Emergency refuge forms an integral part of an underground mine’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Fire, explosions, rock-falls, flooding and the release of smoke and other forms of toxic gas are the types of incidents that occur all too frequently, despite the high levels of planning and the safety precautions in place.
In these types of emergencies, when evacuation is no-longer safe or practical, emergency refuge is designed to provide a safe and secure “go-to” area for personnel to gather and wait for extraction. MineSAFE refuges have been successfully used around the world in multiple mine and tunnelling emergencies to save lives.
MineARCSystem is perhaps the most famous company that deals with innovative product solutions in controlled hazardous environments such as tunnelling, mining, disaster relief etc.The company, based out of Perth, Australia has been the global leader in many rescue chambers and mobile ventilation units that have proven to be immensely useful in such activities.
They are equipped with state-of-the-art tracking and communications as well as remote monitoring that eliminates further man-made risks.
Standard features in a MineARC MineSAFE refuge chamber
- 5mm (1/4”) steel plate construction
- Blast rating: 5 psi
- CO & CO₂ scrubbing
- Pre-packaged chemical cartridges
- Advance extra low voltage control system
- Air conditioning and dehumidifying
- Digital Gas Monitoring system
- Battery backup (36 hrs) standalone
- Stainless steel fittings throughout
- Ergonomically designed seating
- Fire blanket
- Chemical toilet