IC 9524 

INFORMATION CIRCULAR/2010 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 
Information Circular 9524 

How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide 

Instructor Guide and Lesson Plan 

By Erica E. Hall and Katherine A. Margolis, Ph.D. 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
 

Office of Mine Safety and Health Research
 

Pittsburgh, PA • Spokane, WA 

October 2010 
This document is in the public domain and may be freely copied 

or reprinted. 

Disclaimer 

Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by either the National 

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (MSHA). In addition, citations to Web sites external to NIOSH do not constitute 

NIOSH endorsement of the sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. Furthermore, 

NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these Web sites. 

Ordering Information 

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contact NIOSH at 

Telephone: 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636)
 

TTY: 1–888–232–6348
 

e-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
 

or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh. 

For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to NIOSH eNews by visiting 

www.cdc.gov/niosh/eNews. 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011–100 

October 2010 

SAFER • HEALTHIER • PEOPLETM 
Contents
 

Instructor Guide ......................................................................................................................... 1
 

Overview ............................................................................................................................ 1
 

Background Information ..................................................................................................... 1
 

Purpose.............................................................................................................................. 2
 

Target Audience................................................................................................................. 2
 

Requirements for Teaching This Module ............................................................................ 2
 

Intended Use...................................................................................................................... 2
 

Room Setup and Equipment .............................................................................................. 2
 

Advance Preparation.......................................................................................................... 2
 

Photo Editing Tips .............................................................................................................. 3
 

Refuge Alternatives as Way Stations.................................................................................. 3
 

Lesson Plan ............................................................................................................................... 4
 

Additional Resources ................................................................................................................13
 

Training Evaluation ...................................................................................................................14
 
How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide
 

Instructor Guide and Lesson Plan
 Erica E. Hall and Katherine A. Margolis, Ph.D.
 

Office of Mine Safety and Health Research
 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
 

Instructor Guide 

Overview 

How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide was created by researchers at the 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to teach miners how to operate 

refuge chambers if it became necessary in a mine emergency. The presentation is intended for 

group-based training and was created using Microsoft PowerPoint. It is designed to be used as a 

template for mine instructors to modify based on the refuge chambers used at their mine. 

Background Information 

Refuge chambers are portable chambers that are either made of steel or are tents that inflate from 

a steel skid. They provide water, food, toilet, breathable air, and a seal to protect occupants from 

the outside environment for at least 96 hours, or 4 days. Although states and mines refer to 

refuge alternatives by different names, this guide will refer to those nearest to the face as refuge 

chambers, whether inflatable from a skid or constructed from steel. Other popular terms for 

refuge chambers are rescue shelters and refuge shelters. Refuges that are toward the mine 

entrance or shaft, whether a prefabricated refuge chamber or one built into a crosscut, will be 

referred to as outby refuges because of their location in the mine. Outby refuges can be 

permanent, semipermanent, or portable and are usually located at every other self-contained selfrescuer (SCSR) cache. Outby refuges are sometimes called hardened rooms, outby shelters, and 

in-place shelters. The term “refuge alternatives” is used to describe both refuge chambers and 

outby refuges. 

This training is intended for refuge chambers that are prefabricated by manufacturers. This 

presentation may, however, be useful for other types of refuge alternatives as long as the 

instructor adapts the Quick Start Guide to fit the operation of the refuge alterative. 
Purpose 

The purpose of this training presentation is to teach underground miners how to operate a refuge 

chamber using a Quick Start Guide. Refuge chambers are a technology that may be new to 

miners. Therefore, this training will assist the instructor in developing a quality training tool to 

teach miners how to operate refuge chambers based on Quick Start Guides. It is designed to be 

used as a template for mine instructors to modify based on the refuge chambers used at their 

mine. 

Target Audience 

This material has been designed for underground miners at all skill levels. It can be integrated 

into required new miner training courses, annual refresher courses, or any other mine site 

training. 

Requirements for Teaching This Module 

If this training is part of a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) required course, 

an approved instructor and/or content expert must deliver the training. 

