Question 1

What is a refuge chamber?

Accepted Answer

A refuge chamber is a sealed, reinforced enclosure designed to provide a safe haven for workers during an emergency situation in underground mines or tunnelling projects. The chamber is equipped with basic amenities such as breathable air, water, communication systems, and medical supplies to support workers until they can be safely evacuated from the area.

These chambers are an important safety measure to protect workers from hazardous conditions such as fire, explosion, gas leaks, or other emergencies that may occur in underground mining or tunnelling operations. The use of refuge chambers is mandated by many regulatory agencies and is an integral part of mine safety plans.

Question 2

What are the components of a refuge chamber?

Accepted Answer

A refuge chamber, also known as a refuge station or a safe haven, is an enclosed space within a mine or a tunnel that provides temporary shelter to workers in case of emergencies such as fire, explosion, or a release of toxic gases. The components of a refuge chamber may vary depending on the type of mine or tunnel, but generally, a refuge chamber should have the following components:

Ventilation system: The refuge chamber must have a ventilation system that can provide fresh air to the occupants and remove any toxic gases or smoke that may have entered the chamber.

Air supply: The refuge chamber should have a supply of breathable air that is sufficient to sustain the occupants for several hours.

Communication system: The refuge chamber must have a reliable communication system that allows the occupants to communicate with the surface or the outside world.

Lighting: The refuge chamber should have adequate lighting to allow the occupants to see and move around inside the chamber.

Seating and bedding: The refuge chamber should have seating and bedding to allow the occupants to rest and wait for rescue.

Sanitation facilities: The refuge chamber should have sanitation facilities such as a toilet, sink, and waste disposal system.

Water supply: The refuge chamber should have a supply of potable water for drinking and other uses.

First aid supplies: The refuge chamber should have a basic first aid kit to provide medical assistance to the occupants in case of injuries or illnesses.

Fire suppression equipment: The refuge chamber should have fire suppression equipment such as fire extinguishers to allow the occupants to put out small fires.

Emergency food supplies: The refuge chamber should have emergency food supplies to sustain the occupants for several hours or days.

Question 3

What is the average expected lifetime of a refuge chamber?

Accepted Answer

The expected lifetime of a refuge chamber can vary depending on several factors, including the design, materials used, maintenance practices, and frequency of use.

However, most refuge chambers are designed and built to last for many years, typically 10 to 15 years or more, with regular maintenance and inspections. It's important to note that refuge chambers are designed to be used as a last resort during emergency situations, and they are not intended to be used on a regular basis.

Regular use of the refuge chamber can increase wear and tear on the components and reduce its expected lifetime. Therefore, it's essential to have a regular maintenance and inspection schedule in place to ensure that the refuge chamber is always in good working condition and ready for use in case of an emergency.

Question 4

In what kind of mines are refuge chambers an option?

Accepted Answer

Refuge chambers are an option for mines where workers may be at risk of being trapped or stranded due to emergencies such as fires, explosions, or the release of toxic gases. Typically, refuge chambers are used in underground mines, where workers may be at a greater risk of being trapped in the event of an emergency.

Refuge chambers can be used in various types of underground mines, including metal mines, coal mines, salt mines, and other mineral mines. The decision to install refuge chambers in a mine is based on the risk assessment and evaluation of the specific mine site, including the geology, mining methods, and the potential for emergencies. It's worth noting that refuge chambers are not suitable for all types of mines.

For example, in some mines, such as shallow mines or mines with easy access to the surface, it may be more practical to evacuate the workers to the surface in the event of an emergency rather than relying on refuge chambers. Therefore, the decision to install refuge chambers in a mine should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment and evaluation of the specific mine site and the potential hazards that may be present.

Bost Group – Mining Production Division