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Introduction:
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As Fire BossI work as the fire boss. There are a lot of things that I have to do but my most important responsibility is to look out for your safety and the safety of all the men who work under me. Before every shift starts I have to make sure that the workplace and roadways are safe for the workers. Another important task that I have is making sure that there is enough timber (logs) to support the roof above us.12 I do all of the blasting on my shift and I'm the only person who is allowed to carry the detonators that set off the explosives. I keep them with me in this satchel that hangs around my neck. I have 100 detonators in this satchel.13
Danger can lurk in every corner of an underground mine and so I have to check for dangerous gas all the time. I do this to make sure that the mine will be safe from explosions.14 A barometer and thermometer show me the difference in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity. When the barometer is low the air pressure is low and that means that the air in the mine will be able to expand. Dangerous gases that are stuck in abandoned areas may move into working areas. This makes it more dangerous for the workers especially when we are using explosives.15 The temperature of the air coming into the mine gives me an idea of how much moisture the air will absorb and how dusty it will be. Coal dust can ignite when using explosives so we have to be very careful working down here. I use the hygrometer to measure the dryness or humidity of the air. Dry air removes any moisture in the coal dust and this makes it more likely to explode.16
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Introduction | Tumbler Ridge | The Caufield Brothers | Japan Markets | Coal Mining and the Environment | Mining Technology | From the Mines to the Ports
© MM Fernie & District Historical Society.
