Coal Mining Intrinsically Safe Solutions
At MineARC, we understand the importance of safe refuge solutions in the coal mining industry. In consultation with the world’s leading mining companies and regional mining authorities, MineARC Systems manufactures a range of intrinsically safe (IS) refuge chambers and health and safety products engineered for underground coal mines.
Following the introduction of the ‘Miner Act’ into the United States in 2006; making refuge chambers mandatory in coal mines, MineARC invested heavily in the research and development of our patented intrinsically safe CoalSAFE Refuge Chamber. By 2010, the CoalSAFE had become the first refuge chamber in the world to receive MA Centre Certification in China – the compulsory certification for the Chinese coal mining industry.
MineARC’s CoalSAFE Refuge Chambers can be built to comply with the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) federal regulations 30 CFR Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines’ or to other recognised standards as required.
Industry Impact
WV Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training Approval
IHST, Inc. Independent Human Testing
Chinese MA Centre Certified
Powerless Technology for Intrinsically Safe Operation
MineARC’s patented MARCis life-support system has the capacity to provide both powerless CO-CO2 scrubbing and air conditioning to a refuge chamber or control room. Due to its powerless design, the MARCis system is intrinsically safe, meaning it is incapable of causing an explosion in a coal mining environment.
MARCis is powered by compressed liquid carbon dioxide, which provides both cooling and powers the scrubber’s fan. Utilising a sequential operating procedure, MARCis can be activated in less than 60 seconds when required.
Waste Management Systems for Underground Coal Mining
Based on the success of the award-winning EnviroLAV Waste Management System in other industries, MineARC has developed an intrinsically safe toilet that can be utilised in underground coal mining.
Designed to be simple to operate and maintain, the EnviroLAV Toilet is a robust, semi-permanent structure that can be used both above and below ground wherever there is access to compressed air. It’s most unique benefit lies in the requirement to empty just once every 12 months based on standard usage and temperature conditions; providing a significant cost saving to sites in the general maintenance of their toilet facilities.
Mine Warning Systems
An Emergency Stench Gas Alert System is commonly used in underground ventilation systems as a warning gas for emergency evacuations. The powerful odour can be quickly dispersed throughout an underground mine to alert workers of impending danger.
The MineARC Stench Gas Emergency Alert System is designed to suit noisy locations where alarms cannot be heard. Available in either a manual or remotely operated electric configuration, the unit will send a clear and definitive odour in the event of an emergency, indicating the initiation of emergency response procedures.
*Coal mine Stench Gas systems are a surface installation – Need more information click here
Breathing Apparatuses
SCSRs and SCBAs, designed by DEZEGA and supplied by MineARC, are built to assist in the escape or rescue of personnel in an emergency.
DEZEGA SCSR and SCBA units provide a breathable air supply for a minimum of 30 minutes and are built to perform at critical moments when the surrounding atmosphere lacks oxygen due to the release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide.
Once breathable air quality drops, personnel can fit themselves with an SCSR or SCBA; avoiding contaminated air whilst making their way to safety or rescue services.
Underground Control and Utility Rooms
MineARC offers a range of control and utility-style rooms for day-to-day use in underground coal mining. These steel structures can be used as a collaborative environment for managing and monitoring daily operation and production activities, or alternatively as a crib-room area for scheduled break periods.
MineARC Control Rooms are general insulated and air-conditioned, with viewing windows and power access points. They can also be provided with ergonomic seating, compressed air and gas monitoring.
Latest News
Safety Share: Dave’s Story
Dave shares his personal experience waiting in an underground refuge chamber during a mining emergency.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Portable Mine Toilet [Infographic]
A checklist of 12 critical points to help you select the best portable toilet for an above or underground mine.
Refuge Chamber Standards: Quality Without Compromise
A refuge chamber that doesn’t meet standard requirements cannot safeguard against an emergency. Lower quality, or unmaintained chambers, put people at risk.