December 6, 1918.

THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN.

1199

PRECAUTIONS IN WORKING COAL
BREAKERS AND WASHERIES *

By D. K. Glover.

Perhaps the most logical method of covering the
hazards encountered in preparing coal for market
is to follow the flow of the coal through the breaker.
At the dump, as the coal leaves the mine car, the
hazards are from flying pieces of coal or rock and
cars jumping the dump, resulting in injury to the
men engaged in removing the latches of the car door.
Injuries from flying material can be prevented by
enclosing the dump at the sides and top. The jumping
of cars is possible on certain styles of dumps, particu-
larly on the old balance or gravity dump. Where this
style of dump is used, timber framework should be
placed to check the car, but not so as to interfere
with the dumping. On modern dumps there is only
a remote possibility, if any, of accidents from this
cause. On old-style dumps, where wooden cars with
end latches were used, it was customary to have a
man knock off the latches with a sledge hammer while
the car was being dumped; with the rotary dump this
is entirely eliminated. On the Greene dump the latch
can be loosened while the car is moving slowly-; at
the steam dump the car latch is partly opened while
the car is at rest, and the final opening is made by
blocks set at the sides of the dump. Where the selfT
dumping cage is used, with a steel car equipped with
a sliding ring on a horn, it is necessary to pull the
ring by hand. In order to safeguard the man per-
forming this duty, he is placed on a platform high
enough so that no material from the car can possibly
strike him. He is also provided with an iron rod, 8 ft.
long, with a U-shaped prong large enough to pass over
the horn but not over the ring; and as he stands at
an angle of about 45 degs. with the direction of the
flowing material he is out of all danger.

Protecting Platform Men.

If the coal is not checked as it flows down the dump
chute there is a possibility of it having sufficient
velocity to pass over the shakers and strike the plat-
form men. To obviate this, two forms of checks have
been devised, both of which work very satisfactorily ;
one is a suspended gate nearly the width of the dump
chute, about 4 ft. high, made of 3 in. oak covered with
| in. sheet iron. This gate is forced open by the
weight of the material resting against the upper side,
thus allowing the material to flow under. The other
is the slowly revolving feed, which is the width of the
dump chute, and consists of four paddles about 18 in.
high set at right angles to one another. While this
feed is not primarily a safeguard, it. acts in that
manner on many occasions. To eliminate the possi-
bility of large lumps bounding over the feed and
striking the workmen on the picking platform, second-
hand 40 lb. T-rails are strung across the top of the
platform, these being raised about 2 ft. above the floor
to allow ordinary lumps to pass under.

On the first platform, where the class of material
handled is large and rough, the possibility of a man
injuring himself by straining is eliminated by
arranging that he stand so that his waistline is at the
level of the platform. To safeguard him from cutting
his fingers while pushing rock off into the rock chute,
he is provided with either leather mitts or hand
leathers; to protect his fingers from pinching when
starting a jam, he uses a two-pronged hook.

Protecting the Fingers.

On the second platform the material handled is
finer than at the first platform, as it has already
passed through the shakers; the only possibility of
accident is the cutting of fingers on sharp edges, and
this is eliminated through the use of leather gloves.
The chutes are protected near the rolls on which the
coal passes, so that in the event of a man carelessly
stepping into a chute he cannot slide down to the
rolls. The rolls are entirely covered, with the excep-
tion of the covered chutes leading into the rolls and
the chute under the rolls, thus preventing anyone
from accidentally stepping into or falling into rolls
and eliminating accidents from flying pieces.

As the rock passes to the rock pocket, the chutes
are built with sides high enough to prevent flying
pieces striking employees. When the rock is loaded
out of the chute, accidents to loaders, who in times
past stood in front of the chutes to pull the level*
operating the gate, are prevented by the installation
of steam rock gates, operated from a platform above ;
the operator is in an absolutely safe place, and
performs his work without straining.

Shaker and Jig Guards.

The coal, on leaving the main rolls, is again passed
over sets of shakers and sized before passing to the
jigs. Accidents around shakers usually occur at the
shaker shafts while men are oiling. If a railing 42 in.
high, with four removable pipe sections, is constructed
in the rear of the shaker shaft and the cam straps
are provided with grease cups, there is not much
chance for an oiler to be caught. Several fatal
accidents, in which the victims were wrapped around
the shaker shafts, have come under my observation—
all due to removal of railings by thoughtless oilers.

