Dräger equips polish JSW mines with new respiratory protection system

BG ProAir tested and chosen as the preferred breathing protection for JSW

SA’s mine rescue teams in Poland

The order comprises 435 Dräger BG ProAir closed-circuit breathing apparatus, making it the largest purchase for mine rescue teams that Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW) has ever made. Before making the purchase decision, the JSW Rescue Services tested the new devices extensively at all mine rescue stations. The customer prioritized a high level of safety combined with high breathing and wearing comfort. The BG ProAir has a positive pressure breathing circuit which ensures that no hazardous substances can enter the closed breathing system. When exhaling, carbon dioxide is removed through a CO2 absorber, and prior to inhalation, the air is cooled and enriched with oxygen at a constant dosage.

Another main reason for JSW’s decision was BG ProAir’s options for connectivity. For example, the respiratory protection system features voice and data communication. An integrated microphone and headphones in the rescuers’ masks enable every member of the rescue team to be in constant contact with both the team captain and the response personnel on the surface. This significantly increases the safety of the rescue team during an operation.

“We should keep in mind that rescuers work in extreme conditions during rescue operations, and in order to be able to do so safely, they must be equipped with the best available equipment on the market”, says Adam Rozmus, JSW SA’s Vice-President for Technical and Operational Matters and a former mine rescue worker. This is why JSW chose the BG ProAir. “It provides a much higher level of safety for rescue workers.”

“We are delighted that JSW will be relying on Dräger technology for all future mine rescue operations,” says Helge Trabert, Global Product Manager at Dräger. “We took a lot of feedback from our customers into account when developing the respiratory protection system. In particular, the improved breathing and wearing comfort will make life easier for mine rescue teams during their operations and the high connectivity of the devices will further increase safety.”

The first delivery of the new mine rescue equipment took place in December 2024.

Further information:
Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
www.draeger.com