“We are keeping our promise to the families of the miners we lost at Sago and Aracoma – they would not die in vain,” West Virginia governor Joe Manchin said.
“West Virginia is an international leader in mine safety today and I am pleased with the cooperative efforts from all the people who continue to work hard to make mining safer, including our miners, state and federal agencies and the manufacturers of these shelters.”
State officials noted there were more than 180 mines now equipped with over 300 shelters that could supply food, water and oxygen to crews in the event of an emergency. Regulations require that all units be placed within 1000 feet of working faces.
“This accomplishment is a significant step in the improvement of mine safety initiatives,” agency director Ron Wooten said.
“No other state has met a similar requirement.”
He noted the refuge chambers were an option for workers when no other avenues for escape or survival were available in the event of a flood, fire, explosion or other emergency underground.
"We want underground coal miners to get out of the mine safely and as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency,” Wooten said.
“But if they are unable to make it out immediately, these units will provide a breathable environment that will help sustain them until help arrives or they are able to exit on their own.”
According to the office, companies approved to provide emergency shelters to West Virginia coal mines include AL Lee, Carbonoks, ChemBio, Draeger Safety, Kennedy Metal Products, MineArc Systems, Strata Products and Modern Mine Safety Supply.
