Northumberland and Durham

The main and district air currents to be examined by the overman or deputy every morning before work is commenced, and also every evening after it is finished; also on the Sunday mornings, and every other morning that the pits may not be at work, to ascertain that the ventilation is going on properly, and that the pits are in a safe state. If any defect be found, a remedy to be forthwith applied. Obstructions or falls in the different air courses are to be removed, should any such exist: and the intakes and returns are to be kept in a proper state and of a sufficient sectional area for the full and effectual ventilation of the mine.

The principal or permanent stoppings are to be of brick or stone, built with lime, well plastered, and made quite tight, and supported by stowing. The stoppings and air crossings in the waste to be examined and kept in repair by the wastemen. The permanent stoppings in the working districts, as well as the board end, and other temporary stoppings, are to be examined by the overmen or deputies daily, and are to be kept in perfect order and repair. It is the duty of the deputies (acting in all cases under the orders of the under-viewer and overmen) to put in temporary stoppings, and to ascertain that stone and brick stoppings arc properly built, plastered, and stowed. Regulating stoppings are to be locked, and are not to be interfered with except by the master wasteman, or such other person as is duly authorized to take charge of them.

Brattice placed for the purpose of ventilation is to be examined by the overmen or deputies every morning, and kept tight and in good order. Working places to be bratticed when necessary.

All brattice to be set, put up, and kept in repair by the deputies.

The main and other ventilating doors are to be examined daily by the overmen or deputies, and are to be kept in a thorough state of repair. The main separation doors to be doubled. No main door is to be left without trapper, either man or boy. No door is to he propped or fastened back whilst on its hinges, and all doors for ventilation are to he so hung that they will not stand open of themselves. Doors giving access to the waste, and separating the fresh and return air currents, are to be fitted with proper locks, which must be kept locked, amid only opened by persons properly authorized. Deputies to set all doors necessary for the ventilation of the mine, and to keep the same in good repair, having, when requisite, the assistance of the joiners, blacksmiths, and masons.

The ventilating furnace to be kept clean by each furnaceman in his shift, and supplied with a sufficient quantity of coals. The furnacemen to change at the furnace, so that no slackening of the fire may be occasioned by absence. The furnace-drift is to he cleaned out when requisite, under the inspection of the master wasteman. The master wasteman is also to travel occasionally the airways at each side of the furnace. The anemometer or other indicator to be placed near the furnace, to show the velocity of the air current, as a guide to the furnacemen.

Places in which firedamp is detected are not to be set to work until they are made perfectly safe and free from the same. In the event of any unexpected discharge of firedamp, or if the officer charge apprehend any such discharge (especially in situations where faults, backs, or water are met with), he must order all naked lights to he extinguished, withdraw the workmen and boys. and apply to or send for the overman. Any hewer or other workman meeting with a blower or sudden discharge of gas, or observing the presence of gas in his lamp, is immediately to draw down the wick, leave his place, and report to the deputy what has occurred. Workmen are strictly prohibited from continuing at work in a place where indications of the presence of firedamp are observed as above, and should the flame continue in the interior of the lamp, and after drawing down the wick, the lamp must be cautiously moved into pure air, and no attempt made to extinguish the flame by any other means.