Northumberland and Durham

The pit ropes and chains, with the several bolts, shackles, springs, and cages, are to be examined by the banksman every day as they pass slowly (for this purpose) from the engine ; if found faulty in any respect he is immediately to report the same to the engineer ; and if any defect be found, in either rope or the apparatus connected therewith ; the banksmen and onsetters are to prevent the use of that rope by the workmen until the requisite repair or renewal shall be made. The engine and machinery are to be examined by the engineman or brakesman once in twenty-four hours ; and the ropes, rope-rolls, hinges, tackles, chain links, and signal bell twice in twenty-four hours. The cages are in no case to be moved in the shaft without a direct order from the banksman, or the onsetter. The brakesman is to acquaint himself with the signals, and if he suspect any error as to a signal he is to stop the engine, or keep it at rest until a properly understood signal be given. The handles are not on any account to be left by the brakesman while the engine is in motion, and no other person is to be taught the duty of brakesman, or allowed to touch the handles of the engine, without authority from the engineer. The fireman is to be under the control of the brakesman. An apprentice is not to be left in charge of the engine, or allowed to move it, except in the brakeman's presence, until he shall have obtained a certificate of competency from the engineer. If any part of the machinery or winding apparatus be at any time found imperfect or unsafe, the brakesman is immediately to give notice thereof to the engineer, or some other person in authority, with a view to the same being at once repaired. The cages made use of to have covers of sheet-iron, or such other protection as may ensure the safety of persons ascending and descending the shafts. The steam boilers are to be cleaned as often as the engineer may deem necessary. The safety-valves (two in number) are to be particularly attended to by each brakesman during his shift, and are not to be meddled with by any other person whatever, without the authority of the engineer. The boiler feed is to be so regulated as to maintain a regular supply of water to the boilers. The winding engine is at all times to be kept in good and safe working order. Should any default or derangement of the engine or any part of the apparatus occur, the same to be immediately reported by the brakesman to the engineer. On all occasions the workmen are to be let down and drawn with the greatest care. The machinery upon the colliery, with its appendages above ground and below, is under the special charge of the engineer, who, or some person appointed by him. is to examine, at least once a day, the pit ropes, guides, and cages, and the chains belonging there to, the renewing and repairs of which at all times are under his directions, both in the joiners' and blacksmiths' department ; he is to inspect and direct also, at all times, the repairs of the engine and coal shafts, for which purpose the best materials are to be used. In the event of any deficiency or failure of any parts of the machinery, ropes, guides, or any parts of the shaft or pit apparatus, or any machinery or apparatus underground or any other article or thing pertaining to his department, occurring at any time, or being reported to him by the heads of the various departments, or any of them, he will immediately report the same to the proper authority, with a view of adopting at the earliest opportunity such means as will, to the best of his judgment, remedy the said deficiency and restore the apparatus to strong and efficient working order.

No person is allowed to descend the pit without permission from the viewer or underviewer. It is the duty of the banksman, or in his absence the brakesman, to see this rule attended to ; and also, that no workman or other person goes down in a state of intoxication. The number of persons allowed to descend or ascend at one time will be prescribed by the banksman and onsetter, under orders from their superiors. When men are to ride, the agreed signal is to be given. Riding with full tubs is not allowed, and no person is to ride on the cage top. Work men are not permitted to take their gear with them in the cage, all gear being sent down in a tub appointed for the purpose. While men are riding, a banksman to remain next the signal-rope to signal the brakesman in the event of an accident.

The engines to be worked at decreased speed when workmen ascend or descend ; and a banksman or other person is to at tend at the pit every morning at calling course, and also at changing time, to see the men and boys safely into the cage when about to descend the pit. The banksman and onsetters are to have a clear understanding as to signals. The onsetter to work the signals himself, and not allow any other person to do so, and to see the workmen safely into the cage. When a shaft is being repaired, the banksmen, onsetters and persons employed in the shaft, are to have a clear and distinct understanding as to signals, in order that accidents may he avoided. Banksmen and onsetters are to "change" at the pit, to insure proper attention when cages are being moved in the shaft. Banksmen and onsetters are to remain in attendance after the pit is done, and until all the men and boys are out of the pit.