Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines,

1
Refuge Station Design and Requirements
(Regulations, Guidelines, Standards)
Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention
Association of Manitoba (MAPAM) by Don Peake of
Hudson Bay Mining Smelting Ltd.
September 2006
2
Manitoba Regulations 228/94

• 44(3) Each refuge station provided under
  subsection (2) shall be
• (a) clearly identified
• (b) constructed of noncombustible material
• (c) of sufficient size to accommodate the workers
  that are required to assemble therein
• (d) equipped with
• (i) a supply of compressed air,
• (ii) a supply of potable water,
• (iii) a means of communication with surface, and
• (iv) a means of sealing to prevent the entry of
  gas and
• (e) suitably located with respect to working
  areas.

• 49(4) At least once in each month an employer
  shall
• examine for compliance with this regulation all
• (iii) refuge stations

3
Saskatchewan Regulations

• 398(2)Each Primary Refuge Station is
• (a) Excavated in solid host material or is
  constructed of steel
• (b) separated from adjoining workings by fire
  doors or stoppings that are
• (i) designed to prevent noxious fumes from
  entering the refuge station and
• (ii) if reasonably practicable, constructed of
  materials that have at least a one-hour fire
  resistance rating
• (c) located
• (i) if reasonably practicable, in a fresh air
  circuit
• (ii) at least 100 metres away from any fuel
  station, explosive storage area or other fire
  hazard and
• (iii) as accurately as possible on a map of the
  surface
• (d) designed to accommodate the number of
  workers who may reasonably be expected to use the
  refuge station
• (e) clearly marked
• (f) readily accessible and
• (g) properly maintained and the area around the
  entrance is kept free of combustible material.

4
Saskatchewan Regulations (cont)

• (3) must ensure that every primary underground
  refuge station is equipped with the following
• (a) at least 36 hours of breathable air for the
  number of workers who may reasonably be expected
  to use the refuge station in accordance with the
  fire control and emergency response plan
• (b) potable water for the number of workers who
  may reasonably be expected to use the refuge
  station in accordance with the fire control and
  emergency response plan
• (c) food
• (d) lights
• (e) first aid supplies
• (f) sanitation facilities
• (g) suitable fire-fighting equipment
• (h) an effective means of communication with the
  surface
• (i) sufficient seating.

5
Saskatchewan Regulations (cont)

• 399. (2) each auxiliary refuge station is
  constructed appropriately and adequately.
• (3) must ensure that every auxiliary refuge
  station is equipped with the following
• (a) at least 36 hours of breathable air for the
  number of workers who may reasonably be expected
  to use the refuge station in accordance with the
  fire control and emergency response plan
• (b) potable water for the number of workers who
  may reasonably be expected to use the refuge
  station in accordance with the fire control and
  emergency response plan
• (c) an effective means of communication with the
  surface
• (d) suitable and appropriate material to
  maintain the seal around the door of the refuge
  station.

401. An employer or contractor must (a) ensure
that every refuge station, and the equipment in
the refuge station, is thoroughly inspected by a
competent person at least once a month and (b)
ensure that the results of each inspection
conducted pursuant to clause (a) are recorded by
the competent person mentioned in clause (a) and
countersigned by the employer or contractor.
6
Saskatchewan Regulations (cont)

• 402. If a refuge station mentioned in section
  398, 399 or 400 uses compressed air cylinders,
  the employer or contractor must ensure that the
  compressed air cylinders are equipped with
  regulators that provide for the optimum flow of
  air in the refuge station, taking into account
  the size of the refuge station and the number of
  workers who may use it.
• 404. (1) If the chief mines inspector requires
  self-rescue apparatuses to be provided
  underground, or if the self-rescue apparatuses
  are otherwise provided by an employer or
  contractor, the employer or contractor must
  ensure that
• (a) all workers carry a self-rescue apparatus
  at all times while working underground or
• (b) a sufficient number of self-rescue
  apparatuses are stored at suitable locations
  underground.
• (2) If self-rescue apparatuses are provided in
  accordance with subsection (1), an employer or
  contractor must ensure that a worker who may be
  required to use a self-rescue apparatus is
  adequately trained by a competent person in the
  proper use of the self-rescue apparatus and in
  its limitations.

7
Alberta Regulations

• 559 An employer at an underground coal mine must
  ensure that there are refuge stations located at
  strategic places in the mine.
• A refuge station must
• be big enough to accommodate all workers working
  in the vicinity during 1 shift,
• have water, air and a system that communicates
  effectively with the surface, and
• be separated from adjoining workings by closeable
  fireproof doors arranged and equipped to prevent
  gases entering the refuge station.
• An employer at an underground coal mine must
  ensure that the number of workers that can be
  accommodated in a refuge station is posted
  outside of the entrance to the station.

