Modern Mining June 2019

SAFETY

At the same time, the breath- ing air is enriched with oxygen from the oxygen

cylinder. Before the regenerated breath- ing air is inhaled again, it flows

t h r o u g h t h e breathing air cooler. Such is the

popularity of Dräger’s equip- m e n t w i t h mines r escue o r g a n i s a t i o n s around the world that in some coun- tries a mines rescue teammember is known as a ‘Drägerman’. The compa- ny’s relationship with the mines rescue community dates back to 1904 with the development of the Model 1904/09, the world’s first closed-circuit breathing appa- ratus. At that time, it was a breakthrough innovation allowing mines rescue teams to extend their mission time dramatically in the pursuit of saving lives. Apart from self-rescuers, Dräger’s prod- uct line-up for the mining industry includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gas detectors and refuge shelters for emergency situations. Although majority-owned by Dräger in Germany, Dräger South Africa has 31 % black ownership and ranks as a Level 2 B-BBEE company. The South African company is based in Johannesburg with branches around the country. Disposable face-masks produced in the manufacturing plant in East London are supplied throughout South Africa and exported worldwide. 

The Oxy 6000 long-duration self-rescuer. workforce numbering more than 14 000 employees. It generated rev- enues of around 2,6 billion euros in 2018. In respect of Dräger’s safety equipment, Matthews says that the main markets are min- ing, petrochemicals and emergency services. “Many mines in South Africa are using our self-rescuers while we have also done well in Zambia with about 3 500 short-duration res- cuers going into that country this year alone.” He adds that while the self-rescuers are largely maintenance-free, Dräger does provide full backup. It is also able to assist with training, either on site or at its own offices. In addition, South Africa’s Mines Rescue Services (MRS) is a big user of Dräger’s PSS ® BG 4 plus closed circuit breathing appa- ratus. The positive pressure breathing circuit protects the wearer by preventing hazardous substances from entering the sealed breathing system. Depending on the application, the dura- tion of use is up to four hours. A CO 2 absorber removes carbon dioxide from the exhaled air.

The Oxyboks K 35 A self- rescuer.

June 2019  MODERN MINING  49