Refuge Station Design
and Requirements
(Regulations,
Guidelines, &
Standards)
Prepared For The Mines Accident Prevention
Association of Manitoba (MAPAM)
by Don Peake of Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Ltd.
September 2006
Manitoba Regulations 228/94
44(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
Saskatchewan Regulations
398(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.
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.
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.
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.
Alberta Regulations
559 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.
BC Regulations
22.50 (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 selfrescuer of the air purifying type must be carried by the worker.
(2) For gassy workings, a minimum of a self-contained (air supply) selfrescuer capable of delivering 30 minutes of air must be immediately
accessible to each worker underground.
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.
NWT & Nunavut Regulations
8.66. 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,
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;
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.
NWT & Nunavut Regulations (cont)
1.58. Compressed air used for ventilation in a refuge
station shall be
a) 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;
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 fireresistance 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.
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).
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;
Ontario Ministry Of Labour - April 27, 1979
Information Sheet R.S. 24
Refuge 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
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
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
New Brunswick Regulations
71 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,
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.
Nova Scotia Regulations
146 (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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency Refuge
Stations For An U/G Metal Mine
Location of Emergency Refuge Stations
On 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.
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
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
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
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
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
Criteria For The Design Of Emergency
Refuge Stations For An U/G Metal Mine (cont)
General Specification of Emergency Refuge Station
Fail-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
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
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
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
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 feet
Provide a minimum of 72 hours of safe refuge to hazards caused by
mine fires, inundation of water and noxious gases, and entrapment
Life 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
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 supplies
Lights
Power supply
Sanitation facility
Seating & table
Stretcher
Mine Escape Planning & Emergency Shelters Workshop - National Academy of Sciences - Washington DC April 18, 2006
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mine Safety Recommendations –
West Virginia – May 29, 2006
Emergency Shelter/Chamber Recommendations
1. 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 Training
By the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force
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 Training
By the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force
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 Training
By the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force
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 Training
By the West Virginia Mine Safety Technology Task Force
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)
HBMS Refuge Station Standard - MWP-S155(cont)