8
BC Regulations

• 22.50 (1) A refuge station must be provided
  within 500 m
• (1640 ft) of the main underground work area,
  which is
• (a) large enough to accommodate all workers
  underground,
• (b) supplied with drinking water and compressed
  air tanks or cylinders,
• (c) equipped with a communication system to the
  surface,
• (d) capable of being sealed to prevent the entry
  of gases,
• (e) provided with a plan of the underground
  working which shows all exits,
• (f) maintained in sanitary condition, and
• (g) equipped with emergency lighting.
• 22.11 (1) For non-gassy workings, a minimum of an
  approved self-rescuer of the air purifying type
  must be carried by the worker.
• (2) For gassy workings, a minimum of a
  self-contained (air supply) self-rescuer capable
  of delivering 30 minutes of air must be
  immediately accessible to each worker underground.

9
Yukon Regulations

• 34. (2) Every refuge station shall have water,
  air, and telephone connections to the surface and
  be separated from adjoining workings by closable
  openings so arranged and equipped that gases can
  be prevented from entering the refuge station.

10
NWT Nunavut Regulations

• 8.66. shall ensure that a refuge station is
  located within the closer of the following
  distances from an active workplace in an
  underground mine
• (a) 1 km
• (b) a distance that takes no more than 15
  minutes to travel.
• 8.69. Every refuge station shall be
• (a) clearly identified
• (b) constructed of non-combustible material
  and
• (c) of sufficient size to accommodate all
  persons in the vicinity.
• 8.71(a) that a refuge station is equipped with
  the following
• (i) a supply of potable water,
• (ii) a means of communicating with the mine
  rescue station in an emergency or other
  situation,
• (iii) general lighting,
• (iv) seating capacity for as many persons as
  the refuge station is designed to shelter,

11
NWT Nunavut Regulations (cont)

• 8.71(a) that a refuge station is equipped with
  the following
• (v) an adequate supply of door sealant to stop
  air from entering the refuge station,
• (vi) a sealable container that can be used as a
  toilet,
• (viii) a copy of the procedures for fire
  fighting underground and a plan showing the
  ventilation system and routes to the escape
  exits, both of which are to be posted,
• (ix) at least one first aid kit that meets the
  requirements of Schedule 1,
• (x) where required,
• (A) a source of heat to maintain a minimum
  temperature of 10 C in the refuge station, or
• (B) if the heat referred to in clause (A) may,
  in the opinion of an inspector, cause ground
  instability, warm suits sufficient to prevent
  hypothermia for as many persons as the refuge
  station is designed to shelter, and
• (xi) where the refuge station is underground,
  an air supply independent of the mine air system
  and designed to provide a minimum of 12 hours
  supply of air for as many persons as the refuge
  station is designed to shelter

12
NWT Nunavut Regulations (cont)

• (xii)(b) that the equipment and provisions
  referred to in paragraph (a) are maintained for
  immediate use and are examined at least weekly to
  ensure that the refuge station is equipped as
  required and that the equipment is in good
  working order
• (c) that reproducible maintenance records are
  kept that set out the results of each examination
  done under paragraph (b) and the name of the
  person who did the examination
• (d) that suitable signs showing the direction of
  airflow and the routes to refuge stations and
  escape exits are posted at all junctions leading
  from worksites and
• (e) that a code of conduct for persons occupying
  a refuge station is posted in each refuge station.

13
NWT Nunavut Regulations (cont)

• 1.58. Compressed air used for ventilation in a
  refuge station shall be
• a) continuously supplied to refuge station
  through a separate air line
• (b) in the case of a refuge station, controlled
  only inside the refuge station
• (c) noise attenuated at the point of discharge
  to decrease the noise level to comply with the
  standards set out in Part IX
• (d) before discharging, filtered to remove
  scale, oil and other contaminants

14
Ontario Regulations

• 26. Where the procedure in case of a fire in an
  underground mine provides for the use of a refuge
  station for workers, the refuge station shall,
• (a) be constructed with materials having at least
  a one hour fire-resistance rating
• (b) be of sufficient size to accommodate the
  workers to be assembled therein
• (c) be capable of being sealed to prevent the
  entry of gases
• (d) have a means of voice communication with the
  surface and
• (e) be equipped with a means for the supply of,
• (i) compressed air, and
• (ii) potable water. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 26.

15
Ontario Regulations (cont)

• 126. (1) A magazine, storage container or
  explosive storage area referred to in subsection
  125 (5) that is in an underground mine shall be,
• (a) located at least 60 metres from,
• (iii) areas of refuge or other areas where
  workers may congregate, and
• 233. (1) A system for communicating by voice
  shall be installed and maintained at an
  underground mine. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 233
  (1).
• (2) The communication system required by
  subsection (1) shall permit communication between
  persons at,
• (d) an underground refuge station and
• (e) an attended place on surface. R.R.O. 1990,
  Reg. 854, s. 233 (2).

