• CRADLE TO GRAVE
REFUGE CHAMBERS VS FRESH AIR BAYS
Refuge chambers and Fresh Air Bays ( FABs ) are two alternate shelters used in underground mines , particularly during emergencies . Each structure has a different purpose and offers varied support levels . While at face value , these shelters can appear similar , and often mistakenly , the terms are interchanged , they are vastly different . Taking refuge in either one of these can significantly impact survivability . stop during evacuation . It allows emergency rescue teams to recover , strategise and communicate with the surface .
FABs are built into a mine ’ s structure , generally under the guidance of ventilation engineers . They are carved out pockets that contain a continuous air flow and sit outside of the direction of return airways .
With over 20 years ’ experience in the mining industry , MineARC Systems is considered the global leader in controlled environments and safety technologies for the underground mining , tunnelling , chemical processing , disaster relief and biotechnology industries . The company specialises in the manufacture and supply of emergency refuge chambers , safe havens , disaster shelters and grow chambers , as well as a range of remote monitoring , tracking and communications technologies that allow full integration in heavy industrial applications .
There are several differences between a fresh air bay and an underground refuge chamber , including air supply and gas monitoring , which impact their emergency use suitability . To simplify the main difference between the two , the two methods of underground shelter are compared side by side below .
What is a refuge chamber ? Also known as a refuge bay , refuge station or refuge alternative , a refuge chamber is a sealed , airtight shelter used in emergencies . It contains a series of additional redundancies to support life while occupants wait for the danger to pass or receive assistance from emergency response teams .
Underground refuge chambers can be built-in structures or portable shelters , depending on capacity and location . They contain multiple redundancies to supply breathable air , gas monitoring , and power . They are designed to maintain a habitable environment , with cooling , communication devices , toilet facilities , food , and drinkable water .
The main purpose of a refuge chamber is to provide a safe refuge if the external environment becomes hazardous , providing a controlled atmospheric environment to sustain life by protecting the user from an external irrespirable atmosphere containing contaminants that would be an immediate threat to or not sustainable to support life . It is also used as a muster point during any emergency , where personnel are located and accounted for as the refuge chamber maintains a fresh source of air , communications , and other resources critical to survival . Lastly , a refuge chamber is also used as a point of retrieval of personnel by emergency services in critical situations .
What is a Fresh Air Bay ? Also known as a FAB , a fresh air bay is an underground station with a dedicated air supply and designed to be used as a temporary
These bases should be located adjacent to a fresh air source and identified by signs . They usually contain a copy of the most recent emergency procedures , a surface communication device , and have a supply of potable water and compressed air .
When should one use a FAB ? A fresh air bay is a temporary measure and is not equipped to protect one against multiple hazards . For example , if the mine ’ s air is compromised , there is no redundancy for a breathable air supply . FABs are primarily used as an operational stronghold for emergency response teams to coordinate rescue efforts underground . However , they can be used by underground personnel as a temporary stop where self-escape is possible .
When should one use a Refuge Chamber ? Refuge chambers should be used when escape is no longer an option . Chambers are purposefully designed to protect people inside from external hazards , often situated in multiple locations throughout a mine , particularly near active areas . Their main goal is to house personnel during adverse conditions . Emergency response procedures detail the use of refuge chambers . It is the first place or location where rescue will be attempted to extricate personnel from the workplace to safety . Training packages are available to educate underground personnel on the operational use of a refuge chamber and its service and maintenance requirements .
Why does it matter which is used in an emergency ? The focus in emergencies is to get out safely , but sometimes evacuation isn ’ t possible . Many variables can impact one ’ s ability to safely exit , such as mine depth , hazard location , or the length and elevation of underground escape routes . In these circumstances , the priority is to find a safe area to wait until emergency teams arrive or the ‘ all clear ’ is given . There are major differences between FAB ’ s and refuge chambers . These variances play a significant part in emergency response as well as their sustainability , such as gas monitoring , multiple air supplies , cooling , and a sealed environment .
Actions can make a significant difference in emergencies , but it is key to bear in mind that these differences have and will impact survival and personnel well-being .
For more information on the variety of refuge chambers that MineARC has to offer , visit their website www . minearc . com . •
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44 • African Mining • February 2022 www . africanmining . co . za