Where coal has been cut and some of the shots fired.

1: Collect tools required.
2: Examine the working place.
3: Break in.
4: Clear coals where shots have been fired.
5: Prepare for further shots to be fired.
6: Clear remainder of stint.
7: Examine stint and collect tools.

1: Collect tools required.

Hammer, pinch-bar, pick, shovel, and saw.

2: Examine the working place.

(See Breakdown No. 9, "Examining the working place at the coalface.) Note: If carrying flame safety lamp or an automatic gas detector, hang lamp or detector in a suitable and conspicuous place at least two feet clear of swing of pick upon completion of the examination of the working place.

	(a)	Check limits of stint.
	(b)	See that there are no obstructions to interfere with the free running of the conveyor.
	(c)	Pile spare supports neatly, so as to be at hand for use, but not in the way.

3: Break in.

	(a)	Clear up the fronts of the coal, so that there is a clear passage along the face.
	(b)	Choose a suitable place where the shots have been fired and shovel the coal on the conveyor.
	(c)	Set a temporary prop as soon as sufficient coal has been removed.
	(d)	Clear the coal to the back of the cut.
	(e)	Set props and bars (straps) as soon as possible, remove temporary prop.

4: Clear coals where shots have been fired.

Note: (i) Do not load the conveyor with lumps of coal which are so large that they are likely to get fast and cause trouble. (ii) Always throw the coal in the direction of travel of the conveyor. (iii) Do not load conveyor whilst it is stationary. (iv) Throw any dirt or stone into the waste. (v) See that no obstructions interfere with the movement of the conveyor.

	(a)	Shovel coal on to conveyor commencing from the section just supported and working right or left on the buttock. Use a pick or pinch-bar to free the coals where necessary.
	(b)	Set props and bars (straps) in accordance with Colliery Support Rules, i.e., correct distance between each bar (strap) and between each row of props. Set extra supports, sprags, chocks, as required.
	(c)	Remove any loose or unsafe stones from the roof and pack the cavity securely where necessary.

5: Prepare for further shots to be fired.

	(a)	Pull over and shovel on to the conveyor any loose coal which may prevent the shotfirer from charging the hole.
	(b)	Ensure good shots are fired by seeing that the cut is properly cleaned out.
	(c)	Observe shotfirers instructions.

6: Clear remainder of stint.

	(a)	Return to stint when shotfirer signifies place is safe and work can recommence.
	(b)	Fill coal by working along the buttock, i.e., filling the coal on to the conveyor from a position under the newly set bars (straps).
	(c)	Set props and bars (straps) as soon as enough coal has been cleared and sufficient roof has been exposed.

7: Examine stint and collect tools.

GENERAL Note: In thin seams it is usual for all the shots to be fired prior to the working shift. Stages 5 and 6 of the above breakdown would then be omitted.

	(a)	Clean up any loose coal, throw any lumps of stone into the waste.
	(b)	Check that all props and bars (straps) have been set to line at the correct distances apart and that all the props are at right angles to the roof and floor (underset in steep seams).
	(c)	Clear all obstructions from path of conveyor.
	(d)	Examine the stint to see that the place is left in a safe condition for the next shift.
	(e)	Collect all tools and place them where safe.
	(f)	rake any damaged tool or tools which require sharpening to the appointed place in the pit.