1. 1 - 4264.ppt Guidelines for Rescue Chambers Randy Berry Foster-Miller Inc.

2. 2- 4264.ppt Background  Foster-Miller is a consulting engineering company, with extensive experience in:  Robotics  Instrumentation  Mine safety research  Ventilation studies  Emergency escape hoist guidelines  Escape system guidelines for metal/nonmetal mines  Guidelines for oxygen self-rescuers  Guidelines for rescue chambers

3. 3- 4264.ppt Background  Foster-Miller is a consulting engineering company, with extensive experience in:  Robotics  Instrumentation  Mine safety research  Ventilation studies  Emergency escape hoist guidelines  Escape system guidelines for metal/nonmetal mines  Guidelines for oxygen self-rescuers  Guidelines for rescue chambers

4. 4- 4264.ppt Background  Foster-Miller is a consulting engineering company, with extensive experience in:  Robotics  Instrumentation  Mine safety research  Ventilation studies  Emergency escape hoist guidelines  Escape system guidelines for metal/nonmetal mines  Guidelines for oxygen self-rescuers  Guidelines for rescue chambers

5. 5- 4264.ppt Summary of the Presentation  Introduction  General rescue chamber requirements  Examples of rescue chamber designs  Other considerations  Location methodology  Conclusions

6. 6- 4264.ppt Introduction  Rescue (refuge) chambers are a last resort option for trapped miners who have no escape options

7. 7- 4264.ppt General Rescue Chamber Requirements  Mine specific  Move-able and re-useable  Explosion resistant  Air supply  Other considerations (supplies, where to locate, etc.)

8. 8- 4264.ppt Design of A Crosscut Rescue Chamber  Required the development of a re-usable explosion- proof bulkhead

9. 9- 4264.ppt Two Part Project For Rescue Chamber Study  Design, fabrication, and testing of explosion proof bulkhead(s) for use (and re-use) in a rescue chamber  Development of guidelines

10. 10- 4264.ppt Key Components of An Explosion-Proof Bulkhead  The bulkhead  Securing the bulkhead to ribs, roof, and floor  Man-door  Sealing around bulkhead perimeter Emphasis on using off-the-shelf materials

11. 11- 4264.ppt Mine Specific Designs  Size of crosscut  Competence of the surrounding strata

12. 12- 4264.ppt  -3 Design #1: Channel-Turnbuckle Bulkhead

13. 13- 4264.ppt Design #2: Truss Bulkhead

14. 14- 4264.ppt Design #3: Arch Bulkhead

15. 15- 4264.ppt Other Considerations  Air supply (borehole preferred)  Food and water  Communications  First aid  Maintaining roof and rib support  Ventilation during standby periods  Choosing location(s)

16. 16- 4264.ppt Location Methodology  Mine specific  Flooding risk (pumps lose power)  Surface access  Within 1 hour of the face  Locations along escape routes (and to store additional SCSRs)

17. 17- 4264.ppt Conclusions  Rescue chambers have a place in an overall mine escapeway plan  The rescue chamber concept is worth revisiting and updating  New technology will play a role  SCSRs and other emergency breathing apparatus  Improved structural materials (strong, lightweight)  Improved sealants