Basic computer skills (keyboard, mouse, connect computer to LCD projector). 

Knowledge of the mine’s emergency response plan (ERP). 

Intended Use 

This presentation is intended to be used as a template and guide for mine instructors to use in 

creating their own customized presentation that reflects the refuge alternatives being used at their 

mine. The presentation is intended for group-based training, and it is recommended that the 

instructor allows for discussion at any point before advancing to the next slide. 

Room Setup and Equipment 

Arrange seating so that everyone has a clear view of the screen. 

Equipment required for large group training: 

o One computer equipped with Microsoft PowerPoint 

oLCD projector 

oLarge screen 

o How to Operate a Refuge Chamber: A Quick Start Guide package (customized to 

be mine- and chamber-specific) 

Advance Preparation 

The instructor should be thoroughly familiar with the operation and use of the specific refuge 

chamber used in the mine where training is taking place. Read the information provided by 

2
 
the refuge chamber manufacturer/supplier about the specific refuge chamber(s) used at the 

mine. 

The instructor should customize the presentation for the specific refuge chamber(s) in use at 

his/her mine. This involves tailoring the operational process to fit into the structure of the 

Quick Start Guide. The instructor should also document the operational tasks by taking 

detailed photos and then inserting them into the presentation. For additional resources in 

creating a tailored Quick Start Guide, see 

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pubreference/outputid3169.htm. 

The instructor should evaluate the particular refuge chamber at the mine where training is 

conducted. Some refuge chambers can be used as way stations and others cannot without 

compromising the chamber. Refuge chambers used as way stations can provide a place to 

rest, to change SCSRs, to care for any injuries, etc. Consult with the refuge chamber 

manufacturer and the mine management for specifics about using the refuge chamber as a 

way station. 

Double check all computer and audio/visual equipment before the training. 

Familiarize yourself with the lesson plan included in this guide. 

Familiarize yourself with the mine’s emergency response plan (ERP). 

Photo Editing Tips 

Take photos of the refuge alternatives specific to your mine to include in the presentation. Be 

sure to take detailed photos and also zoom in on small features (instruction decals, valves, 

settings, etc.). 

Use a variety of photos to illustrate each step. 

Insert arrows to accentuate features. 

Document the entire process; photos are essential to providing a clear overview of the 

operational task. 

Use the photos to customize the presentation to fit the refuge chambers used at your mine. 

Refuge Alternatives as Way Stations 

Some refuge alternatives can be used as way stations and others cannot without compromising 

the air inside the refuge alternative. Refuge alternatives used as way stations can provide a place 

to rest, to change SCSRs, to care for injuries, etc. Consult with the refuge alternatives 

manufacturer and the mine management for specifics about using the refuge alternatives as a way 

station. 

3
 
 

 

Lesson Plan 

The following lesson plan offers discussion questions and notes for each slide of the 

presentation. The instructor can use these notes and additional information relevant for their 

class. 

Introduce the training. 

“What do you currently know about 

operating refuge chambers?” 

“When would you deploy a refuge chamber?” 

Use this opportunity to correct 

misperceptions, state benefits, and stress the 

use of a refuge chamber as a last resort. 

Discussion. ”Refuge chambers can seem 

complicated to operate, but operation 

involves 4 easy steps.” (Discuss slide.) 

Additional information. Quick Start Guides 

are designed to simplify tasks and isolate the 

critical steps necessary to operate a refuge 

chamber. They can be made into a reflective 

sticker for hardhats and the exterior of a 

refuge chamber. 

The more familiar a miner is with the 

operating process, the more likely he or she 

will successfully activate it during an 

emergency. 

4
 
Discussion. “Refuge chambers operate on 

four key steps: DEPLOY the unit, PURGE the 

system, activate the OXYGEN, and activate 

the SRUER system.” 

“Standardized formatting allows for workers 

(particularly contractors) who change mines 

to easily adapt to operating different refuge 

chambers.”
	

