MINING FILM THAT DOESN’T CUT CORNERS

Brattices play a vitally important role in mining. These concrete, wood, or cloth partitions are erected within mine shafts for providing ventilation. By dividing a single shaft into two parts with a brattice, air can be delivered down one section of the shaft, and then ventilated out through the other side. Following the 1862 Hartley Colliery Disaster in Northumberland, England which saw 204 men die of carbon monoxide poisoning following a mining accident where the shaft became blocked by a beam, UK government regulators mandated that collieries have at least two shafts. To this day, brattices remain essential as they are leveraged to direct air currents throughout the entirety of an underground mining structure.

While permanent brattices typically utilize a wood or concrete design, temporary brattices make use of cloth curtains. To ensure superior ventilation and minimize the risk of fire, the curtains are usually made out of flame retardant materials. Pres-Flex, a division of Presco, engineers vinyl films formulated with flame retardants, making them ideal for use in the construction of brattice curtains. Our films meet the stringent flame specifications established by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). We understand that well-made, self-extinguishing brattice curtains could mean the difference between life and death for miners, so we never cut corners and take our obligation to meet the MSHA standards seriously.

In fact, our film exceeds the MSHA 30 CFR 7.27 test for flame resistance of brattice cloth. For operations that require special cold crack properties, we can custom formulate films so that they can be used in frigid winter conditions. Our films are available in a variety of colors including double polished clear and mine safety yellow. Additionally, we are able to customize the thicknesses and roll sizes to suit the unique needs of an operation. And to help meet your sustainability goals, Pres-Flex mining film is 100% recyclable.

For over 20 years, Presco has developed leading Pres-Flex Mining Film for use in the construction of brattice curtains for underground mines. We’ve used our experience to engineer a durable, flexible vinyl material that helps to ensure worker safety and exceed the standards outlined by MSHA. Our specialized, technical know-how enables us to create custom formulations, subject to minimums and lead times. To learn more about high-quality Pres-Flex Engineered Film extruded right here in the United States, learn more today!

Read more at garagecabinets.com

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Engineering
Scaling Experiential Learning in the Curriculum: How Iron Range Engineering Transformed Engineering Education
June 1, 2026

Engineering has transformed nearly every part of modern life, from the phones in our pockets to the systems powering global industry. But the way engineers are educated has often moved far more slowly than the profession itself. Employers are asking for graduates who can navigate ambiguity, communicate across teams, and contribute meaningfully from the…

Read More
vascular surgeon
When Geography Meets Purpose: How One Move Reshaped a Vascular Surgeon’s Career
May 28, 2026

Medicine isn’t what it used to be—not for the people practicing it. Independent physicians are becoming the exception, not the norm, as more doctors move into hospital systems, corporate groups, and academic networks. At the same time, the pipeline of specialists isn’t keeping pace with growing patient needs, particularly in complex fields like vascular…

Read More
safer HVAC chemicals
From Second Chances to Stronger Teams: Bradley Henderson on Structure, Culture, and Trades-Based Redemption
May 26, 2026

The trades have always demanded grit, but grit alone doesn’t build a strong workforce. People need structure, clear expectations, and a sense that their work is taking them somewhere. That’s especially true in HVAC and mechanical services, where employers are trying to hire, retain, and develop talent in a labor market that feels tighter and…

Read More
courage
Creative Confidence and Moral Courage: The Leadership Traits Business Schools Should Be Betting On
May 25, 2026

What students need from higher education is becoming harder to pin down than it once was. As higher education faces mounting pressure—from student disengagement to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence—institutions are being forced to rethink not just what students learn, but who they become. New research and industry signals suggest that technical knowledge…

Read More