Shaft Mine Refuge – MineSAFE Narrow Design
The MineSAFE Narrow Design Refuge Chamber features a slimmer shell, designed specifically to accommodate tight hard rock mining confines such as a shaft mine, whilst still providing all of the critical features required to sustain life during an underground mine emergency.
The Narrow Design (ND) provides ample internal space for a range of occupancies – from 8 to 26 people – and it’s portable design makes the refuge chamber easy to manoeuvre and position around the mine site.
| Model | Occupancy | Height (m/inch) | Width (m/inch) | Length (m/inch) | Weight (kg/lb) |
| MS-ND1-08-ELV-36 | 8-Person | 2.00 / 78″ | 1.90 / 74″ | 4.20 / 165″ | 4400 / 9700 |
| MS-ND2-12-ELV-36 | 12-Person | 2.00 / 78″ | 1.90 / 74″ | 4.80 / 188″ | 4627 / 10200 |
| MS-ND3-16-ELV-36 | 16-Person | 2.00 / 78″ | 1.90 / 74″ | 6.02 / 237″ | 5534 / 12200 |
| MS-ND4-20-ELV-36 | 20-Person | 2.00 / 78″ | 1.90 / 74″ | 7.24 / 285″ | 6668 / 14700 |
| MS-ND5-26-ELV-36 | 26-Person | 2.00 / 78″ | 1.90 / 74″ | 8.44 / 332″ | 7348 / 16199 |
- Aura-FX Fixed Gas Monitor
- 5mm Steel Plate Construction
- Narrow Shell for Tight Confines
- Blast Rating: 5psi
- CO & CO2 Scrubbing
- Breathable Air (O2) Supply
- 36hrs UPS Battery with Option to Upgrade
- Viewing Porthole
- Pre-packaged Chemical Cartridges
- ELV (Extra-Low-Voltage) Controller
- Ergonomically Designed Seating
- Air Conditioning
- GuardIAN Refuge Chamber Monitoring
- Fully Flushing, Pressurised Airlock
- Special Dimensions and Configurations
- Duration Upgrade
- Blast Rating Upgrade
- Blast Shield Protection
- Step Down Transformer
- Receptacle Plug
- Internal LCD Monitors
- Satellite UPS System
- First Aid Kit
- Carbon Monoxide Safety-Off-System
- Positive Pressure Maintenance System
- Automated Oxygen Delivery System
-
- 8 Person Refuge Chamber
-
- 12 Person Refuge Chamber
-
- 16 Person Refuge Chamber
-
- 20 Person Refuge Chamber
-
- 26 Person Refuge Chamber
Hard Rock Refuge – Virtual Tour
Shaft Mine Refuge – Front View
The ‘face’ of the MineSAFE Narrow Design is designed primarily for easy identification and quick access during an emergency. The strobe lighting, warning siren and reflective signage alert passers-by to the chamber’s location, whilst the rotating door handles provide simple, straight forward access to the safety of the interior.
Shaft Mine Refuge – Interior View
Inside a MineSAFE Narrow Design Refuge Chamber, a number of vital life-support systems combine to create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants. Systems include; primary and secondary air (oxygen) supplies, air conditioning systems, positive pressure systems, electrical systems, gas detection and a chemical scrubbing system.
The MineSAFE Narrow Design uses active chemicals and MineARC’s ELV (extra-low-voltage) Scrubbing System to ‘scrub’ the build up of harmful CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CO (carbon monoxide) from the air inside the refuge chamber.
Shaft Mine Refuge – Rear View
A secure cabinet at the rear of the MineSAFE Narrow Design houses the refuge chamber’s UPS battery back up (Uninterruptible Power Supply). The UPS is a fail-safe system that can power the refuge chamber’s internal life support systems for a minimum of 36hrs, should mine power become cut-off.
Also at the rear of the chamber is the Compressed Air Management System (CAMS), which allows regulated compressed air into the refuge chamber when the pressure inside drops below 200Pa. This process optimises mine air usage and guarantees against over-pressurisation of the refuge chamber.
CAMS’ gas toxicity monitor automatically diverts compressed air if oxygen levels in the airline fall below a set level (18% oxygen in free air), signifying air contamination. Additionally, the incorporated flood protection valve automatically shuts down compressed air to avoid catastrophic and costly chamber damage in the event of water ingress.
Comparison Table
| Name | Capacity * | Advanced Digital Control System ** | iVAN *** | Aura-FX Gas monitoring | Modular construction | Powerless Portable System **** | Air-conditioning | 36hrs Battery Backup | 5psi Blast Rating ***** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
8-30 | ||||||||
 |
4-8 | ||||||||
 |
8-30 | ||||||||
 |
8-26 | ||||||||
 |
12-32 | ||||||||
 |
30-500 |
- * Capacity Every refuge chamber is built with a certain rated occupancy in mind. The life support systems are designed to safely house this number of people for the designated duration.
- ** Advanced Digital Control System All refuge chambers with a Series IV Scrubbing System feature MineARC's unique Advanced Digital Control System.
- *** iVAN iVAN is an on-board navigation assistant that guides occupants through operational procedures.
- **** Powerless Portable System MineARC's Powerless Portable System means it can sit stand-alone for extended periods without requiring connection to mains (mine) power
- ***** 5psi Blast Rating MineARC offers blast rating upgrades to all refuge chambers.
Related Products
Hard Rock Refuge – MineSAFE Standard Design
Hard Rock Refuge – MineSAFE Standard Design In consultation with the world’s leading mining companies and regional mining authorities, the MineSAFE Standard Design Refuge Chamber for underground mines has been continuously re-engineered and refined to create a world-leading hard rock refuge station solution that is fully integrated with today’s modern mining environment. The Standard Design (SD) chamber provides personnel
Automated External Defibrillator – ZOLL AED Plus
Automated External Defibrillator – ZOLL AED Plus The Automated External Defibrillator (AED Plus) with Real CPR Help by ZOLL provides the best support to help save a life. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the fact is that only half of the victims will need a shock, however all will require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). For most,