Ensuring Safe Breathing in Hazardous Environments: The Importance of Independent Breathing Systems in TR Shelters

Temporary Refuge (TR) shelters are an essential safety feature in hazardous environments such as offshore oil rigs, chemical processing plants, and industrial manufacturers. TR shelters provide a safe and secure area for personnel during emergency situations such as gas releases, explosions, or fires. These shelters are designed to keep personnel safe from relevant hazards during major incidents, and are equipped with communications, monitoring and control equipment to ensure personal safety and facilitate safe and complete evacuation if necessary.

One of the critical components of a TR shelter is the independent breathing system. In the event of a hazardous gas release or other emergency, the independent breathing system ensures that the air inside the shelter remains breathable and free from contaminants. This is achieved through a supply of clean air, which is circulated through the shelter using a ventilation system designed to maintain positive pressure inside the shelter.

The independent breathing system typically includes air filtration systems, which remove impurities and contaminants from the air, ensuring that the air inside the shelter is of high quality. The positive pressure system helps to prevent the ingress of harmful gases and contaminants into the shelter, ensuring that the breathable air inside is not compromised.

TR shelters are usually externally installed and have a supply duct to the TR area interior. The control panel is installed internally within the TR area and is designed as a fail-safe system, meaning that clean air will leak out of the shelter in the event of damage or an air seal leak.

TR shelters are not meant to be a permanent solution, but rather a temporary refuge until it is safe for personnel to evacuate or the emergency has been resolved. The shelter should only be occupied for a limited time, and only when the conditions outside the shelter are deemed to be hazardous.

TLS offshore containers are an excellent complement to TR shelters. These containers are designed to provide safe and secure storage of hazardous materials, equipment, and tools in offshore environments. TLS offshore containers are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and can be used to store a range of equipment and materials, including hazardous chemicals, waste materials, and firefighting equipment.

TLS offshore containers are also designed to meet the highest safety standards, including DNV 2.7-1 and EN12079. These standards ensure that the containers are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and the rough sea, ensuring that the materials and equipment inside remain safe and secure at all times.

In conclusion, TR shelters and TLS offshore containers are essential safety features for workers in hazardous environments. The independent breathing system in TR shelters ensures that the air inside remains breathable and free from contaminants, while TLS offshore containers provide safe and secure storage for hazardous materials, equipment, and tools. These safety features are critical to the health and safety of workers in hazardous environments and are essential components of any safety program.

---