Sydney Metro is failing to uphold Australian safety standards in tunnels on Metro projects – including Metro West and Metro Western Sydney Airport – with tunnels that are crucial for fire safety failing to meet minimum the minimum Australian standard of a cross passage tunnel per 240 metres.

However Sydney Metro insists that its projects will employ a 500 metre standard which is a European standard.

A cross passage is a short tunnel that connects two parallel tunnels. These passages are an important safety feature that allow people including emergency services personnel and passengers to move from one tunnel to the other in the event of an emergency.

The Australian Standard 4825 ensures maximum cross-passage spacing of 240 metres. The standard is intended to guide professional fire safety engineers and fire safety strategy and safety systems for tunnels. It is well researched and endorsed by significant bodies within Australia.

Firefighters and their representatives have expressed concerns that people would be unable to escape in the event of a fire because the distance travelled to the exit would be far too long in a smoke filled environment.

Doubling the cross-passage length will also mean that firefighters using self contained breathing apparatus will run out of air faster, undermining rescue attempts and putting both firefighters and passengers at risk.

Jo Haylen, NSW Shadow Minister for Transport, said: 

“This could lead to a nightmare scenario where firefighters are unable to assist passengers in the event of a fire.

“Passengers right across Australia expect transport projects to adhere to Australian safety standards.
 
“It’s unacceptable for these projects to not measure up to Australian fire safety standards. People’s lives could end up being at stake.”

JO HAYLEN MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT