The Colliery Manager's Catechism ... Third edition, revised and enlarged by the author

Preface

TO THE THIRD EDITION. In this Edition, several new questions have been added to some of the different chapters, with a view of making the book more useful. The new chapter on Electricity which has been com piled for this Edition will, it is hoped, prove of service to some of the mine officials who may be contemplating the introduction of this fashionable, and sometimes fanciful, application of power. W. F. Scranton, Pa., U.S.A., August 1893.

PREFACE.

TO THE SECOND EDITION. Larger experience in mining matters and the march of events have enabled the author, in this Second Edition of The Colliery Manager's Catechism, to make very consider able additions and improvements ; yet throughout, the original intention has been adhered to — namely, to produce a volume which should be useful alike to the student and to the practical man. Information is embodied in this work on many points which other books do not supply — indeed, the author claims that it is no mere compilation, but a weaving together of the practical with the scientific — many original formulæ being given, as well as memoranda from his own note books. The author has not attempted to be exhaustive, as any one of the chapters given (except the first) might easily have been so far extended as to make a fair-sized book in itself.

Some remarks which prefaced the original edition may well be repeated here, with such such additional comments as the revision requires. The passing of the Coal Mines Kegulation Act, 1887, necessitated the re-writing of the first chapter, and the text of the Act is added to an appendix. With reference to the subject of Chapter II. — Geology — there is no end to the books which have been and may be written, and to be original or exhaustive would be simply impossible. Although the noble host of intelligent

PREFACE.

. vn. observers now at work are continually revealing to us some thing new of the past life and history of the globe, the result of their labour and that of their predecessors in the field, has been reduced to a wonderful system. In the matter, so far as it goes, given in the answers in this chapter, use has been made of the most recent information on the subject, and in our endeavours to be practical, we hope we have shown how the student may be always acquiring information, and adding to his stock of geological knowledge. One means of acquiring iuformation in this science is the collecting of fossils ; but the mere collection of them is not sufficient — the particular beds and localities in which they are found should, in all cases, be carefully noted, in order that the full benefit of their discovery may be obtained ; by this systematic method of observation, the student is not only a learner, but, it may be, a teacher of others.

The palæontological contents of each bed of a formation can only be learnt by observation, precisely in the way that the literary character of a book is learnt by reading it. In the interpretation of the geological record the labours of others will assist us, and so will our own observation benefit them in proportion to the degree of accuracy and intelligence with which they are made. In Chapter III. we have treated of Ventilation in as practical a way as possible, so that the student may see how he may observe and think for himself. We may note that, in addition to his reading, observation and experiment will enable him best to master the subject. An entirely new chapter on Gases (Chapter IV.) is introduced in this Edition. The information contained in the fifth chapter will, it is hoped, in some degree, help the student to form correct opinions on Fuel ; the growing importance of economy in this article, renders it really necessary that every student of colliery management should understand the subject, and when the opportunity occurs, endeavour to put a stop to the extravagant waste daily carried on at many collieries in its use.

Chapter XI. gives a number of figures relating principally to Coalmining and Iron Manufacture. One of the objects of the book is to indicate what ought to be the course of the colliery manager's studies, to impart .at the same time, in the limited space at command, as

PREFACE.

. vm. much knowledge as possible, and to show the student where he may obtain further information. The new Mines Act establishes two grades of certificates. Men preparing themselves for the position of under managers have felt the want of a suitable handbook. The author trusts that that want will be met in The Colliery Manager's Catechism. One thing is all-important — the industry of the student himself. Anything we may have advanced, or what superior writers may have done, will not supersede the necessity of his working, for by labour only will he be successful. We may remark, however, that labour not only overcomes all difficulties, but that there is a real pleasure in work itself, and " Le fruit du travail est le plus doux des plaisirs." W. F. Gentleshaw, Rugeley. September 1888.

Chapter I. Coal Mines Regulation Act

1887. " Ordnung erhalt die Welt." 1. To what extent does this Act apply ? The Act applies to coalmines, mines of stratified iron stone, mines of shale, and mines of fireclay in Great Britain and Ireland. 2. By whom are the inspectors of mines appointed ? By the Secretary of State. 3. In case of explosion or accident may the Secretary of State direct an investigation ? Yes, the Secretary of State may appoint a special court for the formal investigation of an explosion or accident and of its causes and circumstances. 4. What is the qualification for a manager of a mine ? The manager of a mine must be registered as the holder of a first-class certificate. 5. How many classes of certificates are there ? There are two descriptions of certificates, viz., first and second class. Certificates of competency or of service obtained under the Act of 1872 rank as first-class certifi cates under the new Act. 6.

What are the responsibilities of the manager ? He is responsible for the control, management and direction of the mine. 7. Must every mine be under the control of a first-class certificated manager ? Yes, every mine where there are more than thirty persons employed below ground , and in every mine required by the Act to be under the control of a certificated manager, daily personal supervision is to be exercised, either by the manager or by an under-manager nominated in writing by the owner or agent of the mine. 8. To what extent is the under-manager responsible ? In the absence of the manager he will have the same responsibility and be subject to the same liabilities as the manager ; but the nomination of an under-manager will not affect the personal responsibility of the manager. 9. May women be employed below ground ?

No. 10. What are the regulations affecting the employment of boys in mines below ground ? Under the age of 12 they may not be employed at all. Boys of or above 12 may not be employed in or allowed to be for the purpose of employment in any mine below ground for more than 54 hours a week, or more than 10 hours a day ; they are to be allowed an interval of 12 hours' rest between two consecutive periods of employment except between Friday and Saturday, when an interval of 8 hours will suffice. These periods are deemed to begin at the time of leaving the surface and to end at the time of returning to the surface. 11. May boys or girls under the age of 12 be employed above ground ? No. 12. Under what conditions may boys, girls, or women be employed above ground in connection with a mine ? No boy or girl under 13 may be employed for more than 6 hours a day if employed more than 3 days in a week, or for more than 10 hours a day if employed for only 3 or less than 3 days in a week.

For boys or girls of or above 13 and for women the restrictions as to periods of employment and intervals tc be allowed are the same as regulate the employment of boys below ground ; further, they are not to be employed continuously for more than 5 hours without an interval of at least half-an-hour for a meal, nor for more than 8 hours without an interval or intervals for meals amounting altogether to not less than an hour and a-half. No boy, girl, or woman may be employed between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., or on Sundays, or after 2 p.m. on Saturdays, nor may they be employed in moving railway wagons. 13. Must a register of persons employed be kept ? The owner, agent, or manager must keep in the office at the mine a register containing particulars as to all persons whose hours of employment are regulated by the Act. 14.

Is a parent or guardian liable to punishment for misrepresenting the age of any person, with a view of pro curing him employment in contravention of the Act ? Yes. 15. What is the provision respecting the payment of wages in public-houses ? Wages are not to be paid on any premises used for the sale of intoxicating liquor, or in any place belonging or contiguous to such premises. 16. How must wages be paid ? In any mine, unless expressly exempted, where the amount of wages depends on the amount of mineral gotten, the wages are to be paid according to the actual weight gotten of the mineral contracted to be gotten. 17. Hoes the "Weights and Measures Act, 1878," apply ? Yes ; and the apparatus used will be examined, once at least in every six months, by an inspector under that Act. 18. May a checkweigher be appointed by the persons employed in the mine ?

Yes; at their own cost. 19. Is one shaft sufficient at a colliery ? No ; every mine must have two shafts or outlets in communication with every seam at work, and capable of affording separate means of ingress and egress to the persons employed in every such seam, except in the case of a new mine being opened (a) to any working for the purpose of making a communication between two or more shafts, or (b) to any working for the purpose of searching for or proving minerals, so long as not more than twenty persons are employed below ground at any one time in the whole of the different seams in connection with a single shaft or outlet, or where temporary or permanent exemp tions are allowed. 20. What distance must the shafts be apart? If commenced to be sunk after the passing of the Act, they must not at any point be nearer to one another than fifteen yards. 21.

Must there be a communication between the two shafts ? Yes ; not less than 4 ft. wide and 3 ft. high, and commu nications between such shafts or outlets made after 1st January 1888, must be not less than 4 ft. high. 22. What does the Act say respecting abandoned mines ? Where any mine is abandoned, or the working thereof ■discontinued (at whatever time such abandonment or discontinuance occurred) the top of the shaft and every side entrance from the surface must be and be kept securely fenced. An accurate plan of any abandoned mine or seam, showing the boundaries of the workings up to the time of abandonment, is required to be sent to the Secretary of State within three months after such abandonment. 23. Where loss of life or serious personal injury has immediately resulted from an explosion or accident, should the place where the explosion or accident took place be left as it was immediately after the explosion or accident ?

Yes ; until the expiration of at least three days after the sending of the notice thereof to the inspector of the district, or until the visit of the inspector, whichever first happens, unless compliance with this enactment would tend to increase or continue a danger, or would impede the working of the mine. 24. What does the Act say with respect to the ventila tion of mines ? An adequate amount of ventilation shall be constantly produced in every mine, to dilute and render harmless noxious gases to such an extent that the working-places of the shafts, levels, stables and workings of the mine, and the travelling roads to and from those working-places shall be in a fit state for working and passing therein. In the case of mines required by this Act to be under the control of a certificated manager, the quantity of air in the respective splits or currents shall at least once in every month be measured and entered in a book to be kept for the purpose at the mine.

(General Rule 1.) 25. What is required in the case of furnace ventila tion ? Where a fire is used for ventilation in any mine newly opened after the passing of the Act, the return air, unless it be so diluted as not to be inflammable, shall be carried off clear of the fire by means of a dumb-drift or airway. (General Rule 2.) 26. Where a mechanical contrivance for ventilation is introduced into any mine after the commencement of this Act, what is required ? It must be in such position as will tend to insure its being uninjured by an explosion. (General Rule 3.) 27. Where should stations be appointed ? At the entrance to the mine, or to different parts of the mine, as the case may require, and no workman shall pass beyond any such station until the part of the mine beyond that station has been examined and pronounced safe.

(General Rule 4.) 28. What inspection must be made before commencing work ? A competent person or competent persons appointed by the owner, agent or manager for the purpose, not being con tractors for getting mineral in the mine, shall, within such time immediately before the commencement of each shift as shall be fixed by special rules made under the Act, inspect every part of the mine situate beyond the station or each of the stations, and in which workmen are to work or pass during that shift, and shall ascertain the condition thereof as far as the presence of gas, ventilation, roof and sides and general safety are concerned. The inspection to be made with a locked safety lamp, except in the case of any mine in which inflammable gas has not been found within the preceding twelve months.

(General Rule 4.) 29. Should a report of the above inspection be made ? Yes ; a report specifying where noxious or inflammable gas, if any, was found present, and what defects, if any, in roofs or sides, and what, if any, other source of danger were or was observed must be recorded without delay in a book to be kept at the mine for the purpose. For the purpose of the foregoing provisions of this rule two or more shifts succeeding one another without any interval are to be deemed to be one shift. (General Rule 4.) 30. Should inspection be made during shifts ? Yes ; a similar inspection is required to be made in B the course of each shift of all parts of the mine in which workmen are to work or pass during that shift, but it shall not be necessary to record the same. (General Rule 4.) 31. How often must the external parts of the machinery, the state of the guides, conductors in the shafts and of the head-gear, ropes, chains and other similar appliances of the mine which are in actual use both above ground and below ground, be examined ?

Once at least in every twenty-four hours. (General Rule 5.) 32. How often must the shafts by which persons ascend or descend be examined ? At least once in every week. (General Rule 5.) 33. What is the provision with regard to fencing entrances ? Every entrance to any place which is not in actual use or course of working and extension should be properly fenced across the whole width of the entrance, so as to prevent persons inadvertently entering the same. (General Rule 6.) 34. Should the withdrawal of workmen in case of danger be reported ? Yes ; and each such report be recorded in a book and signed by the person who made the inspection. (General Rule 7.) 35. Where are safety lamps required to be used ? In any place in a mine in which there is likely to be any such quantity of inflammable gas as to render the use of naked lights dangerous, or in any working approaching near a place in which there is likely to be an accumulation of inflammable gas.

(General Rule 8.) 36. Where safety lamps are used is it allowable to work the coal with naked lights in another part of the same ventilating district ? No ; not between the place where such lamps are being used and the return airway. (General Rule 8.) 37. How should safety lamps be constructed ? So that they may be carried safely against the air current ordinarily prevailing in that part of the mine in which the lamps are for the time being in use, even though such current be inflammable. (General Rule 9.) 38. Are safety amps to be examined before going into the workings ? Yes ; they must not go into the mine until they have been so examined and found in safe working order and securely locked. (General Rule 10.) 39. Who may possess a key for opening a safety lamp in a mine ? Only such persons as shall have been appointed either for the purpose of examining safety lamps, or for the pur pose of firing shots.

