Australian mining refuge chamber manufacturer MineArc Systems has developed its first portable, free standing first aid station designed specifically for application in the underground mining industry.

Identifying an opportunity for improvement in the industry, MineARC has launched MediSAFE, which is a robust, self-contained structure designed to provide the necessary tools and a sterile, safe working environment for first aid treatment.

The company says the station removes the risk involved in delivering injured personnel to the surface or over long distances to a sick bay to deliver simple first aid treatment and initial triage assessment.

“Like all heavy industry in Australia, the underground mining industry has a reputa- tion for risk and injury; however, it has taken great strides towards proactive avoidance of risk and harm. Occupational health and safety has become a key focus and a government- mandated requirement for all mining operations across the country.

“Safe Work Australia’s ‘First Aid in the Workplace’ requires high-risk workplaces with 100 or more workers to provide adequate on-site first aid facilities and a dedicated medically trained first aid officer,” notes MineARC.

Generally speaking, these facilities and personnel are located on the surface or in permanent underground sick bays which are built into the mine. As a result, the process of administering basic first aid to personnel can prove to be inefficient, with time consuming travel to the surface or around the mine involved.

Seeking to provide a more flexible solution to first aid, MineARC has developed Australia’s very first portable medical station designed specifically for the underground mining environment, the MediSAFE first aid station.

MediSAFE has a solid 3 mm steel construction with insulated walls and air conditioning and is delivered with a comprehensive fit-out tailored for first aid applications. The interior is divided into two sections: a front seated area for personnel to await treatment and a rear screened examination area, featuring a medical-grade gurney and oxygen cylinders, refrigerated storage facilities and eye-wash station and ablutions.

Shower facilities and an additional eyewash station are located in an external annex at the front of the chamber.

To further combat the harsh environment of underground mining, MineARC offers additional options such as a fully pressurised airlock, uninterrupible power supply
battery backup and remote camera monitoring.

MineARC highlights that sites can also request a full upgrade to all medical equipment, including an electric blood pressure station, a stainless steel dressing trolley and a premium examination bed.

“MediSAFE can reduce risk to injured personnel by allowing their injuries to be assessed and treated faster and more efficiently in a hygienic and safe environment.

“MediSAFE can also reduce the opera- tional costs of delivering injured personnel for assessment to the surface or to a permanent first aid room that could be several hundred metres away,” the company concludes.