In the US, as a result of the Sago and Darby mine disasters, several states now require or will require the use of refuge chambers.

A provision of the MINER Act requires NIOSH to conduct research, including field tests, on the use of refuge chambers in underground coal mines.

“Properly designed refuge alternatives, in combination with technologies developed in the areas of disaster prevention, breathing devices, communications etc, should improve on the protections available for emergency situations,” NIOSH said.

Despite ongoing debate over the merits of refuge chambers in underground coal mines, NIOSH recognised that a consensus is developing among stakeholder groups on refuge concepts as part of an escape and survival strategy.

“Specifically, the merits of at least two concepts have emerged: inflatable/portable devices for use at the face, and refuge rooms for use outby,” NIOSH said.

“The refuge chamber located closest to the face could serve as a staging point wherein the miners would communicate with the responsible person, discuss their escape plan, review maps, don their SCSRs and begin their egress, heading towards the first safe haven, or refuge station.

“In the event that egress was impossible, the refuge station(s) would provide a better alternative than a barricade erected by miners during an emergency situation.”

Consensus on a possible third component of an escape/refuge system is also developing: the escape vehicle for underground coal mines, which will be addressed separately by NIOSH.

“The overarching objective of this work is to solve engineering problems or develop engineering guidelines associated with the location, construction and general application of various refuge alternatives,” NIOSH said.

For more information, visit http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/CDCP/CMBP/2007%2DN%2D09190/listing.html