(General Rule 10.) 40. May the stations for lighting or relighting lamps be in the return airway ? No. (General Rule 11.) 41. May any explosive substance be stored in the mine ? No. (General Rule 12.) 42. May it be taken into the mine ? Only in cartridges in a secure case or canister containing not more than 5 lb., and a workman may not have in use at one time, in any one place, more than one of such cases or canisters. (General Rule 12.) 43. May coal or coaldust be used for tamping ? No. (General Rule 12.) 44. May a hole be unrammed after it has been charged ? No ; and no hole is to be bored for a charge at a distance of less than 6 in. from any hole where the charge has missed fire. (General Rule 12.) 45. Who may fire a shot ? Where the use of a safety lamp is required, or the place is dry and dusty, no shot shall be fired except by or under the direction of a competent person appointed by the owner, agent, or manager of the mine.

(General Rule 12.) 46. Should the place be examined before firing the shot? Yes ; both the place where the shot is to be fired and all contiguous accessible places of the same seam within a radius of 20 yards. (General Rule 12.) 47. If gas be found, may the shot be fired ? Not unless a competent person, appointed as aforesaid, has examined the place where gas been so reported to be present and has found that such gas been cleared away and that there is not at or near such place sufficient gas issuing or accumulated to render it unsafe to fire the shot, or unless the explosive employed in firing the shot is so used with water or other contrivance as to prevent it from inflaming gas, or is of such a nature that it cannot inflame gas. (General Rule 12.) 48. What is required where the place is dry and dusty ?

The shot must not be fired unless the place and all con tiguous accessible places, within a radius of 20 yards there from, are, at the time of firing, in a wet state from thorough watering, or other treatment equivalent to watering, in all parts where dust is lodged, whether roof, floor, or sides, or, in the case of places in which watering would injure the roof or floor, unless the explosive is so used with water or other contrivance as to prevent it from inflaming gas or dust, or is of such a nature that it cannot inflame gas or dust. (General Rule 12.) 49. What does the Act mean by ventilating district ? Such part of a seam as has an independent intake com mencing from a main intake aircourse, and an independent return airway terminating at a main return aircourse. 50. What precautions should be taken in approaching a place that is likely to contain a dangerous accumulation of water ?

When the working approaching that place is within a distance of 40 yards, it shall not exceed 8 ft. in width, and there shall be constantly kept at a sufficient distance, not being less than 5 yards in advance, at least one borehole near the centre of the working, and sufficient flank bore holes on each side. (General Rule 13.) 51. At what distance apart must manholes be kept on engine roads ? At intervals of not more than 20 yards, and if there is not room for a person to stand between the side of a tub and the side of the plane then, unless the tubs are moved by an endless chain or rope, at intervals of not more than 10 yards. (General Rule 14.) 52. At what distance must manholes be kept on other travelling roads ? At intervals of not more than 50 yards. (General Rule 15.) 53. What else does the Act say respecting manholes ?

Every manhole and place of refuge shall be constantly kept clear, and no person shall place anything in any such manhole or place of refuge. (General Rule 16.) 54. What does the Act say as to the dimensions of tra velling roads ? Every travelling road on which a horse or other draught animal is used underground shall be of sufficient dimensions to allow the horse or other animal to pass with out rubbing against the roof or timbering. (General Rule 17.) 55. Must every shaft be cased or lined ? Where the natural strata are not safe, every working or pumping shaft shall be securely cased, lined, or other wise made secure. (General Rule 20.) 56. Where the timbering of the working-places is done by the workmen employed what is required ? Suitable timber must be provided at the working-place, gate-end, pass-by, siding or other similar place in the mine convenient to the workmen.

(General Rule 22.) 57. At what distance must holing props or sprags, where required, be set ? The distance shall not exceed six feet, or such lesser distance as may be ordered by the owner, agent, or man ager. (General Rule 22.) 58. Have workmen the option of using the downcast shaft ? Yes, upon giving reasonable notice, where there is a downcast and furnace shaft to the same seam and both such shafts are provided with apparatus in use for raising and lowering persons. (General Rule 23.) 59. What must be the age of the engineman employed for lowering and raising persons ? Not less than twenty-two years, but competent male persons above the age of eighteen who were lawfully employed for this purpose before January 1, 1888, may continue to be so employed. (General Rule 24.) 60. What precaution should be taken to prevent the rope slipping on the drum ?

