MINE SAFETY
SCSRs , machine-mounted methane detectors , handheld G4 multi-gas gas detectors and MSHA approved cordless cap lamps .
Maust sees the ERCX being a natural complement to this expanded range of mine safety products .
“ Many of the CSE products are dedicated to escape and safety during a mine emergency as are the ERCX products ,” he said . “ For example , the CSE SRLD 60 minute , belt-worn self-rescuer is a perfect complement to our new ERCX COS , while the Biomarine 4-hour Rebreather is used by mine rescue teams during a mine emergency .”
MineARC Systems , another designer and manufacturer of emergency safety products , is expanding its product line .
It has teamed up with DEZEGA , one of the world ’ s largest designers and producers of mine rescue equipment , in a global cooperation agreement that will see MineARC distribute DEZEGA products worldwide .
This includes DEZEGA SCSRs , which , the companies say , will complement MineARC ’ s own range of life-saving refuge chambers .
In accordance with the pact , MineARC intends to promote and distribute the entire DEZEGA product line , including compressed oxygen selfcontained breathing apparatuses ( SCBAs ) and training self-rescuers to simulate the donning procedure and breathing conditions of an SCSR . Anton Sakovych , Chairman of the Board of
Directors of DEZEGA , said : “ Together with MineARC Systems , we will be able to provide new integrated solutions and advanced technologies to raise safety standards , both for underground workers and mine rescuers , as well as for workers in other industrial sectors .”
Paul Ness , Managing Director , MineARC Systems , added to this : “ The introduction of SCSRs and SCBAs to MineARC ’ s range means that not only can we shelter and protect personnel during an emergency , but we can now get them there safely too .”
Track and field
In an emergency situation underground , tracking is one of the most important aspects in carrying out a successful rescue .
Meglab has developed a web platform to help this , with its IMAGINE™ software able to locate and track different assets from surface .
The IMAGINE software ’ s modular design allows for several components to be integrated , with the applications independent and able to be added gradually depending on the mine ’ s needs . Some modules have been designed to increase productivity and reduce the mine ’ s environmental footprint while others are dedicated to ensuring a safer environment for workers .
The mine evacuation module allows the control room operator to evacuate the mine with a signal sent through each miner ’ s lamp . The lamp will flash to provide a visual alert ( and / or an audible alarm ) that the workers must evacuate the mine . This complements any evacuation signals already in place at the mine , such as mercaptan gas .
In addition to sending the signal , the lamp alert is activated through a terminal and indicates the location of miners throughout the mine . The control room operator can monitor the progress of the evacuation operation , with the user interface indicating whether workers are safely evacuated or still underground . If a worker cannot evacuate , or is in danger , the operator can then direct the rescue team to the exact location of the worker .
The IMAGINE system also offers the ability for workers to send a signal from the lamp to surface when in danger . Two types of calls for assistance are currently available via the platform : n Panic button – by pressing a button on the cap lamp battery , the worker sends a signal to the surface to indicate that he / she is in distress and / or needs help . Procedures vary depending on the type of lamp chosen and the worker must be within the coverage area of the Imagine network for the call to be transmitted to the surface control room ; and n Man down – using an accelerometer in the lamp , a signal is sent to the surface when the worker loses consciousness or suffers a fall and remains motionless in a horizontal position for a certain amount of time . The operator on surface can then try to communicate with the
RESCUE SYSTEM
When Every Second Counts .
The IWT SENTINEL TM Mine Rescue System dramatically accelerates advancement times and improves team safety with features such as :
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Spotter data transmitted over the network
Communication when it matters most .
Innovative Wireless Technologies , Inc . iwtwireless . com + 1.434.316.5230