Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Evaluation Manual, 2015: Practical Implications for Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

Practical implications of the new Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual with regard to fire protection and life safety systems (FPLSS) are discussed, and resources are suggested for assistance in TOMIE manual implementation in this subject area. The new TOMIE manual takes a major and long-needed step toward the formalization of road tunnel inspection and maintenance requirements and protocols. The new program will not only benefit the condition and life of the structural elements of the tunnel but also enhance the public’s safety. According to the manual, “many tunnels have complicated functional systems such as lighting, ventilation, drainage, fire detection and alarms, fire suppression, communication and traffic control; these systems must be kept in good working order to minimize death and injury during an emergency such as a vehicle collision, fire, flood, earthquake, or criminal act.” All the operating mechanical and electrical systems mentioned above can be considered FPLSS. In an emergency each of these systems, and several others, has a role to play in ensuring that occupants have the best chance to survive and that responders can reach the scene as quickly as possible. This paper briefly examines FPLSS inspection and testing as related to the TOMIE manual. Although the TOMIE manual is an important step forward in protecting infrastructure and ensuring public safety, it cannot cover all the detailed requirements for operating, maintaining, inspecting, and evaluating the complex mechanical and electrical systems of FPLSS.