According to a company statement, the component has been tested and approved to meet MSHA’s regulations for chambers outlined in Part 7 of Title 30, Code of Federal Regulations.
The March 22 approval of the harmful gas removal air component comes after a September 2012 approval for the breathable air component, also used in the Fresh Air Bay chamber.
Both components provide chamber occupants with the required 96 hours of breathable air in the event of an emergency that prevents escape.
“We are very happy to be awarded this approval and very proud to be the first chamber manufacturer to receive approval on both the breathable air and harmful gas removal components,” Strata vice president and safety refuge alternatives general manager David Maust said.
Georgia-based Strata produces both steel and inflatable mine refuge chambers.
The Fresh Air Bay is an inflatable model.
