Tweet

Safety Badges

Safety Badges

Safety Badges & Certificates

Prefix
A*
B*
C*
D*
E*
F*
G*
H*
I*
J*
K*
L*
M*
N*
O*
P*
Q*
R*
S*
T*
U*
V*
W*
Y*
Prefix
There are 2,957 entries in this database

 

1933 — Training of Boys

The year marked the inception in Durham and Northumberland of the scheme for the instruction of boys in safety principles. Classes inaugurated by the Durham, Northumberland, South Shields and Sunderland Education Committees, were commenced in the winter session at various mining centres in the two counties.

The course, for which the small fee of one shilling is charged, consists of 12 weekly lessons each of 1Ѕ hours duration, and at many centres two complete courses will be held during the session. The classes, which are entirely confined to the teaching of safety principles, are conducted by practical certificated mining officials.

At the termination of the course a simple oral examination is held for those boys who have made three-quarters of the possible attendances, and successful students are awarded a badge, known as the Durham and Northumberland Mines Safety Badge, with their name engraved on the back. The cost of the badges is being defrayed by a grant from the Miners' Welfare Fund, In a number of instances special prizes are being given by the colliery companies and the workmen's representatives.

The classes are primarily intended for boys of from 14 to 16 years of age, but this limit has not been strictly enforced, and many lads up to 18 years of age have enrolled. The course is open to boys actually employed at collieries and also to boys who have left school and are desirous of entering the industry.

In Durham, including the County Boroughs of Sunderland and South Shields, 38 centres, comprising 49 classes, were arranged and 1,514 boys enrolled for the first course, while in Northumberland 252 boys enrolled at ten centres, making a total for the combined counties of 48 centres, 59 classes, with an enrolment of 1,766 students.

At the present time approximately 1,000 boys have qualified for badges, but the final results are not yet available as several examinations have still to be held owing to many classes starting late and others being held in alternate weeks in order to suit the different shifts.

The instruction is very simple in character, and the boys are taking a keen interest and are most enthusiastic. They are taught how to avoid the common dangers that may befall them, the proper way of performing their ordinary work, the use of safety devices, the principles of the flame and electric safety lamp, and the ordinary precautions to be taken both on the surface and below-ground. In addition, visits are arranged to the collieries where they are taken around the surface plant, including the shops, lamp-room, etc., so as to combine practical knowledge with what they have been taught in the classes. The colliery companies have provided the necessary practical equipment for the classes, such as flame and electric safety lamps, miniature tubs, safety devices, telephone and signalling circuits, etc., and any further apparatus that may be required.

It is to be hoped that as a result of this scheme the boys will continue to interest themselves in mining and first-aid work, and that they will take advantage of the various courses arranged in the counties. I am sure that the possession of a First-Aid Certificate, together with the Badge, would be of the greatest value in securing employment and would make the holder still better fitted for the performance of his work.

The greatest credit is due to the education authorities, who are financing and running the classes, the colliery companies, the workmen, and all other interested parties who have in any way contributed to the unprecedented success of the scheme. I am glad to report that this course is now being included by the education authorities in their ordinary evening class curriculum.

I would like to record the great assistance I have received from my colleague, Mr. W. F. Richardson, H.M. Junior Inspector. His enthusiasm and tact have been invaluable.

Source: 1933 Mines Inspectors Report by Mr. T. Greenland Davies, H.M. Divisonal Inspector of Mines.