Strata Worldwide says its next generation emergency refuge chamber, the Strata ERCX, is intended to provide greater flexibility for custom configurations, and to implement “many time-learned improvements for occupant safety and comfort”.
The global launch will see the steel-sided, walk-in refuge chamber become available to the underground mining, tunnelling, chemical and other industries where emergency isolation for workers may be required.
David Maust, General Manager of Emergency Refuge Chambers – Americas, said: “We have been engineering and constructing refuge chambers for the global mining and tunnelling markets for over 13 years.
“We have learned valuable lessons from our experiences and through customer input. It was our primary goal to develop a product that would meet the preferences of our customers, and at the same time be easily tailored to meet local and industry-based regulations.”
The ERCX, an update on the company’s ERC chamber, is available in four standard sizes – 8-, 12-, 20- and 26-person – and has select base configurations. It also boasts a comprehensive list of customer preferred options, according to Strata.
“These options range from structural modifications, such as wheel and hitch packages and airlock entrance compartments, to highly sophisticated communications and remote monitoring systems that include several options for establishing a live connection to the surface,” the company said.
Time duration selections include 24, 36, 48 and 96 hours of breathable air and battery back-up on-board supplies.
Strata CEO, Mike Berube, said the company is optimistic about this new product launch.
“As a company, Strata Worldwide is always looking to enhance and expand its safety product lines, and this new design of one of our core products is another step forward on our mission. We wanted to create a globally recognisable product that brings to our customers the latest technologies available.”
The ERCX has earned mining industry certifications from MSHA and ATEX, as well as ITA & BS EN tunnelling certifications, the company said.
The new units are ready to order, with Strata already making its first deliveries this month, it said.