“This method can be used for refuge
	

chambers and outby refuges. A refuge 

chamber is used as an example throughout 

this presentation.” 

Discussion. (refer to slide) “This Quick Start 

Guide reminds us of the four operational 

tasks in setting up a refuge chamber.“ 

Personalize it. Some chambers list in their 

procedures turning on the scrubbing unit 

prior to the oxygen, while others say oxygen 

should come first. Most likely, these 

operations will be performed simultaneously. 

Customize the example to the operating 

procedures for the refuge chamber at your 

mine. 

Discussion. Remind the class that DPOS 

means Deploy, Purge, Oxygen, and Scrubber. 

”Each of the four tasks in the Quick Start 

Guide may have one or more subtasks.” “The 

first task is to deploy the unit.” 

Personalize it. The following slides contain 

photos and instructions for deploying a tent 

that inflates from a steel skid. If necessary, 

change the photos and instructions to reflect 

the operational tasks for the refuge chamber 

at your mine. See “Photo Editing Tips” section 

in the Instructor Guide. 

5
 
 

 

 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “For the refuge chamber in this 

slide, deployment involves 3 subtasks: (1) 

remove safety pin and then (2) open door (by 

pulling the large red lever). Watch for the 

door to open, make sure deployment area is 

free of obstacles and debris, then (3) pull red 

deployment knob. 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “Once the lever is pulled, the tent 

will start to unroll; you may need to help 

unroll the tent.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “Next, the tent will start to fill 

with air.” 

6
 
 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “The tent will continue to fill with 

air. Help expand the tent. Be sure to keep it 

straight.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “It will take approximately two 

minutes for the tent to fully inflate.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “Once fully inflated, the tent will 

be approximately 36” tall.” 

7
 
Discussion. Remind the class that DPOS 

means Deploy, Purge, Oxygen, and Scrubber. 

“The second task is to purge the system.” 

“In this case, to ‘purge the system’ means to 

clear the air inside of the air lock of carbon 

monoxide (CO). This step is important 

because it prevents the air in the main 

chamber from getting contaminated with 

O.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “This is the entrance to the unit. 

It is clearly marked in reflective material.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion: “Three miners can fit in the 

purge air lock. Many chambers require 

miners to crawl into the purge air lock space.” 

8
 
[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “The entering miner yells when 

the next should enter.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “!fter the last miner has entered, 

close the door and seal the purge air lock 

completely. Be sure that the door to the 

main chamber remains closed until after air 

lock has been purged AND the CO levels are 

found to be below 200 ppm.” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “It is important to simplify and 

isolate the critical operational steps needed 

to get a refuge chamber set up and activated. 

Once safely inside a refuge chamber the 

details can be looked up. Detailed 

instructions will be posted inside the 

chamber and a complete operational manual 

will be located inside of the chamber.” 

9
 
[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “Open the purge valve. This will 

release the purge air and will dilute any CO in 

the air. It is also important to take air 

readings to make sure the CO levels are 

below 200 ppm. Do not proceed into the 

main chamber until these levels have been 

achieved; repeat the purge process if 

necessary.” 

Discussion. Remind the class that DPOS 

means Deploy, Purge, Oxygen, and Scrubber. 

”The third task is to activate the oxygen. y 

activating the oxygen it allows clean, 

breathable air to flow into the main chamber. 

It is critical to read the charts and set the 

airflow to the correct setting to ensure that a) 

there is enough air for the number of miners 

in the chamber and b) so that there isn’t too 

much air. Too much oxygen can be just as 

harmful as too little in a sealed environment 

(it can cause an oxygen enriched 

environment).” 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “The oxygen flow meter is 

located on the wall inside the chamber. The 

four subtasks are (1) set the tube fill valve to 

the OFF position, (2) set the door purge valve 

to the OFF position, (3) set the oxygen supply 

valve to the ON position, (4) then set the flow 

according to the chart (see next slide).” 

10
 
[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “Using the Oxygen Flow Meter 

Chart, posted in the refuge chamber, 

determine the ‘flow meter setting’ based on 

the number of people in the refuge chamber. 

