Turkey’s Ministry of Labor and Social Security published a detailed regulation on 08.04.2017—within Article 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331—regarding the procedures and principles for the use of refuge chambers. These procedures and principles entered into force on 01.07.2018.
This notification, consisting of 8 articles, provides comprehensive information about the obligation to establish refuge chambers, their technical requirements, inspection and maintenance procedures, and the training and briefing of employees.
Some key details regarding refuge chambers include:
- The permitted distance between refuge chambers and working areas, the locations where they must be installed, and maximum operating limits,
- The requirement for chambers to remain operational at all times in emergencies such as fire, explosion, collapse, or the release of toxic or asphyxiating gases,
- Specifications regarding chemical toilets, seating areas, fire extinguishers, and the minimum and maximum gas values that must be maintained inside the chamber,
- The obligation to document inspection and maintenance results demonstrating that the chamber is safe for use.
You can access the full official statement here: https://mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=23494&MevzuatTur=9&MevzuatTertip=5
As AYSAN, we continue to manufacture, install, and maintain mine refuge chambers in full compliance with these rules and regulations.