Vedanta Resources subsidiary Hindustan Zinc (HZL) has installed ‘refuge chambers’ inside its underground mines in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
The latest move by the Indian mining company is aimed at providing safety to workers during any emergency situations.
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The company said in a statement to PTI: "In case of emergency situations like fire, rock fall and blockage of escape routes among others in the underground mines, refuge chambers, constructed with a robust 6mm steel plate, provide a place of safe refuge with fresh air to the employees.
"Employees in the mines can immediately take refuge in the refuge chamber, which is designed to provide life support system up to 36 hours."
With in-built oxygen supply and carbon-dioxide absorbing system, the refuge chambers also offer facilities such as toilets and air-conditioning.
Escape hatch with external access handles are also available to indicate lights or strobe and siren in order to alert during emergency situation.
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By GlobalDataAccording to HZL, the refuge chambers that are linked to mine power supply comprise basic first aid kits, stretchers and eye washes.
HZL spokesperson Pavan Kaushik told the news agency that so far the company’s underground mines at Rampura Agucha, Sindesar Khurd and Kayad in Rajasthan have these chambers.
Four of them have been installed at Bhilwara’s Rampura Agucha mine, two at Sindesar Khurd mine in Rajsamand and one at Ajmer’s Kayad mine.