At jigs, the hazards consist of being caught around
jig shafts, or, in some types, coming in contact with
sprockets and chains on the elevators. The first
hazard is readily removed by covering the jig shaft,
leaving the cams and straps exposed, with the grease
cup placed on top of the cam strap ; the second, by
a guard over the sprocket wheel and chain.

During repairs of the jigs, when it is necessary
for men to work inside, there is small possibility of
accident, as the repairs are usually made at night,
when no material is passing through the breaker;
or, if extensive repairs are necessary, the flow of
water and material can be diverted without great
difficulty.

* Paper read at the Seventh Annual Congress of the
National Safety Council, St. Louis, Mo.

Safety Belts.

In the loading pockets, to which the coal passes
from the jigs, the only hazard present is when, under
extraordinary conditions, the pockets become blocked.
It is necessary for a workman to start the coal, and
he may be drawn down with the flowing coal and
buried. This hazard is safeguarded by the use of
a safety belt or by the construction of a walk on one
side of the pocket. Another possibility that occurs
to me is that of a workman accidentally falling into
the pockets. However, where a substantial railing
of standard height is maintained there is not much
danger of such an accident.

The running of cars under the breaker for loading
presents several hazards; one is the danger of a car
runner being knocked off the car by the lip of the
chute. As it is contrary to good principles of opera-
tion to have chutes very high above the cars, on
account of breakage, and the fact that there is so
much variation in the height of standard gauge coal
cars, necessitating a chute high enough to suit the
highest, it requires caution on the part of the car
runner while handling cars under the breaker. Inas-
much as the cars are under control at all times,
ordinary precaution and attention are all that are
necessary. .

Danger Signs.

Another hazard is that of persons being squeezed
between cars and the side of the breaker or breaker
supports. In breakers that were built before the
safety campaign assumed such proportions, wherein
the clearance is not very ample—it would require
great expense to remodel so large a structure, and
possibly interfere with production—a danger sign
should be posted, warning all concerned of the acci-
dent possibilities while the breaker is running.
During cleaning-up time, after hours, a man should
guard the incoming end of the breaker to prevent
cars from being run under the pockets. In new
breakers, or at old breakers where interference exists
that can be changed, a clearance of 7 ft. from the
centre of the track on each side should be made.

Carelessness.

The foregoing probably covers every stage of the
preparation of coal, but there are other hazards that
occur throughout breakers and washeries in general.
One of the most serious is that of horseplay. Very
often boys have been injured while sliding down stair
railings; teasing one another, resulting m coal, bolt
nuts or other pieces being thrown and either striking
the person intended or some bystander; wrestling,
pushing through or over protective railings and
chasing one another up or down steps. There is no
question but that boys will be boys and enjoy fun,
but there is room for an educational campaign on
the proper way for boys to play, as exemplified in
the publications of the National Safety Council. A
splendid field for an educational safety campaign is
afforded in every school located in a mining com-
munity, and great benefits would be derived there-
from. Very often it is hard to determine whether
or not the injury was caused by horseplay, but when
fully proved it is sometimes effective to . take ad-
vantage of the clauses in the Workmen’s Compensa-
tion Act of Pennsylvania, which denies compensation
for injuries received while engaged in acts which are
not furthering the interests of the employer. This
affects the boy’s pay envelope, brings his parents’
attention to the cause of the accident, and sometimes
results in the boy being forcibly reminded of his care-
lessness. One case in point was that of two boys
fooling, then quarrelling, and finally throwing pieces
of coal at one another; neither one succeeded in
stopping the other until one boy threw a J in. nut,
which struck an old man above the eye. Both boys
were brought before the foreman, lectured and made
to stand equal shares of the man’s earnings while
he was disabled. Horseplay in this breaker received
a great setback.

Another hazard is the use of mushroomed tools by
repair men. The simplest and surest way of correct-
ing this evil is to instruct the smith who sharpens the
tools to dress both ends before returning them ; also
through periodical inspections.

