Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

11 – Operational SafetyIn a repository, fires in connecting drifts, with smoke extraction by vents fitted at regular intervals,would be of this type.Depending on their position with respect to the fire, personnel can escape upstream or downstream ofthe fire, via the nearest interconnecting drift, in order to regain the adjacent connecting drift suppliedwith fresh air. The maximum distance to reach these interconnecting drifts varies from 100 m insecondary connecting drifts, inside repository zones (see Figure 11.4.4) to 400 m in main connectingdrifts.Figure 11.4.4Case of a fire in a connecting drift:evacuation either side of the fire• Particular case of a fire in a dead end driftA fire in a dead-end drift is a special intermediate case between the two previous cases. On the onehand, it is similar to a fire with smoke de-layering as the smoke is only extracted via the site airextraction duct but, on the other hand, the short distance between the seat of the fire and this smokeextraction point limits the smoke encroachment into the drift.There are two possible situations (see Figure 11.4.5) : if personnel can escape upstream of the fire intothe ventilation airflow, they head for the adjacent drift supplied with fresh air via the nearestinterconnecting drift; otherwise they head for the mobile refuge 169 to await rescue.169 This mobile refuge, fitted with fire-resistant walls, has compressed air and water storage tanks.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM460/495