Several major infrastructure projects will be started in Hong Kong in the coming few years. Some of these projects would involve the use of tunnelling excavation works. To construct a tunnel, tunnel boring machine and blasting method are usually used. Owing to the underground and confined environment, the risk of tunnelling work included collapse of tunnel lining, fall of rocks, influx of underground water, inhalation of dust and nitrogen oxides after using explosives. Besides, when employee required working in compressed air, nitrogen gas will be dissolved into the blood. If employee undergo improper decompression process, nitrogen gas will be released in the cell and at the joint which causing painful sense. Therefore, tunnelling workers should know more about the prevention of compressed air illness and other tunnelling work safety measures.

This course is suitable for those persons-in-charge, supervisors, workers and technical staff who participate in the tunnelling excavation work. It will introduce the major types of tunnelling excavation work and the related hazards. In addition, the control measures including prevention of decompression sickness and other related hazards would also be introduced to the students to raise their safety and health awareness, so that the risk of having occupational injury and disease could be minimized.