When tunnelling projects take place, it is crucial that effective gas monitoring equipment is used. Such endeavours have inherent risks. For example, gas leaks can occur and rather than being dispersed into wide open spaces, the substances remain in confined areas, making them more concentrated and thus toxic or explosive.
Also, if emergencies occur, it can be difficult to evacuate people in a hurry, meaning early warning is crucial. One project that may well require gas detection systems if it goes ahead has been suggested for the Chiltern Hills, which are a chalk escarpment located in south-east England.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, ministers are considering drilling a tunnel as part of the new high speed rail link being planned between London and Birmingham.
If the proposals go ahead, 1.5 miles of tunnel would be created and gas monitoring equipment might feature along it.
It has been suggested by some that the development would cost around £500 million. However, sources behind the idea claim it will be “significantly” less than this and would be funded by savings made elsewhere along the route.
The tunnel would be part of a 100-mile rail link set to be built in the ten-year period between 2016 and 2026. The Chilterns tunnel would join up with two other tunnels and the Campaign to Protect Rural England has said that tunnelling would be “essential” if the line has to run through this area of the country.
However, the creation of the rail link is by no means a certainty yet. Many MPs have spoken out against it and the issue continues to divide opinion.
If the line and the tunnel go ahead, a number of different types of gas detection systems will probably be used along it. Such resources can boost safety considerably and they are becoming increasingly sophisticated.