In the late 80's, Afrox (Pty) Ltd established a division called the Safety Services Department with the objective to manufacture self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs), predominantly for the South African mining industry.
The AfroxPac 30 was the first SCSR manufactured by the division, and was approved in August 1992. The first major AfroxPac 30 sale occurred in 1997 when 4600 units were sold to a single mining group. More than 40 000 AfroxPax 30 SCSRs have been sold.
In the mid 90's the Department of Minerals and Energy requested the original specification for SCSRs be re-written. A revised standard was compiled and approved by the SABS, namely SANS 1737. Concurrently legislation was promulgated to ensure that only SCSRs that comply with the revised standard, could be sold to South African mines.
SSD anticipated this event and started to work on a unit that could comply with the stringent requirements of SANS 1737. SSD was in a position to submit units for approval and the AfroxPac 35 SCSR was approved in September 2001. With the approval of the AfroxPac 35 the name Safety Services Department (SSD) was changed to Afrox, Self-Rescue Division (SRD).
SRD has become the leading supplier of SCSRs to the South African mining industry, and to date have in excess of 142 000 AfroxPac 35 SCSRs. AfroxPac 35 SCSRs have also been supplied to mines in Africa and elsewhere in the world.
From humble beginnings SRD has grown to become the dominant supplier of SCSRs in the South African Mining Industry despite the fact that it had to compete with companies that have been in this market for more than a century. Its achievements should not be underestimated and SRD's mission is to remain an important player for the supply of escape type breathing apparatus. Hence, the evolvement of SRD's slogan: "giving more people the chance to escape toxic atmospheres"
In addition to the supply of new SCSRs, Afrox's Self-Rescue Division offers
the following products and services :
- Servicing of the AfroxPac according to regulations
- Repair of the AfroxPac range of SCSRs
- Training of customer personnel in the use and care of the AfroxPacs, and all training material, and associated documentation
- Accessories associated with the AfroxPac, eg. racks, goggles, belts, etc.
