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	Disasters - Names		Disasters - Names

Date:	1925
Colliery:	Ryhope
Company:
Cause:	(See description below)
Lives Lost:	1
Category:

A fatality at Ryhope Colliery, Durham, brings out clearly several important matters, worthy of special consideration while repairing roadways. Two experienced stonemen were engaged in renewing a broken baulk in a haulage landing, at a point 7 ft. inbye of the brow of a large fall which occurred fully two days earlier. The roof was known to be heavy and friable. At the site of the fall four heavy baulks, closely lofted over, were set to protect the roadway, leaving a large open cavity above the lofting. No chocks or packs were built on top of the lofting to further secure the roof and sides of this cavity because there was insufficient time before the commencement of the incoming haulage shift ; it was the intention to do so on the next repairing shift and material was collected for this purpose. Meantime, in view of the fact that the roof had apparently secured itself in the cavity by arching, it was considered a satisfactory temporary job. On the next repairing shift, however, the two men were not sent in to complete the packing of the cavity but to renew the broken baulk which was considered a more immediate danger. The two men after setting temporary centre props to the baulks immediately on either side, removed the broken baulk, and were in the act of preparing the roof to enable them to set the fresh baulk when, without warning, the roof above them collapsed over the full width of the roadway and to a height of 7 ft., extending back to the brow edge of the previous fall. Seven baulks, three of which were set under the cavity of the previous fall, were canted out. One stoneman was killed instantly while the other escaped with slight wounds and shock.

This accident illustrates again the great necessity for setting sufficient temporary supports. In this case only two were set. This cannot be considered sufficient in view of the known condition of the roof, and the close proximity of the cavity left by the fall only a day or two beforehand. Again, the proximity of the open cavity no doubt allowed additional freedom to any roof movements in the vicinity and so caused the fall to spread. This points to the importance of packing all roof cavities as soon as possible. It should be remembered in this connection that all chocks or packs erected in cavities should be carefully and periodically examined wherever possible, because of their tendency to become loose by sag or contraction and thus allow freedom to subsequent roof movements. Another important matter well worthy of consideration, is that the tendency for so many sets of strong timber to be canted out and not broken, would not be nearly so great, and in fact, would in many cases be prevented, if the sets of timber were tied or laced together. It is indeed surprising that this is not more extensively done, in view of the frequency of cases where undamaged sets of timber are canted out.

Source:

1925 Mines Inspectors Report

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