Company representative Jo Murray told International Longwall News recently that it is awaiting unit final approvals.

“The two-hour unit will be produced for the US market once we receive MSHA/NIOSH certification for it,” Murray said.

The company is also looking at potentially marketing the system, formerly known as the OX-GEN Model 6-OXSR-01, outside America’s borders.

“We are researching the requirements for certification in Australia and South Africa. Once we confirm those requirements, we will send applications to those countries in order to receive certification to sell the two-hour units [there],” Murray said.

The SCSR’s US Food and Drug Administration approval in August 2005, according to company president Frank Fosella, will hopefully expedite the entire process.

“We believe the FDA approval will be helpful in obtaining quick approval for the miners’ units from the appropriate regulatory authorities,” Fosella said.

The SCSR 02 Generation System can produce a continuous flow of 99.97% pure oxygen for more than two hours at a flow rate of about 1.25 litres per minute, exceeding the adequate level to sustain life. Weighing in at 15 pounds, the unit can be carried on the back or by hand during use.

OX-GEN operations vice-president Mark Michaud said earlier this year he is confident the introduction of the company's system will be a giant step in rescue technology, which he noted has historically been "stagnant", and that the system can and will save lives.

“With this, underground miners facing an emergency can have the confidence of quickly donning a product that they know will be safe and reliable … [when] escaping the harsh environment of a mine fire or explosion."