Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006...

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

Transcript of Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006...

Page 1: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

Refuge Station Design Refuge Station Design and Requirements and Requirements

(Regulations, (Regulations, Guidelines, & Guidelines, &

Standards)Standards)

September 2006

Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of Manitoba (MAPAM)Association of Manitoba (MAPAM)

by Don Peake of Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Ltd.by Don Peake of Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Ltd.

Page 2: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

Manitoba Regulations 228/9444(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:

(a)examine for compliance with this regulation all(iii) refuge stations

Page 3: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

Saskatchewan Regulations398(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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Alberta Regulations559 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.

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BC Regulations22.50 (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.

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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.

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NWT & Nunavut Regulations8.66. 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,

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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;

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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.

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NWT & Nunavut Regulations (cont)

1.58. Compressed air used for ventilation in a refuge station shall bea) 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;

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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.

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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).

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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;

Page 17: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

Ontario Ministry Of Labour - April 27, 1979Information Sheet R.S. 24Refuge 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

Page 18: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 19: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 20: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

New Brunswick Regulations71 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,

Page 21: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

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Nova Scotia Regulations146 (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.

Page 23: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 24: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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;

Page 25: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 26: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 27: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 28: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 29: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 30: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

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

Location of Emergency Refuge StationsOn 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.

Page 31: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 32: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 33: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 34: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 35: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)

General Specification of Emergency Refuge StationFail-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

Page 36: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 37: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 38: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 39: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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 feetProvide a minimum of 72 hours of safe refuge to hazards caused by mine

fires, inundation of water and noxious gases, and entrapmentLife 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

Page 40: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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 suppliesLightsPower supplySanitation facilitySeating & tableStretcher

Mine Escape Planning & Emergency Shelters Workshop - National Academy of Sciences - Washington DC April 18, 2006

Page 41: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 42: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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

Page 43: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 44: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 45: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 46: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 47: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 48: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

Mine Safety Recommendations – West Virginia – May 29, 2006

Emergency Shelter/Chamber Recommendations1. 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 manufacturer’s 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 TrainingBy the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force

Page 49: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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 mine’s 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 TrainingBy the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force

Page 50: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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 TrainingBy the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force

Page 51: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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 TrainingBy the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force

Page 52: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 53: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 54: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 55: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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).

Page 56: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 57: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

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.

Page 58: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)

Page 59: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)

Page 60: Refuge Station Design and Requirements (Regulations, Guidelines, & Standards) September 2006 Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention Association of.

HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)