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Strata Worldwide

Strata Worldwide Emergency Refuge Chambers

Emergency Refuge Chambers are complete safety systems built for the vital purpose of providing a safe-to-breathe, isolated atmosphere when the air in the working section has become compromised. They are ideal for incidents such as a fire outbreak, ventilation failure, sudden release of toxic gas or a gas-related explosion.

They are intended for use when self-escape is not possible.

Strata Worldwide is a global name in emergency refuge chambers and complete custom units are built locally in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Strata ERCX is available in base models of various sizes and is equipped with all the essentials that provide immediate, comfortable, and safe emergency shelter and breathable air for workers underground.
Elective upgrades and additional accessories can be added to further enhance the chamber’s comfort, safety and functionality.

Construction Options:

  • Airlock entrance with secondary door or heavy PVC curtain for minimising the entrance of contaminants. Purge air system included as requested
  • Heavy duty wheel and towing packages
  • Segmented shell for easier handling and transport in restrictive mines

Electronic and Systems Upgrades:

  • Air conditioning with dehumidifying, optional networking capabilities for remote control
  • Digital communication systems with network options to the surface
  • Automatic environmental monitoring and gas detection, with networking capabilities for remote monitoring

​Automated oxygen supply system to systematically regulate oxygen supply and maintain safe levels

Breathable Air:       

Chambers can be connected to the mine’s main air lines to provide an indefinite supply of air. In order to ensure this air is safe and suitable for humans, a specialised air filtration system is mounted at the rear of the chamber to purify the mine air before it enters the safety chamber.

Each chamber is also equipped with a back-up air supply made up of a carbon dioxide scrubber and medical-grade oxygen bottles.

The carbon dioxide scrubbers circulate the air through soda lime chemicals to remove the CO2. The oxygen bottles are fitted with regulators to replenish oxygen levels at controlled rates. Gas monitoring can be optionally fitted to the scrubber, and these continually monitor air quality and assist occupants in maintaining a safe breathable atmosphere.

Backup Power Packs:

Strata’s chambers are connected to the mine’s main power source. In the event of power loss, the chamber will automatically switch to battery back-up and function for a standard 36 hours. This time duration is fully scalable.

Interior Temperature Cooling & Dehumidifying:

In some mine locations, certain ambient temperatures can create hazardous conditions for occupants in the chamber over a period of time. Cooling the air and controlling internal humidity becomes vital. Strata chambers have an optional 24-volt air conditioner with dehumidifying capabilities to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment.

Strata ERCX

In May 2020, Strata released the Strata ERCX, its next generation emergency refuge chamber design. The company was looking to create a globally recognisable product that brings to its customers the latest in emergency refuge technologies.

“We have built refuge chambers for the global mining markets for close to 15 years,” states David Maust, General Manager of Chambers – Americas. “It is our primary goal to develop a product that meets the preferences of our customers, and at the same time is easily tailored to meet local and industry-based regulations.”

The ERCX is available in four standard sizes, from 8-, 12-, 20- and a 26-person capacity, and has select base configurations. A comprehensive list of customer-preferred options are also available, including wheel and hitch packages, airlock entrance compartments and highly sophisticated communications and monitoring systems.

HazardAvert® – Proximity Detection & Collision Avoidance System
Vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-person and vehicle-to-stationary object

Strata Worldwide’s HazardAvert® is specifically built for the rugged and highly mobile working conditions found in mining. It helps create a safer working environment by increasing personnel safety awareness and modifying worker behavior.

HazardAvert is EMESRT Level 9 compliant for both underground and surface applications. This means it provides automatic detection, warning, retarding and/or stopping of machinery without operator interaction, in order to prevent accidents.

The system can be interfaced to the machine meeting ISO standards. CAN Bus or via relays. Options include ignition, park brake, e-stop, speed sensor, hydraulics disable, and more.

The customised fields are stable and repeatable and completely unaffected by low visibility, structures, barriers, or inclement weather.

Applications 

HazardAvert is currently used on electric, battery-powered and diesel trackless mining machines, above and below ground. It can be installed and configured to any type, size and OEM brand of machinery, making it ideal for operations with mixed fleets.

It has been successfully used on stationary equipment such as feeder breakers, continuous haulage systems, conveyor belts and conveyor bridges.

HazardAvert Perimeter Guard™ can be used to create “inclusion” and “exclusion” zones for enforcing area parameters for vehicles or to form virtual safety barriers to stop machinery at a specific point.

Monitoring and Reporting

HazardAvert continuously monitors and logs all system activities and events. Data can be downloaded on-site via serial (USB) or Bluetooth®, or can be wirelessly streamed to the surface/control room over Wi-fi or StrataConnect™ Wireless.

Data is displayed on the StrataConnect user interface and is downloadable for analysis, reporting and training evaluations. Dangerous and/or unproductive working practices can be identified, and specific training and guidance put in place.

Strata Worldwide has the largest installation base of electromagnetic (EM) proximity detection systems globally, as well as 12 years of in-the-field experience.



Phone number: +27 (0) 12 450 0960

Email Address: info@strata-safety.co.za
Website: www.strataworldwide.com