The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has awarded Strata Worldwide’s new XP-AC battery-powered air-conditioner for emergency refuge alternatives 30 CFR Part 18 and Part 7 approval.

The Strata XP-AC is used with approved refuge alternatives to provide a minimum of 96 hours of air cooling for individuals occupying the refuge alternative following a mine emergency.

The Strata XP-AC unit was specifically designed to work with Strata’s inflatable Fresh Air Bay chambers but can be adapted for use with a wide range of refuge alternatives including built-in-place Safe Rooms.

“Strata engineers employed innovative technology to ensure that the power center and mechanical equipment remain isolated from the potentially explosive atmosphere during deployment,” explains David Maust, vice-president and general manager of Strata Safety Products, LLC.

“Strata foresees global opportunities for these units to be able to assist mines experiencing highly elevated temperatures underground. We have already successfully sold close to two dozen units in the United States”