16
Ontario Regulations (cont)

• 120. (1) A service garage, service bay or
  fuelling station in an underground mine shall,
• (b) be located so that in the event of a fire or
  explosion in the garage, bay or station there
  will be a minimum effect on working areas of the
  mine or on underground installations including
  shafts, magazines, refuge station, transformer
  installations and other installations

17
Ontario Ministry Of Labour - April 27, 1979

• Information Sheet R.S. 24
• Refuge stations should be located in all areas
  U/G where in the event of a fire or other
  disaster there is a possibility that persons may
  not be able to reach a mine exit from the
  workplace in a reasonably short time. They should
  be located in a fresh air circuit and away from
  extreme hazard areas such as diesel repair
  stations and oil, fuel or explosives storage. All
  persons working in the area should be familiar
  with the location of the refuge station.
• Requirements
• The refuge station should
• 1. Preferably be excavated from solid host
  material (rock, salt, gypsum, etc.) and
  constructed so as to prevent the inflow of
  outside air a portable type unit may be used
  providing it is fire resistant and reasonably
  airtight.

Mining Health Safety Branch, Information for
Guidance of Inspectors, Requirements For U/G
Refuge Stations
18
Ontario Ministry Of Labour - April 27, 1979 (cont)

• 2. Be of a size that will afford all anticipated
  occupants 10 cubic yards (7645 litres) of air per
  person per 8 hours or be provided with
  compressed air sufficient to sustain the
  occupants for 8 hours or, be serviced by a
  compressed air line.
• 3. Be serviced with potable water or have a
  supply of drinking water available.
• 4. If possible be fitted with heaters or air
  cooler and lights.
• 5. Have a steel mandoor(s) which can be
  positively latched and tightly sealed. There
  should be a small opening to exhaust stale air
  that can be sealed when required. All components
  should be fire resistant.
• 6. Contain enough benches to comfortably seat
  the persons who will use it.
• 7. Have a drain which will permit escape of
  waste water but will stop the inflow of outside
  air

Mining Health Safety Branch, Information for
Guidance of Inspectors, Requirements For U/G
Refuge Stations
19
Ontario Ministry Of Labour - April 27, 1979 (cont)

• 8. Have a container of clay or other caulking
  compound kept in a condition suitable for use.
• 9. Have a means of communication to a point on
  surface which can be constantly monitored. If
  practical, the means of communication should be
  of a type where an emergency call can interrupt
  any other call.
• 10. Contain a basket stretcher, blankets, and a
  first aid kit, all of which are regularly
  inspected and maintained.
• 11. Have a supply of emergency tools such as
  axes, ropes, shovels, jacks, etc. and a 10lb. Dry
  chemical fire extinguisher.
• 12. Contain a copy of of the fire procedure and
  the procedure to be followed in a refuge station
  during an emergency.
• 13. Be routinely inspected and properly
  maintained for its intended uses.

Mining Health Safety Branch, Information for
Guidance of Inspectors, Requirements For U/G
Refuge Stations
20
New Brunswick Regulations

• 71 An employer shall provide each employee who
  works underground with self-rescue emergency
  escape breathing equipment.
• 72 An employer shall establish and maintain
  underground a sufficient number of refuge
  stations that
• (a) are constructed of fire resistive material,
• (b) are of sufficient size to contain air that
  would sustain the life of the number of employees
  intended to be sheltered for eight hours or are
  equipped with a means for the supply of
  compressed air or oxygen that would sustain life
  of the number of employees intended to be
  sheltered for eight hours,
• (c) are capable of being sealed to prevent the
  entry of gases,
• (d) contain tables and benches,
• (e) have an adequate means of voice
  communication with the surface,
• (f) are equipped with an adequate supply of
  potable water and suitable emergency toilet
  facilities,
• (g) are provided with a first aid kit that meets
  the requirements of subsection 12(3) of the
  General Regulation - Occupational Health and
  Safety Act,

21
New Brunswick Regulations (cont)

• (h) have a posted escape plan and posted
  emergency procedures, and
• (i) have full instructions posted concerning the
  conduct of persons within a refuge station during
  refuge and instructions not to smoke.
• 73 An employer shall ensure that a refuge station
  referred to in section 72
• (a) is not used for any purpose other than a
  lunch room or a storage area for first aid
  supplies and mine emergency equipment, and
•   (b) is checked daily to ensure compliance with
  the requirements of section 72.

22
Nova Scotia Regulations

• 146 (1) An employer must construct, inspect, and
  maintain a refuge station every 300 m underground
  in an active working if a person has to travel
  more than 500 m to reach
• (a) the mine exit or
• (b) if a shaft conveyance is used to reach the
  surface, a shaft station.
• 147 (1) An employer must ensure that a refuge
  station can be sealed to prevent the entry of
  gases and is constructed
• (a) in competent, non-combustible rock
• (b) if it is a non-portable refuge station in a
  coal mine, of competent rock that may be coal, if
  there is an adequate noncombustible sealed
  barrier between the coal and the occupied space
  or
• (c) if it is a portable refuge station, of
  noncombustible material.

