Emergency refuge shelters are built for a crucial purpose: to provide immediate shelter and life-sustaining supplies to underground workers in the event of an emergency. Inside, adequate breathing air, food and water are provided for a designated number of people over a designated period of time.

The problem is, however, that in a situation where a chamber is necessary, there exists a potentially terrifying communication block between personnel underground and surface operations with rescue teams. Those on the outside often have no idea what is happening with those trapped underground and, in turn, individuals in the shelter have no idea what is happening above.

While potentially vital to survival, retreating into an enclosed area to sit and await rescue is undoubtedly daunting. A lack of connection to the outside world only adds to that fear.

BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATION GAP

By utilising StrataConnect™ DigitalBRIDGE™, mines can cost effectively connect their refuge chambers and safe rooms to the mine's communication network and open a lifeline of communication resources.

With a simple installation of robust coaxial cable which carries both power and data, mines can extend connectivity from the availability of fibre to the location of the refuge shelter. Daily remote monitoring safeguards the security of the shelters, and helps to ensure that they remain ready for use.

In emergency status, DigitalBRIDGE's high-speed digital capabilities can provide live video streaming from onboard cameras, voice communications, personnel tracking and numerous atmospheric monitoring activities from both inside and outside shelters, including:

• Occupancy
• Gas Levels
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Humidity  

Moreover, all these activities can be accomplished simultaneously.

READINESS AND PEACE OF MIND

Ensuring that emergency shelters remain secure and operationally ready is imperative. Simplifying the process and establishing remote monitoring, not only provides real-time awareness, but could save operations significant time, money and labour.

In an emergency, establishing audible and visual connection to underground personnel not only provides vital information for rescue operations, but also offers an unparalleled level of support and comfort for all of those involved.

POWER AND DATA

StrataConnect DigitalBRIDGE is a multi-drop Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cable network that can be quickly installed by on-site personnel, and is fully recoverable. It serves as a universal platform for data and power transport to any PoE networked devices in the mine. Using standard procedures to tap into the coaxial cable, personnel attach the DigitalBRIDGE Quadport to provide up to four powered digital ports for the connection of devices such as:

• Wi-Fi Access Points
• Digital Cameras
• Atmospheric Monitoring Stations (AMS)
• PLCs
• Mine Phones
• Tracking Readers

Data from these devices will be transported via the DigitalBRIDGE network to the mine's existing fibre, up to the surface. Alternatively, DigitalBRIDGE can be used as a stand-alone system, delivering the information directly to a central control room.

URL: https://www.strataworldwide.com/strataconnect-digitalbridge%E2%84%A2?utm_source=mmshowcase&utm_campaign=dbchambers

URL: https://www.strataworldwide.com/emergency-refuge-chambers?utm_source=mmshowcase&utm_campaign=dbchambers