Book excerpt: The use of rescue chambers is widely practiced in South African underground coal mines with both fixed and portable types of rescue chambers currently being used. The successful implementation of underground rescue chambers is dependent upon various issues: (1) the location or deployment of rescue chambers relative to the underground workforce; (2) the construction and maintenance requirements of rescue chambers to remain operational during underground emergencies such as the aftermath of underground methane and coal dust explosions and fires; (3) the minimum equipment and amenities required to sustain the life and morale of the miners located in the rescue chamber; (4) emergency preparedness training and frequency of exercises required to ensure that miners will be able to locate refuge chambers with provided systems in an irrespirable and zero visibility environment and to communicate effectively with rescue personnel; (5) and the rescue strategy and stay period required to bring the miners to safety. The purpose of this research is to continue to understand the issues associated with the use of refuge chambers and/or safe havens in underground coal mining operations as part of the mine escape and rescue strategies. The research includes a review of regulations, risk assessment, emergency preparedness and response, performance testing of refuge chambers, and identification of chamber manufacturers.