Members of the Caldecott 4tha Bore Project Mine/Tunnel Rescue Team, who recently completed the 40-hour Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) course. Photo provided

Firefighters from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) recently spent a week training for the possibility of a mining rescue during construction of the new bore of the Caldecott tunnel. The exercises were put on by the dig's construction company, Tutor-Saliba, and consisted of more than 40 hours of classroom material and on-site exercises.

MOFD Battalion Chief Randy Trumpf said that it is required that any company or persons working on the construction of underground tunnels, shafts, chambers and passageways comply with OSHA safety regulations. "The training is mandated not only for mining operations but rescue teams as well," said Trumpf.

The construction company's rescue team would be the lead agency in case of a disaster, but MOFD would be called to assist and immediately respond to the scene. Trumpf noted that a total of 20 people participated in the training: nine MOFD firefighters, ten employees from Tutor-Saliba and one Oakland firefighter.

Led by Boston-based Fire and Rescue Training, the training included the self-contained breathing apparatus skills, identifying characteristics of gasses, performing underground explorations, and recommended procedures for rescuing survivors and recovering bodies following a tunnel disaster.

According to Trumpf, this intensive training is key, especially as firefighters would utilize specialized equipment such as the fully self-contained breathing apparatus. "During tunnel rescue incidents, a continuous and long duration (up to four hours) of air supply may be necessary," said Trumpf. "The standard MOFD breathing apparatus is made for shorter duration firefighting and rescue operations, of up to one hour."

Gilbert Williams, safety manager for Tutor-Saliba, said the training went very well and he appreciated the efforts of the MOFD. "They are wonderful and a god-send," he said. Williams added that his rescue team is also part of the regular dig crew so there will be trained rescue team members on each shift. Williams added that Oakland Fire will be the assisting agency on the West side of the tunnel project and its training should begin in the near future.

Once the new tunnel is complete, Cal Trans will assume responsibility for operations, and maintenance and safety, said Trumpf; MOFD will continue to provide primary fire/rescue for all types of incidents within its jurisdiction, including the four bores of the Caldecott. "Cal Trans...relies on local agencies such as MOFD or other agencies for emergency scene operations throughout the state," he noted.