23
Nova Scotia Regulations (cont)

• (2) An employer must ensure that a refuge station
  has adequate drainage for liquid and gaseous
  waste.
• (3) An employer must ensure that all parts of any
  compressed air lines, or water lines supplying
  the refuge station are made of noncombustible
  materials.
• (4) An employer must ensure that a refuge station
  is located
• (a) at least 100 m from a magazine, diesel fuel
  storage area, fueling station or battery charging
  station and
• (b) where reasonably practicable, in intake air.
• (5) An employer must ensure that a refuge station
  has on the outside of the refuge station, an
  audible signaling device and a sign identifying
  it as a refuge station.

24
Nova Scotia Regulations (cont)

• 148 An employer must ensure that a refuge station
  has an air supply that is adequate to sustain,
  for a minimum of 8 hours, the life of the maximum
  number of mine workers intended to be sheltered
  there, by ensuring that the refuge station is
• (a) large enough to contain the required air
  supply or
• (b) equipped with a means of supplying the
  required air supply by way of compressed air or
  oxygen.
• 149 An employer must ensure that a refuge station
  is equipped with
• (a) an oxygen and flammable gas detector
• (b) a manometer with a scale, mounted on the
  wall of the refuge station, capable of measuring
  the pressure difference between the inside and
  outside of the refuge station

25
Nova Scotia Regulations (cont)

• (c) an adequate supply of potable water that, if
  supplied in containers, is exchanged for fresh
  water at least once a month, or is kept until its
  expiry date if the supply is sealed and
  date-stamped by a water supplier.
• (d) adequate toilet facilities, tables and
  benches
• (e) an adequate means of voice communication
  with the surface
• (f) adequate emergency lighting
• (g) a Number 2 First Aid Kit as defined by the
  Occupational Health and Safety First Aid
  Regulations made under the Act
• (h) a basket-shaped stretcher with restraining
  straps
• (i) 2 blankets and
• (j) razors for shaving facial hair.

26
Nova Scotia Regulations (cont)

• 150 An employer must ensure that procedures are
  prepared for the use of a refuge station during
  an emergency that include
• (a) instructions for the conduct of persons in
  the refuge station
• (b) instructions for entering the refuge station
  in a manner that protects the health and safety
  of persons sheltered inside the refuge station
  and
• (c) a prohibition on smoking.
• 151 An employer must ensure that the procedures
  required by Section 150 are posted in a
  conspicuous place on the inside and on the
  outside of each refuge station.

27
Nova Scotia Regulations (cont)

• 152 An employer must ensure that a refuge station
  is not used for any purpose other than as a
  lunchroom, office, or storage area for first aid
  supplies and equipment, for the delivery of first
  aid, or as a place of refuge during an emergency.
• 153 At least once a month, an employer must
  ensure that a designated person at the mine
  inspects, maintains and re-supplies the refuge
  stations and prepares a report of the inspection
  and any maintenance performed.

28
MSHA Metal/Nonmetal Mines

• 57.11050 Escapeways and Refuges
• (b) In addition to separate escapeways, a method
  of refuge shall be provided for every employee
  who cannot reach the surface from his working
  place through at least two separate escapeways
  within a time limit of one hour when using the
  normal exit method. These refuges must be
  positioned so that the employee can reach one of
  them within 30 minutes from the time he leaves
  his workplace.

29
MSHA Metal/Nonmetal Mines (cont)

• 30 CFR 57.11052 Refuge areas.Refuge areas
  shall be--a) Of fire-resistant construction,
  preferably in untimbered areas of the mine (b)
  Large enough to accommodate readily the normal
  number of persons in the particular area of the
  mine (c) Constructed so they can be made
  gastight and (d) Provided with compressed air
  lines, waterlines, suitable handtools, and
  stopping materials.
• 30 CFR 57.11054 Communication with refuge
  chambers.Telephone or other voice communication
  shall be provided between the surface and refuge
  chambers and such systems shall be independent of
  the mine power supply.

