The specialised compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) is the SABRE CONTOUR fitted with a Fast Fill connection and a 9.0 litre 300-bar carbon fibre cylinder.

The decision by Dartbrook to purchase the Sabre Contour was made after mine personnel conducted walk out trials of the various CABA brands. Scott International is the manufacturer of the Sabre brand of breathing apparatus.

“One of the major features that swayed Dartbrook in selecting Sabre was the excellent vision available through the aptly named VISION 3 facemask, providing unmatched comfort and vision, which not only assists in escaping, but also is less stressful to infrequent wearers of CABA,” said Keith Gillespie, Scott International’s Regional Manager (Oceania).

“This along with the low cost of total ownership of the CABA based upon on going testing and maintenance over the life of the product or the mine.”

The Sabre Fast Fill attachment allows the wearer to refill or top up their CABA cylinder as they move out of the mine, while the apparatus is still in use allowing the wearer to continue breathing clean, cool air. This ensures that the wearer is fully protected at all times.

“The SABRE Fast Fill Stations, whilst being the smallest units in the market are also the fastest and simplest to use, which is of high importance when used for emergency situations,” Gillespie said, adding that typical comments received by wearers of the Sabre Contour include: “It’s unbelievably light,” “It doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a facemask at all,” “No distortion,” and, “I never thought I’d be wearing a CABA to escape, I thought only fire fighters used CABA”.

Scott International has enjoyed considerable success in the Hunter Region in the introduction of CABA through Chubb Fire Australia. Some of these operations include South Bulga, West Wallsend, Cumnock, United Colliery and the NSW Mines Rescue Service.

“Our statement of business is ‘To be recognised as the worldwide leader in design, manufacture and supply of personal protective equipment, which our customers wear by choice, not just by necessity,’” Gillespie said.

“We believe that our ability to react to our customer’s needs is what has made us the No 1 breathing apparatus manufacturer and supplier in Australia. Currently, approximately 50% of the CABA used by the Australian and New Zealand Fire Brigades and Military are the Sabre brand”.

To support Sabre’s growing market, Chubb Fire Australia has introduced many new service departments, many of which have mobile service vans and technicians who can perform testing and scheduled maintenance on-site.

“Modular design of the Contour means that parts can be replaced onsite by Chubb’s team of local service technicians,” said Steve Mackaway, Chubb’s Special Hazards Representative from Newcastle.

“It also means the customer can upgrade at any time without having to outlay huge expenditure. We have expertise in capital cities and many regional centres, an investment that enable us to offer comprehensive and prompt service”.

Other users of Sabre Contour include Queensland operations Capricorn Coal, Crinum/Gregory, Moranbah North, North Goonyella, the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Queensland Mines Rescue Service.

The Sabre CABA concept has also been successfully introduced into hard rock mines including Carpenteria Gold, Gympie Gold and Charter Towers Mines Rescue group. In some of these instances CABA is being used for rescue as an alternative to the more traditional Long Duration units.