HSE Newsletter July 2023

CERN’s technical galleries are used for distribution network services throughout the campus and/or between buildings. The 80 galleries form a 14 km-long maze and are located just below ground level on the Meyrin and Prévessin sites. Having been in operation for more than 50 years, they are in dire need of an overhaul. This is why the Technical Galleries Consolidation programme (TG-CONS) was approved by the CERN Council in 2020 with a budget of 34 MCHF. The programme was launched in 2021 and will stretch over 12 years
The main objectives of the TG-CONS project are to:
- Fix existing issues and refurbish the galleries’ conditions to the extent reasonably possible.
- Prepare for probable future expansions, with respect to CERN’s MasterPlan 2040.
- Further improve the management of safety and environment-related aspects.
The programme covers a multitude of services and networks, such as the heating network, water networks, safety systems, electrical cables, gas pipes, and optical fibres.
Many of CERN’s departments are involved, including the HSE Unit. Safety is a major part of this programme, both throughout its execution and for the future operation of the galleries.
TG-CONS is a unique opportunity to perform a comprehensive safety analysis and assessment and implement the required measures. As an example, there are ongoing studies on ventilation, emergency preparedness, fire safety, and a lead and asbestos analysis. The TG-CONS were invited to the HSE Technical Management Board in April 2023, and you can find all the presentations on the Indico-page (Access key: TMB05042023).
The programme also addresses environmental issues, such as the renovation of the water circuits, carrying drinking water supply but also water used by the CERN Fire & Rescue service. The layout of the drinking water network in the West Area of the Meyrin site have just been completely revised and optimised. Take a tour of your own with a deep dive in this video!
Also On At CERN
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Refurbishing CERN’s technical galleries
HSE Newsletter July 2023 CERN’s technical galleries are used for distribution network services throughout the campus and/or between buildings. The 80 galleries form a 14 km-long maze and are located just below ground level on the Meyrin and Prévessin sites. Having been in operation for more than 50 years, they are in dire need of…
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The Technical Galleries Consolidation Project is progressing well
5 km of technical galleries have been scanned and half of them 3D-modelled, and the work to renovate and replace their technical infrastructure is in full swing The Technical Galleries Consolidation Project started in 2021 with the aim of renovating CERN’s technical galleries, which form a 14 km-long maze beneath the Meyrin and Prévessin sites,…
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Introduction to the Technical Galleries Consolidation Program
This paper presents an overview of this consolidation with a particular focus on Cooling and Ventilation networks. Abstract The Technical Galleries Consolidation Program focuses on the remedy of existing issues and on the refurbishment of the galleries’ conditions and their related infrastructure to the extent reasonably possible. Drinking and firefighting water, as well as compressed…
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Technical Galleries Consolidation: full speed ahead!
Approximately 80 technical galleries, essential for the operation of CERN, will be consolidated over the next ten years. Technical Galleries are used to distribute infrastructure services between different areas and buildings on the Meyrin and Prévessin sites and add up to a total distance of 14 kilometers. Examples of such galleries can be seen on…
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Technical Galleries Consolidation project presented at CERN Finance Committee
The project has been brought to the attention of the delegates of the Member States at Finance Committee in September 2021 On September 22 Mar Capeans gave a presentation on Site Development activities and plans during the CERN Finance Committee. The Head of the Site and Civil Engineering Department highlighted the importance of the Technical…
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Vast project to consolidate CERN’s technical galleries gets under way
Vast project to consolidate CERN’s technical galleries gets under way CERN’s vast underground maze spans several hectares in France and Switzerland. In addition to the tunnels of the main accelerators, some 80 less well-known technical galleries are located underneath the Meyrin and Prévessin sites. They contain the infrastructure required to keep the sites and the…