30
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine

• Location of Emergency Refuge Stations
• On main or normal routes of travel where they
  achieve high visibility and high workforce
  recognition, wherever practical
• Where more than one ERS is required on a level,
  they should be located so as to maximize the
  options workers have to access the ERSs from
  different directions/routes.
• At least 60 m from a magazine.
• At least 15m from a transformer greater in size
  than 5 KVA.
• So that a fire in a parking area or refuelling
  bay will have minimal effect on the ERS.
• Sufficiently distant to any combustible material
  so that the ERS cannot catch on fire and so that
  direct access from the thoroughfare to the ERS
  cannot be blocked off by fire.
• Away from a place where they will be damaged by
  concussion in stope blasts.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
31
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• Away from a place where they will be damaged by
  concussion in stope blasts.
• To have a strong barricade to ensure vehicles
  cannot park in front of them or back into them.
• Where practical, to be located where there is a
  second egress and/or access for mine rescue
  teams.
• Where they can be towed or carried into position
  with no damage to the ERS or the towing machine
  or forklift.
• So they have ready access to utilities
  (telephone, power, etc).
• Where they cannot be flooded.
• Where the ground is sound and good roof support
  is in place.
• To be located after consultation with the
  relevant mine rescue leaders, who may want to
  examine alternative routes for retrieval / rescue
  of personnel if the main access to the ERS is
  blocked.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
32
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• Even though the "design capacity rating" of a ERS
  should not be placed on the ERS (this could imply
  that once this number is reached, people are then
  to be turned away!) it is important to recognize
  a "rating" for the purposes of deciding if and
  where more ERSs are required because of the
  numbers of people working in a high-activity
  area.
• Specification of mine compressed air supply to
  Emergency Refuge Station
• Provision of a properly sized, secure (good
  hangers /ties) preferably screwed compressed air
  line, preferably painted or signed so it is not
  interfered with.
• The airline should discharge to the back of the
  ERS, at the opposite end to the entrance door.
• The airline needs a filter, regulator and a
  silencer. The regulator should be pre-set to the
  airflow required for the number of people in the
  room.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
33
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• Manual override is required for the regulator in
  the event of low compressed air pressure (i.e.
  the line has been damaged or contamination of the
  compressed air has occurred).
• The regulator should be designed so that it will
  not freeze up under the range of conditions that
  could be encountered during emergency egress.
• Airline discharge is activated on confirmation of
  any sized fire or smoke detected or suspected.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
34
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• This must be able to be done remotely by a
  responsible person (ie. the person who gives the
  mine evacuation command), locally from within the
  ERS, and also, in the case of fixed ERSs which
  usually have a fan and vent duct feeding fresh
  air into the room, operated by a smoke detector
  which also closes the fan feeding the room, which
  in turn operates a self closing damper on the
  duct inlet to the room.
• A purge line outside the room, which can be
  opened and closed from a simple mechanical valve
  inside the room, would allow someone in the room
  to purge the first few minutes of air from the
  line for maintenance or other reasons.
• A pressure relief valve at the opposite end to
  the airline discharge to ensure pressures become
  excessive within the ERS

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
35
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• General Specification of Emergency Refuge Station
• Fail-safe breathable air supply, or primary
  supply with backup.
• Brick walls used in the external construction of
  the ERS to be painted to avoid gas leakage. Two
  coats of oil based paint are required.
• For the fixed ERSs a dedicated screwed water
  line, clearly marked, which is also used for day
  to day water supply to the room to avoid problems
  with bacterial growth in the water.
• For the relocatable ERSs, a store of cached
  water, replaced at appropriate intervals, along
  with drinking cups.
• Telephone and essential telephone numbers must be
  on a sign near the telephone.
• A sign with the unique name of the ERS must be
  inside the ERS to ensure that all persons even
  those unfamiliar with their location, can
  identify exactly where they are.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
36
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• No smoking signs outside and inside the ERS.
• Provision of a very basic emergency toilet,
  toilet paper, note books and pens (for taking
  names of persons, instructions, measurements
  etc), stretcher(s) (site specific) and trauma
  kit, playing cards (1 pack per four persons) and
  masking tape (for emergency sealing of cracks)
  all housed in a locked wooden cabinet, with "in
  case of emergency break glass".
• Note that a 3 mm crack around a door leaks 5
  litres of air per metre of crack when under 120
  pascals. Therefore sealing is important to avoid
  possible contamination of the station, even when
  under positive pressure from the compressed air.
• The door to the ERS should be single, steel clad
  and should be outward opening with a good seal.
• The ERS should be clearly marked as "Emergency
  Refuge Station" and optionally painted in the
  Australian standard green and white for emergency
  facilities.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
37
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• The turn off from the main thoroughfare to the
  ERB should be whitewashed to ensure prominence
  and high recognition for the ERB.
• Siren and flashing light outside the ERS (visible
  and audible indicators activated automatically on
  issue of the mine evacuation order with manual
  override so they can be turned off after a
  suitable time) and battery (UPS) backup.
• Orange lights have been shown in South African
  studies to be most visible colour in smoke.
• Optionally, an ERS which is less accessible or
  visible from the main thoroughfare should have
  guide cones installed from the main thoroughfare
  to the ERS.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
38
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

• ERS external walls should have one hour fire
  rating.
• Internal emergency lighting much the same as in a
  surface building. In the fixed ERSs, this also
  helps people find cap lamps etc if there is a
  power failure during other circumstances.
• If temperatures in the ERS could reach levels
  that result in serious health problems, a method
  of cooling the occupants.

