and if predefined thresholds are reached, the injection protocol is either adapted or halted.