MINE RESCUE & SAFETY
the essentials needed for an ERC , according to Maust . “ With this knowledge , Strata has designed a cost-effective , modular chamber that is designed to accommodate fast delivery and optimised handling ,” he said . “ Units can be sitting for long periods with the hope of never needing to be used , but always remain ready . Safety is our highest priority , so we make sure all of our ERCs are robust , compliant and longlasting . The ERCM modular design offers added benefits of capacity flexibility , cost-effective manufacturing and fast delivery .”
One of the deciding factors influencing when mine personnel can and should exit a rescue chamber is the gas level readings in and around the units .
MineARC says these readings – which can be taken from both within the refuge chamber and the surrounding environment – are integral for avoiding hazardous situations .
“ Gas levels , including harmful substances like carbon monoxide , methane and hydrogen sulphide , can fluctuate rapidly and pose a significant risk if not monitored effectively ,” the company says .
This is where MineARC ’ s GuardIAN Intelligence System , particularly when integrated with GuardIAN gas nodes , offers a revolutionary approach to gas monitoring , the company says . “ This system not only helps personnel keep an eye on the atmosphere inside a MineARC refuge
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chamber but also provides crucial information about the surrounding environment , all while maintaining real-time updates to the control room above ground ,” it says .
In this setup , the GuardIAN gas nodes are strategically placed to monitor gas levels both inside and outside the MineARC refuge chamber . While personnel are safe inside the chamber , the system continually checks the external environment for dangerous gas concentrations . This dual monitoring ensures any hazardous changes outside the refuge chamber are detected promptly , allowing for informed decision making .
The integration of the GuardIAN Intelligence System and existing MineARC refuge chamber system ensures gas data collected by the GuardIAN gas nodes is directly communicated to the refuge chamber ’ s monitoring system . This means personnel inside the chamber are kept informed about the gas levels outside , which is critical for assessing the safety of potential evacuation routes or the need for extended confinement .
The benefits of the GuardIAN Intelligence System extend beyond the refuge chamber . The data collected by the GuardIAN gas nodes is transmitted in real time to the control room above ground . This live
MineARC ’ s GuardIAN Intelligence System , particularly when integrated with GuardIAN gas nodes , offers a revolutionary approach to gas monitoring , the company says
information allows operators and safety officers to monitor the situation , making it easier to coordinate emergency responses and ensure all safety protocols are being followed .
MineARC added : “ The GuardIAN Intelligence System is designed with user-friendliness in mind . It offers a clear , intuitive interface that simplifies the monitoring process . Both personnel inside the refuge chamber and control room operators can easily understand and interpret the data . Additionally , the system includes customisable alerts to notify users of any critical changes in gas levels , ensuring that immediate action can be taken when necessary .”
Breathing it in
When personnel are unable to get to a rescue chamber , it is the use of self-contained breathing apparatus that normally protect them from breathing in harmful gases .
Ukraine-based DEZEGA is one of the leaders in this sector , and it continues to demonstrate and test its new compressed oxygen self-contained breathing apparatus with positive pressure , the DEZEGA P-70 .
This year alone , the company has carried out important testing in the UK , Germany and the Czech Republic .
“ Since its launch , [ the ] DEZEGA P-70 has impressed experts and users with its advanced technology , flawless performance and ergonomics ,” DEZEGA says . “ This nextgeneration breathing apparatus with positive pressure has become not just a desired object , but a new quality standard in the industry of rescue operations .
“ Our goal is to transform user safety into something more than just a mandatory measure .”
With a nominal working duration of four hours ;
46 International Mining | OCTOBER 2024