African Petrochemicals Edition 14_5 web

ChemSAFE
Safe Haven,
Chemours.
Most recently, MineARC has collaborated
with an Australian liquid ammonia facility to
engineer and manufacture a technologically
advanced ChemSAFE safe haven solution
that met all of their requirements. By request,
the custom chambers are equipped with
fixed gas monitoring, capable of testing for
ammonia both internally and externally. They
also feature MineARC’s unique Automated
Oxygen Delivery System (AODS), designed
to maintain a safe, breathable atmosphere
within the safe haven. Once activated, the
AODS disperses measured amounts of
oxygen into the refuge, maintaining levels
between 18.5% and 23%. Each ChemSAFE
features a custom six-person, push-button
internal vestibule, allowing site personnel
to move safely between outside elements
and the safe haven during an emergency by
eliminating the chance of contaminated air
entering the main chamber.
CHEMSAFE SAFE HAVENS
A Better Solution for Emergency
Response Planning
4
The safety and well-being of personnel is considered a
top priority in the chemical production and processing
industries. With few options available to provide suitable
protection from toxic gas releases during emergencies,
it is important to make the most appropriate decisions
based on facility size, hazards, operating staff numbers
and other critical contributing factors. “Non-built-forpurpose”
structures are often used as muster points during
an emergency; however, generally these solutions do not
result in acceptable levels of leak-tightness for long-duration
occupancy during a hazardous gas release. Upgrading
existing infrastructure can often be prohibitive and can
sometimes cost more than new construction. When faced
with these potential outcomes, operators often search for
a cost-effective and safe alternative such as a portable safe
haven.
MineARC Systems have worked with a number of leading
global petrochemical clients over the years, with the goal of
improving their emergency response procedures. After nine
years of refinements, MineARC’s ChemSAFE Safe Haven is now well-established in the chemical
processing industry. Inside a ChemSAFE, a number of vital life-support systems combine to
create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants during a toxic chemical release, explosion or
other hazardous emergency scenario.
Through careful analysis of a site and its potential hazards, MineARC’s global team of engineers
can design a highly customized safe haven to meet specific requirements. Engineers are on hand
throughout the entire process to ensure the best possible solution is delivered for every project.
During a project for Chemours, located in Ontario Canada, MineARC performed a site visit to
their Maitland facility to examine a series of potential locations for a safe haven. Following this,
MineARC delivered a tailored report and made recommendations based on the most appropriate
solution for Chemours’ emergency response procedure. Confident portable safe havens were a
better and more cost-efficient option than converting existing on-site rooms, Chemours Maitland
consequently purchased two 26-person ChemSAFE Utility Design Safe Havens.
Another company MineARC has partnered with in recent times is INVISTA in Texas, whose guiding
principles place a strong emphasis on the health and safety of its employees. By request, each
ChemSAFE Standard Design Safe Haven at INVISTA La Porte features an external vestibule fitted
directly to existing office buildings. This ensures an airtight access point for facility personnel
to move safely between on-site buildings and the safe haven during an emergency. Unique to
INVISTA, the blast rated structural capacity of the units have also been designed to allow free
movement with a blast; ensuring that the safe havens maintain their integrity.
ChemSAFE,
INVISTA, La Porte.
In all cases, these clients elected to utilize
MineARC ChemSAFE Safe Havens as opposed
to upgrading permanent facilities. The
cost for clients was significantly less, with
protection far greater than the conversion
of a regular building. With the option to
integrate a range of life-support functions
such as blast resistance, positive pressure
flushing systems, gas scrubbing and remote
monitoring, MineARC remains at the
forefront of the latest safe haven technology,
continuing to create new partnerships with
companies that take the safety of their
employees seriously.
For more info contact
Jason van Niekerk
MineARC Africa
Business Development Manager
Tel: +27 (0) 11 796-5162
Email: jason.vanniekerk@minearc.com