There must be on the drum of .every machine used for lowering or raising persons such flanges or horns, and also, if the drum is conical, such other appliances as may be sufficient to prevent the rope from slipping. (General Rule 29.)' 61. Must machinery be fenced ? Every flywheel and all exposed and dangerous parts of the machinery used in or about the mine must be and be kept securely fenced. (General Rule 31.) 62. Is a barometer and thermometer required at every mine ? Yes, and they are to be placed above ground in a con spicuous position near the entrance to the mine. (General Rule 33.) 63. What provision is required to be made for accident in the mine ? Ambulances or stretchers, with splints and bandages, must be kept at the mine ready for immediate use in case of accident. (General Rule 34.) 64.

Must every person observe such directions with respect to working as may be given him with a view to comply with this Act or the special rules in force in the mine ? Yes. (General Rule 36.) 65. May inspection of the mine be made on behalf of workmen. Yes ; an inspection may be made on their behalf, once at least in every month, by two of their number, or by any two persons, not being mining engineers, who are practical working miners appointed by the workmen for the pur pose. Every facility is to be afforded for the purpose of the inspection. (General Rule 38.) 66. May anyone be employed as a coal or ironstone getter ? No person may be employed alone in the face of the workings until he has had two years' experience of such work under the supervision of skilled workmen, or unless he shall have been previously employed for two years in or about the face of the workings of a mine.

(General Rule 39.) 67. Are any rules other than those specified in the Act required ? Yes ; special rules are to be established in every mine as may be required to meet the particular state and circumstances of such mine. 68. What is to be done to publish the provisions of the Act? An abstract of the Act, and a correct copy of all the special rules must be kept posted up in a conspicuous place at or near the mine, and a printed copy of both supplied gratis, on application, to any person employed in or about the mine. (The full text ofthe Act is added as an Appendix to this work.)

Chapter II. Geology

" Die wichtigste Hiilfswissensohaft fur den Bergmann ist unstreitig die Geologie." — Dr. Carl Hartmann. 69. What is geology ? A science the study of which gives us a knowledge of the internal structure of the earth. 70. What are the aim and objects of the science ? To examine the various rocks of which the earth is composed, to describe their appearance and relative posi tions, to investigate their nature and mode of formation and occurrence, to ascertain the changes which they are continually undergoing, and to discover the laws which determine their arrangement. 71. What is meant by the " crust of the earth " ? The rocks which are accessible to man's investigation. 72. Is the solid " crust of the earth " everywhere com posed of the same material? No ; the materials composing the earth's crust vary very much in different places. 73.

What means have we of arriving at a knowledge of the structure of the earth ? By excavations in railway cuttings or pit sinking, and from the successive beds of strata thus passed through — such as clay, sandstones, coal, limestones, &c. — we infer that they have been formed under different circumstances. 74. Are all rocks hard? No ; many of these are soft, or have so little consistency, that we cannot call them stones, e.g., clay, loam, or sand. 75. Do the stones or rocks which appear at the surface reach to the centre of the earth ? That is not known, but it is improbable. Our know ledge of the crust of the earth extends only to, say, 3,000 ft., which is only about part of the distance to the earth's centre. 76. Why is it probable that the rocks at the surface do not extend to the central part of the earth ?

For various reasons, e.g., the increasing temperature of the earth in descending, and the liquid eruptions of lava from volcanoes. 77. What is supposed to be under the solid rocks ? A liquid or molten mass of material. 78. How thick is the earth's crust supposed to be around the liquid fire beneath ? About 40 miles. 79. How is that distance determined ? From the observed increase of temperature in descending, which is at about the rate of 1 deg. Centigrade for 100 ft. deep ; so that, assuming this ratio of increase to continue, it would reach a temperature sufficiently high at forty miles to melt any known rock. 80. Can this be definitely stated ? No ; it is only hypothetical ; the observations on the heat of the earth have not been carried on deep enough to enable us to ascertain a constant increase in tempera ture. 81.

What is the average density of the most prevalent rocks, and also of the earth's mass, as compared with that of water at 60 degs. Fahr. ? The mean density of the most prevalent rocky sub stances is about 2£ times that of water, whilst the density of the whole earth is estimated to be 5| times that of water. 82. In what way is geology of use in the art of mining ? In the search for minerals and in making explorings ; thus, a knowledge of the geology of a neighbourhood will enable us to form an opinion as to the existence of certain rocks, with the minerals associated with them. 83. What is understood by the terms aqueous, sedimentary and stratified ? Stratified rocks are those that have been formed by sediment deposited in ocean or lacustrine areas ; aqueous rocks mean those which have evidently been formed by the agency of water — the essential basis of aqueous or stratified rocks is always either limestone, sandstone, or clay. 84.