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APPENDIX II.
REPORT ON EXAMINATION AT THE MINES DEPARTMENT LAMP TESTING STATION OF SIX FLAME SAFETY LAMPS RECOVERED FROM THE TEN QUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE ST. HELENS No. 3 COLLIERY AFTER THE EXPLOSION.
Mines Department
Experimental Station,
Eskmeals,
Cumberland.
The Chief Inspector of Mines,
Mines Department,
Dean Stanley Street,
Millbank,
London, S.W.1.
SIR,
St. Helens Colliery Explosion.
On 7th December, 1922. six flame safety lamps, which had been recovered from St. Helens Colliery, were received at the Experimental Station. The lamps were of the Prestwich Patent Protector type, and were intended to burn low flash-point oil.
All the lamps were found to be securely locked when received and all movable parts were secure. The lamps were unlocked, taken to pieces, and carefully examined with the following results —
Lamp No. 680. (C. Dover.)
In good order. An accumulation of dirt about 1/16-inch think was on the surface of the oil-vessel, and the glass was dirty; these remark-s apply to all the lamps.
Lamp No. 820. (G. Davidson, Sr.)
In good order.
Lamp No. 646. (T. Featherstone.)
In good order.
Lamp No. 682. (J. Johnson) (R. Denwood).
In good order.
Lamp No. 503. (J. Davidson.)
Crown of outer gauze dinted; otherwise in good order.
Lamp No. 429. (G. Davidson.)
The outer gauze had a hole in it. about 1/8-inch square, at the rim of the crown, due to several of the strands of wire having parted at the fold. The inner gauze was sound.
The condition of lamps Nos. 680, 820, 646, 682, and 503, was satisfactory, and tests on them in an explosive atmosphere were unnecessary. Lamp No. 429, also, despite the hole in the outer gauze, could not be unsafe in an explosive atmosphere, since the inner gauze was sound, and was a sufficient protection. Tests were, however, made on this lamp in currents of an explosive mixture of petroleum ether and air, of l,200 feet per minute. The lamp withstood the tests.
I am, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
(Signed) R. V. WHEELER
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