Company Announcement - The StormSAFE represents MineARC’s latest venture into above-ground safe refuge solutions for industry. In close collaboration with Australian iron ore company, Atlas Iron, MineARC has developed two modular, fully portable cyclone shelters, built to withstand wind speeds in excess of 300km/hr.

For their operation in the Northern Pilbara region, an area prone to extreme weather conditions and cyclones, Atlas Iron recognised the advantage of providing on-site storm shelters at their largest Port Hedland facilities. MineARC Engineer, Daragh Quinn, said “The custom StormSAFE chambers were specifically designed to comply with the Australian Building Code’s ‘Region D Rating’ for tropical cyclones, as well as the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS1170.2, with a Building Code of Australia Importance Level of 4.” “Each chamber is large enough to house 72 people safely during extreme weather, eliminating the requirement for Atlas Iron to send staff to Perth during an emergency, and allowing them to continue production and processing as normal all the way up to a ‘blue’ alert.”

The chambers were designed as four-piece modular units that bolt together to provide approximately 105m2 of internal space, allowing easy disassembly and relocation as required. Boasting a clever, compact design, the shelters each offer bedding for up to 54 persons, ample seating, a kitchenette and dual toilet facilities. "The MineARC team, from initial concept discussions through to handover on site, provided a professional service," said Trevor Beattie, Capital Works Manager at Atlas Iron. "The design of the StormSAFE product evolved during construction to meet the conflicting requirements of two separate end user locations.”
“The StormSAFE shelter met all the Technical Criteria and the internal fit out provides total flexibility for seating arrangements within the two center modules. A special thanks to MineARC for their determination in delivering the product to schedule and at a level that was promised at the outset."

The StormSAFE’s unique modular design means it can be customised and adapted to meet any client specification, particularly in regards to size, occupancy and internal features. If you are interested in a storm shelter for your site, please contact MineARC, whose qualified engineers can work closely with you to produce a solution to best suit your needs.