Australasian Institute Of Mining Metallurgy
AusIMM Proceedings, Vol. 304 No. 2 1999- Rick
Brake - Mine Ventilation Australia, Graham Bates
- Senior Lecturer In Physiology, School Of Public
Health, Curtin University, WA
39
Coal Mine Refuge Chambers Design Concept
Provisions

• Should be located within 1,500 feet of work areas
  in the mine or otherwise based on model studies
  to determine the appropriate locations.
• Distance based on low/zero visibility, 50 supply
  of a 60-minute SCSR, entry height, and the
  respiratory rate of a miner walking under duress
• Further reduction for entry heights less than 5
  feet
• Provide a minimum of 72 hours of safe refuge to
  hazards caused by mine fires, inundation of water
  and noxious gases, and entrapment
• Life Support System in the Chamber
• Air supply
• Medical-grade oxygen in bottles
• Fresh oil-free air source from surface through a
  cased borehole
• Scrubbers for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
• Humidity control

Mine Escape Planning Emergency Shelters
Workshop - National Academy of Sciences -
Washington DC April 18, 2006
40
Coal Mine Refuge Chambers Design Concept
Provisions (cont)

• Temperature control
• Water Food
• Cased borehole
• Surface to refuge chamber
• Fresh air supply
• Maintain positive pressure in refuge chamber
• Communication/electric lines
• First aid supplies
• Lights
• Power supply
• Sanitation facility
• Seating table
• Stretcher

Mine Escape Planning Emergency Shelters
Workshop - National Academy of Sciences -
Washington DC April 18, 2006
41
Coal Mine Refuge Chambers Design Concept
Provisions (cont)

• Design Requirements
• Resist an explosion with a minimum 80-psi
  overpressure and impact from projectiles such as
  cribs, roof fall material, etc
• If an inundation hazard exists, the chamber
  should also be able to resist a minimum of 100
  feet of water head
• Able to survive initial and secondary explosions
• Follow concrete design codes
• Foundation investigation
• Keyed into strata 2-feet minimum
• Anchored/doweled into the surrounding strata

Mine Escape Planning Emergency Shelters
Workshop - National Academy of Sciences -
Washington DC April 18, 2006
42
Coal Mine Refuge Chambers Design Concept
Provisions (cont)

• Grout curtain around the perimeter of the
  bulkhead to consolidate/strengthen coal measure
  strata reduce permeability
• Mine roof should be extensively bolted both inby
  and outby the chamber other supplement roof
  supports should be provided near the bulkhead
• Equipped with an air and watertight, fire-rated
  steel door 3 diameter or 3 wide by 3 high
• Fire rated (Shotcrete entrance for fire
  protection)
• Rock Anchors to anchor the foundation reinforce
  the coal measure strata

Mine Escape Planning Emergency Shelters
Workshop - National Academy of Sciences -
Washington DC April 18, 2006
43
Mine Refuge Stations Guidelines for
construction, maintenance, and inspections in U/G
operations MAPAM Jan. 2006

• 1. Be excavated from solid host material (rock,
  salt, gypsum, etc.) and constructed so as to
  prevent the inflow of outside air. A portable
  type unit may be used providing it is fire
  resistant and reasonably air tight.
• 2. Be of a size that will afford all anticipated
  occupants 1 cubic meter of air per person per
  hour, for a minimum period of eight hours.
• 3. Be serviced with potable water lines or have a
  supply of drinking water available.
• 4. If possible be fitted with heaters/or air
  coolers and lights.
• 5. Have a steel mandoor(s) which can be
  positively latched and tightly sealed. There
  should be a small opening to exhaust stale air
  that can be sealed when required. All components
  should be fire resistant.

44
Mine Refuge Stations Guidelines for
construction, maintenance, and inspections in U/G
operations MAPAM Jan 2006 (cont)

• 6. Contain enough benches to comfortably seat the
  persons who will use it
• 7. Have a drain to permit the escape of waste
  water but will stop the inflow of outside air.
• 8. Have a container of clay or other caulking
  compound kept in a condition suitable for use.
• 9. Have communication to a point on surface which
  can be constantly monitored. If practical the
  means of communication should be a type where an
  emergency call can interrupt any other call. '
• 10. Have emergency toilet facilities with some
  minimum provisions for privacy.

