WV mines get airtight refuge chambers CHARLESTON, WV (WOUB) - Manufacturers have delivered nearly 200
airtight refuge chambers to West Virginia coal mines.

State regulators became the first in the nation to mandate the chambers after 12 trapped men died after a January 2006 explosion at the Sago Mine.

The chambers are designed to provide enough air, water and other necessities to keep trapped miners alive at least
four days.

The state's underground mines need at least 310 chambers to meet requirements of having a shelter on each working section.

Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training director Ron Wooten says mines have ordered 516 units as some are placing the chambers along escapeways as well. © Copyright 2009, WOUB