WA-BASED engineering firm, Ridwest Engineering, has launched the first of their new cyclone shelters.
The version pictured measures 2.3 m wide x 2.9 m high x 12 m long. Its FOb (Flying Object) resistant walls and roof are made of 13 mm mild steel armour plating and it houses up to 28 people for 72 hours if necessary with rations including ‘Dry Packs’ and water allocation for each person.
The shelter is capable of withstanding Category 5 cyclones and can be used as a refuge and emergency centre in other crises as well as cyclones.
Perhaps one of the most impressive features is the ‘hold-down’ design which uses 4 Manta Ray Earth Anchor systems per side — each capable of holding approximately 18 tonnes (depending on soil type).
Special safety features include an entry air-lock with sliding door, small armoured window with internally operated shutters to avoid sand blasting of outer window finish, emergency escape hatch located in roof with fold down ladder for easy access, annual checks and testing of hold down points carried out by Ridwest.
Ridwest Engineering Pty Ltd CEO Josh Ridley says the market for these shelters will be quite varied.
“As well as the obvious mining industry category, we think our Cyclone Shelters will be valuable for Defence Dept personnel, remote education and health facilities, drilling exploration teams and probably several others too.
“So we intend to build to special client specifications so all uses can be met, rather than just our ‘standard model’ and sizes,” he commented.
Ridwest Engineering
j.detata@ridwest.com.au
http://www.ridwest.com.au/engineering.htm