45
Mine Refuge Stations Guidelines for
construction, maintenance, and inspections in U/G
operations MAPAM Jan 2006 (cont)

• 11. Contain a basket stretcher, blankets and a
  first aid kit, all of which are regularly
  inspected and maintained.
• 12. Have a 10 lb dry chemical fire extinguisher.
• 13. Contain a copy of the fire procedure and the
  procedure to be followed in the refuge station
  during an emergency.
• 14. Be routinely inspected and properly
  maintained for its intended use.
• Construction Guidelines
• 1. Refuge stations must be excavated in competent
  rock, have proper necessary ground support and
  the surrounding material should be air tight or
  have the capability of being sealed properly.
• 2. Locate Refuge Stations as reasonably close to
  the working crews as possible so they can reach
  it within the shortest practical time, and if
  possible, on the fresh air side of the
  ventilation circuit. They must be located a safe
  distance from a flammable materials or explosives
  storage areas.

46
Mine Refuge Stations Guidelines for
construction, maintenance, and inspections in U/G
operations MAPAM Jan 2006 (cont)

• Airlock entry system is preferred. Single door
  entry is common. Procedures should be established
  for single door entry and airlock entry.
• Station should be provided with suitably sized
  steel entry door, opening outward (to prevent
  inadvertent opening from blast concussion) with
  capability of being sealed during emergency, and
  wide enough to allow a stretcher to be carried
  through the opening.
• The door should be of suitable size, constructed
  of metal, and sufficiently reinforced to minimize
  damage from concussions or other potential
  hazards.
• A sill under the door will help to provide proper
  sealing potential.
• Services other than air and water should be piped
  through the wall using conduit to enable proper
  sealing of openings.
• Bulkhead excavation should be minimum size to
  allow smallest practical construction of bulkhead
  - balance of station can be expanded as required.

47
Mine Refuge Stations Guidelines for
construction, maintenance, and inspections in U/G
operations MAPAM Jan 2006 (cont)

• Materials used in bulkhead construction must be
  non-combustible and have at least a 1 hour fire
  resistance rating.
• All walls, ceilings and floors should be
  competent and any joints, cracks, fissures etc.
  should be properly sealed or be capable of being
  sealed during any emergency.
• Concrete blocks should be painted to prevent air
  leakage.
• The refuge station wall should be built on solid
  rock/material. A 4" concrete floor is recommended
  sloped for proper drainage.
• Have an exhaust hole or port about 2" in diameter
  equipped with a non return valve, suitably
  located on entry door.
• P-Trap installed in wall and/or floor for proper
  drainage of liquids/water.

48
Mine Safety Recommendations West Virginia May
29, 2006

• Emergency Shelter/Chamber Recommendations
• 1. The Director shall require, in each
  underground mine, an emergency shelter/chamber,
  it shall be located in a crosscut no more than
  1,000 feet from the nearest working face and
  shall be accurately located on mine maps.
• 2. The Director may approve, as an alternative to
  a shelter/chamber, an additional surface opening
  located no more than 1,000 feet from the nearest
  working face and accurately located on mine maps.
• 16. The proposed emergency shelter/chamber plan
  shall
• describe the structure and operations of the
  emergency shelter/chamber and its role in
  emergency response
• ensure that emergency shelters/chambers are
  included in initial mine hazard training in such
  a manner that it is in compliance with all
  manufacturers requirements and is provided
  yearly in addition to annual refresher training.
  All training shall be recorded and made available
  upon request

Report to the Director of the Office of Miners
Health, Safety and Training By the West Virginia
Mine Safety Technology Task Force
49
Mine Safety Recommendations West Virginia May
29, 2006 (cont)

• ensure weekly inspections of emergency
  shelters/chambers and contents shall be conducted
  by a certified mine foreman/fireboss and recorded
  in weekly ventilation examination book
• ensure that weekly safety meetings review the
  current location of applicable emergency
  shelters/chambers and results of the latest
  inspection
• ensure that emergency shelters/chambers shall
  be equipped with easily removable tamper-proof
  tags such that a visual indication of
  unauthorized access to the emergency
  shelter/chamber can be detected and
• ensure that the mines communication center
  shall monitor any communication systems
  associated with the emergency shelter/chamber at
  all times that the mine is occupied.

Report to the Director of the Office of Miners
Health, Safety and Training By the West Virginia
Mine Safety Technology Task Force
50
Mine Safety Recommendations West Virginia May
29, 2006 (cont)

• 17. The proposed emergency shelter/chamber shall
  include the ability to
• provide a minimum of 48 hours life support
  (air, water, emergency medical supplies, and
  food) for the maximum number of miners reasonably
  expected on the working section
• be capable of surviving an initial event with
  a peak overpressure of 15 psi and a flash
  temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit
• be constructed such that it will be protected
  under normal handling and pre-event mine
  conditions
• provide for rapidly establishing an internal
  shelter atmosphere of
• O2 above 19.5, CO2 below 0.5, CO below 50 ppm,
  and an apparent-temperature of 95 degrees
  Fahrenheit

