SafeGas upgrade

In 2022, Simtars began redeveloping SafeGas to modernise the platform. What started as a refresh quickly expanded to include advanced features, stronger security and improved mobility, ensuring operators and ventilation specialists get the right information when and how they need it.

Now, SafeGas has been rebuilt, with the 5th version ready for launch.

Start planning your upgrade

New SafeGas key features

Designed to be easy to use, the new version of SafeGas delivers a wide range of new features, including:

unified monitoring, where integrated data from tube bundles and real-time monitors are displayed on a single screen, eliminating the need to switch between systems
seamless export of bag samples from Ezgas Gas Chromatograph (GC) into SafeGas through the integration of systems for complete gas analysis
browser based access allowing multiple users to work simultaneously from any device, without installing any software on their laptop or tablet
new alarm configuration, workflows and presentation for faster, clearer responses.

SafeGas has not been developed in isolation

Our team has been visiting sites and talking with the people who will be using SafeGas to inform their decision-making, to keep their teams safe when working undergound.

We’re currently piloting the new SafeGas at sites in Queensland before progressively rolling out across current SafeGas customers. This is a critical step in the project, and we’re committed to taking the time needed to get this right, so the transition for sites is as smooth as possible.

Throughout piloting and redevelopment:

end users and site teams have provided input into functionality, usability and workflows
pilot sites are actively validating performance, robustness and operational suitability
feedback is being used to refine SafeGas before a broader rollout.

This collaborative approach helps ensure SafeGas is fit for purpose and ready for real-world operations.

Frequently asked questions

Timing

We are currently running a crucial pilot program for SafeGas. These pilots are important, helping validate the system works as intended, is robust, and is functionally complete. We are committed to not rushing this process, as it is a critical step towards ensuring a successful transition for all subsequent sites.
When the pilots are satisfactorily completed, we will make a final decision on release dates for a broader rollout.
We will prioritise sites based on a few key factors:
Compatibility: every site needs a compatibility assessment to make sure all existing hardware will work with the new SafeGas. Since SafeGas has been around for a long time, some older equipment may no longer be supported. Sites that are fully compatible will be prioritised for the initial upgrade.
Complexity: sites with simpler configurations will also be upgraded first. This helps us ensure a smoother rollout process and allows us to address any complexities that arise in more intricate setups later
Premium support: our premium support customers will be among the first to receive an invitation to upgrade to the new SafeGas.
We are currently optimising our process so that it takes as little time as possible to upgrade. Our current approach is to prepare each installation remotely, reducing the time needed onsite to a minimum. We will work with you to plan your upgrade timeline.

Cost

Each site has its own complexities concerning SafeGas, and the cost of upgrading will be different for each site.
Customised quotes will be provided to all customers.
SafeGas licence costs are changing to ensure we can continue to invest in the ongoing development of SafeGas and ensure the platform remains cutting-edge and relevant to the evolving needs of your operations.
Our commitment to a stable and efficient platform translates into direct savings for your teams. By making reporting and troubleshooting faster, SafeGas reduces maintenance costs and allows your team to focus on other critical tasks.
A decision on pricing will be made at our next management meeting on Tuesday 24 March.
Pricing will be based on the number of tube bundle and real-time systems. This is a shift in the price structure, implemented to provide a fairer approach across our customers.
SafeGas will not be customisable, but it is designed to be highly configurable. This means we will not make bespoke changes for individual sites. Instead, any improvements or new features we develop will be made to the core product, ensuring all sites benefit equally from a stable, continuously updated platform. We welcome all feedback and suggestions for improvements, which will be considered as part of our ongoing product development and innovation cycle.

Education, training and support

New, online training has been developed specifically for the new SafeGas. All transitioning sites will have this platform available to them, and it can be completed by users at any time.
In addition to the new training, we are launching a knowledgebase that has frequently asked questions, common troubleshooting and links to resources that will help you and your team better understand and be more confident using SafeGas.
With our online training platform, training can take place at a time that is convenient for each person.
We will still offer in-person training if you prefer. Please contact us for a quote.
Yes. Current certificates are specific to SafeGas 4. To obtain an equivalent certificate for the new SafeGas, you will need to take the training and assessment.
SafeGas training is being redesigned and will be more easily integrated with your current training platforms. Users will be able to complete their training and assessment at any time as it will be available online.
Please contact us to discuss how our training can be integrated into your specific training platform.
We are happy to provide demonstrations of the new SafeGas. Please reach out to us to organise a suitable time, either online via Teams or in-person at our office in Redbank.
SafeGas will continue to be supported by our 24/7 phone for all urgent issues. In addition, an online self-service portal will be available with answers to common questions and where tickets can be raised for less urgent support.
Yes. The upgrade process includes a period of hypercare, where our support team will actively check the health of your new system at least daily. Following this, when we are satisfied SafeGas is operating as expected, you will transition to our annual support plan.
Yes, our 24/7 support for urgent issues will continue with the new SafeGas.

Resources

Mostly, yes. If you are currently running SafeGas 4 without any hardware concerns, then the new SafeGas is compatible.
There is some old equipment still in use by some sites that will not be compatible. If this is the case, we will contact you and advise on an upgrade path.
SafeGas is designed to run on virtual machines that can scale as needed. We will discuss the minimum server specifications with each site as these will depend on the complexity of each installation.
No, it is designed for use within a mine site’s secured, closed networks, which do not have internet access.
There is no technical limit to how many monitors can be integrated into the new SafeGas platform. Any practical limitations will be due to the hosting server’s capabilities. This includes processing, storage and memory.
We have tested SafeGas with some of the largest gas monitoring networks used by Australian underground coal mines, and there has been no performance degradation.
No. Providing huts are on the same network, SafeGas can integrate with multiple TB huts and real-time systems, providing a complete, specialised gas monitoring solution.
Emerson XStream, SICK S715. We are always adding analysers to our list of compatible monitors.

Making the upgrade

PCS engineers, ventilation officers and IT support staff.
We will provide you with a comprehensive deployment plan that details who we need help from and when. In the meantime, you can check our Site readiness checklist (PDF, 210KB) to start preparing to upgrade.
The upgrade can be performed remotely. However, a site visit is recommended to properly test and validate the system's functionality, as key components like the tube bundle and analyser are most effectively checked from within the shed.
The real-time systems can be run in parallel, allowing you to test the new SafeGas real-time alongside your current version, or existing Citect systems, to give workers time to test and familiarise themselves before committing fully to the new system.
Integration with tube bundle hardware cannot run in parallel with previous SafeGas versions. This is due to SafeGas needing exclusive control of components such as valves and pumps.
We love hearing feedback. To make it easier, SafeGas has its own service desk where feedback can be left. The SafeGas team is also going to be attending more industry events and visiting sites more often. This provides another opportunity for you to tell us what you think about SafeGas.

Last updated: 23 Mar 2026