Set the oxygen flow to the appropriate 

setting. Remember, too much oxygen can be 

just as harmful as too little in a sealed 

environment (it can cause an oxygen 

enriched environment).” 

“It is important to conserve the oxygen 

supply.” 

Discussion. Remind the class that DPOS 

means Deploy, Purge, Oxygen, and Scrubber. 

”The fourth task is to activate the scrubber.” 

Note. Every refuge chamber does use a 

scrubber system. However, it varies from 

manufacturer whether the system is 

comprised of lithium hydroxide curtains or 

soda lime cartridges. The purpose of both 

types of scrubber systems is to absorb the 

carbon dioxide (O2) expelled from people’s 

bodies when they breathe. Without 

absorption, the environment would become 

O2 enriched and people would die. 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “The scrubber curtains are 

located in the rear of the chamber.” 

Note. Lithium hydroxide curtains are used as 

an example in this presentation. Change and 

adapt the following slides accordingly to 

reflect your chamber. 

11
 
[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “Read the chart and set up the 

correct number of boxes according to the 

number of people inside the chamber. Refer 

to the chart to determine how often to add 

curtains.” (!mount and frequency will vary, 

please refer to specific manufacturers’ 

charts.) 

Note. Not all refuge chambers use lithiumhydroxide curtains; some may use soda lime 

cartridges. Replace this slide to reflect the 

system used by your refuge chamber. 

[Sample: Change photos and instructions if 

necessary.] 

Discussion. “!n operational manual can be 

found inside the main chamber and contains 

troubleshooting information for the scrubber 

system.” 

Discussion. “Escape is always the first option. 

If it becomes necessary to operate a refuge 

chamber, remember DEPOS: DEPLOY the 

unit, PURGE the system, activate the 

OXYGEN, and activate the SCRUBBER 

system.” 

Additional information. Quick Start Guides 

are not stand-alone training tools. Miners 

need more detailed hands-on training during 

non-emergency situations. Miners should be 

made aware a Quick Start Guide isolates the 

four basic steps: Deploy, Purge, Oxygen, and 

Scrubber. 

12
 
Additional Resources
 

NIOSH has created a Web page containing a suite of refuge chamber training products and 

guidance documents. These products and documents can be downloaded directly from the 

internet. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/topics/training/refugechambers.htm 

13
 
 

Training Evaluation 

Age ______ Sex ______ Total years experience mining ______
 

Total years experience at this mine ______
 

Present job at this mine ________________________________________________________
 

Total years experience in your present job ______
 

Normal shift __________________________
 

Present location in the mine ____________________________
 

Please circle the number which tells how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: 

Statement Strongly 

Agree 

Agree Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree 

Disagree Strongly 

Disagree 

Overall, this training was excellent. 1 2 3 4 5 

Overall, this training was interesting. 1 2 3 4 5 

Overall, this training was easy. 1 2 3 4 5 

Overall, this training was informative. 1 2 3 4 5 

Overall, this training was useless. 1 2 3 4 5 

Overall, this training was important. 1 2 3 4 5 

Please circle the number which tells how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: 

Statement Strongly 

Agree 

Agree Neither 

Agree nor 

Disagree 

Disagree Strongly 

Disagree 

I feel better prepared if I ever find 

myself in a refuge chamber. 

1 2 3 4 5 

I am more aware of what it would be 

like in a refuge chamber. 

1 2 3 4 5 

I have a better idea of how to use a 

refuge chamber. 

1 2 3 4 5 

This training was relevant to my job. 1 2 3 4 5 

I liked the format of this training. 1 2 3 4 5 

14
 
Delivering on the Nation’s promise:

safety and health at work for all people

through research and prevention

To receive NIOSH documents or more information about

occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH at

1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636)

TTY: 1–888–232–6348

e-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov

or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh. 

For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to

NIOSH eNews by visiting www.cdc.gov/niosh/eNews. 

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-100 

SAFER • HEALTHIER • PEOPLETM