Report to the Director of the Office of Miners
Health, Safety and Training By the West Virginia
Mine Safety Technology Task Force
51
Mine Safety Recommendations West Virginia May
29, 2006 (cont)

• provide the ability to monitor carbon monoxide
  and oxygen inside and outside the
  shelter/chamber
• provide a means for entry and exit that
  maintains the integrity of the internal
  atmosphere
• provide a means for intrinsically safe power if
  required
• provide a minimum eight quarts of water per
  miner
• provide a minimum of 4000 calories of food per
  miner
• provide a means for disposal of human waste to
  the outside of the shelter/chamber
• provide a first aid or EMT kit in addition to a
  section first aid kit
• have provisions for inspection of the
  shelter/chamber and contents
• contain manufacturer recommended repair
  materials
• provide a battery-powered internal strobe light
  visible from the outside indicating occupancy
• provide a means of communications to the
  surface and
• only contain MSHA approved materials where
  applicable.

Report to the Director of the Office of Miners
Health, Safety and Training By the West Virginia
Mine Safety Technology Task Force
52
INCO 3890 Refuge Station Design Recommendations -
June 1, 2006

• INCO Thompson is building a Refuge Station on
  3890 at the 1D Lower Project and have had
  planning meetings to set this station up. The
  following list are items that were discussed for
  the design of the refuge station.
• Sufficient size to hold 30 personnel. Current
  Layout is 45 x 22 x 9 8910 cubic feet (252
  cubic meters), this allows for 8 hour occupancy
  with dead air for the 30.
• An airlock was discussed for construction. It was
  suggested that 4 foot spacing between the doors
  would be adequate.
• An air header and silencers to be located in
  airlock. In case of emergency the airlock can be
  purged of contaminants.

53
INCO 3890 Refuge Station Design Recommendations -
June 1, 2006 (cont)

• Stretcher box could be stored in airlock.
• Interior doors to be constructed of metal fire
  rated doors, fitted with window.
• Exterior door a steel door to be installed that
  could withstand equipment fire in extraction
  drift.
• No Parking Zone in front of the refuge station,
  put parking area away from station.
• A minimum of 30 Litres of water is required to
  emergency use.
• Telephone to be place on outer airlock wall.
  This allows for communication with occupants of
  refuge station.
• Refer to the MAPAM refuge station recommendations
  for further design criteria.

54
HBMS Standard For Refuge Stations - MWP-S155

• Location
• Mines with shaft access are to have a permanent
  refuge station located within 100 meters of the
  shaft on each working level. Additional
  permanent refuge stations are required at
  horizontal intervals not exceeding 1000 metres.
• Mines with portal access (and ramps) are to have
  permanent refuge stations located as close as
  possible to the main ramp and where practicable,
  at intervals not to exceed 100 vertical metres.
  On any working level, the distance between
  permanent refuge stations is not to exceed 1000
  metres.
• Temporary refuge stations on working levels are
  recommended at 300 metre intervals.

55
HBMS Standard For Refuge Stations - MWP-S155
(cont)

• Requirements
• Are to be plainly identified with signs on the
  bulkhead and in the haulage. Door to be marked
  keep closed a contaminated refuge is no
  refuge
• Are to be kept clean and all entrances free of
  obstructions.
• Are to contain
• a first aid kit.
• a stretcher bag (containing stretcher, first aid
  kit, blankets, splints, k.e.d.).
• an emergency use barrel.
• a detailed map indicating the escape route and
  all active refuge station locations.
• a placard of refuge station procedures.
• a telephone and current list of phone numbers
  (including the Emergency Phone Number in large
  lettering).

56
HBMS Standard For Refuge Stations - MWP-S155(cont)

• Are to contain (cont)
• adequate lighting and heat.
• a leaky feeder communication cable extending into
  the refuge station where use of radio
  communications is applicable.
• air and water lines as outlined in the following
  drawing.
• a floor sloped for drainage.
• a metal garbage can with metal lid.
• Are to be constructed in accordance with the
  standard for ground support policy and
  procedures.
• Where practicable refuge stations with double
  bulkhead construction is recommended.
• Doors are to swing outward from the refuge
  chamber.
• A tee and valve are to be installed in the air
  line between the double bulkheads.

57
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)

• The air line is to be installed well towards the
  rear of the refuge station.This will ensure
  better mixing of the air.
• The muffler is to be installed pointed upwards
  and above the level of the discharge portion of
  the airline. This arrangement will prevent the
  muffler from becoming plugged with rust and
  water, if the discharge line is blown to clear
  the line before the valve to the muffler is
  opened.
• The muffler and controls are to be installed 2m
  (6 ft.) Off the floor.
• Note when a refuge station is designated as a
  lunchroom, it is to be equipped with
• a sink, running hot and cold water, a source of
  potable water, a table and seating, a microwave
  oven.

58
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)
59
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)
60
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)