In timber repairs, erecting additions, or construc-
tion work safety belts have proved very satisfactory.
In handling material, the heavy parts are usually
hoisted in a corner, of the building so situated that
it is somewhat removed from the operating and
frequently travelled part of the building, thus
eliminating the hazard of falling material. Where
canvas gloves are used by the men handling sheet
iron for chute bottoms, very few cut fingers result.

Sir Douglas Haig’s Appreciation of Miners. — Sir
Douglas Haig has issued the following Special Order of
the Day : “ A large number of men are now being with-
drawn from tunnelling companies 'for' urgent work at
home. Before they leave the country 'I wish to convey
to the Controllers of Mines and to all ranks of tunnelling
companies, both Imperial and overseas, my very keen ap-
preciation of the fine work that has been done by the tunnel-
ling companies throughout the last four years.' At their
own special work, mine warfare, they have demonstrated
their complete superiority over the Germans, and whether
in the patient defensive mining, in the magnificent success
at Messines, or in the preparation for the offensives of
the Somme, Arras and Yypres they have shown the
highest qualities both as military engineers and as fighting
troops. Their work' in the very dangerous task of re-
moving enemy traps and delay action charges on subways,
dug-outs, bridging roads and the variety of other services
on which they have been engaged has been on ’a level
with their work in’ the mines. They have earned the
thanks of the whole Army for their contribution to the
defeat of the enemy. Their fighting spirit and technical
efficiency have enhanced the reputation of the whole Corps
of Royal Engineers and of the Engineers of the 'Overseas'
Forces'. I should like to include in the appreciation the
work done by the Army Mine Schools and by the Austra-
lian Electrical and Mechanical Mining and Boring
Company.”

^Notes from the Coal Fields.

I-Local Correspondence.]

South Wales and Monmouthshire.

Messrs. Instone and Company as Coal Owners — Sir
Leonard Llewellyn on Six-hour Day and the Output—
Miners' M.B.s Ueturned Unopposed — The Miners'
Holiday—Blaenavon Company's Extension—Question
of Exports to Italy—Conciliation Board.

Messrs. Instone and Company, of Cardiff, known chiefly
in connection with ship owning, have entered into the coal
trade by purchasing tne Askern property in Yorkshire, a
few miles from Doncaster, the deal involving, it is stated,
nearly half a million sterling. The intention is to develop
the property so that the output shall reach 1,000,000 tons
annum. The extent of the taking is 1,000 acres, and the
equipment will, it is stated, permit of an output of as
much as 4,000 tons per day.

Speaking at Pontnewynydd, Sir Leonard Llewellyn,
formerly of the Cambrian Combine, who is a candidate
for the Pontypool Division of Monmouthshire, referred
to the suggestion of a six-hours working day. The intro-
duction oi that w’ould, in his opinion, be committing
suicide in one of the greatest industries. Before the
Eight Hours Act the output from the coal mines was 290
tons per man per annum, but to-day the output was 240
tons per man per annum, and there was an inevitable
further reduction if a six-hour day were introduced. The
output would then be so low as to prevent this country
competing on favourable terms with other countries. Re-
ferring to the cost of the war, Sir Leonard advocated
placing a royalty on German mineral resources in order
that the indemnity might be secured.

A notice has been issued by the local Committee for
Supply of Coal to France and Italy. It points out that
the Controller’s attention has been brought to a practice
of enquiries being made for coal on the basis of the
present schedule price, but with a condition providing
that the price shall be subject to any reduction which may
be made in the schedule. It is further noted that in
the instruction of October last it is set out that contracts
for shipment of coal must contain a clause providing that
the price shall be subject to any authorised “ variation,”
but it is now pointed out that a provision for reduction
in price is contrary to instruction ahd exposes the sellers
to penalty.

Swansea trade generally appears to be more favourable,
for although there was a reduction in the shipments of
patent fuel last week the exports generally were satis-
factory. The total amount of coal shipped was 61,788
tons, and of patent fuel 13,683 tons, whilst tinplate, iron
and steel totalled 6,530 tons.

-	With regard to the Parliamentary candidature, Mr.
•Vernon Hartshorn, miners’ leader, was returned unopposed
On Wednesday. Among the miners’ leaders returned un-
opposed are the veteran Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon), Mr.
W. Brace (president of the South Wales Federation,
formerly under-secretary at the Home Office), Mr. T.
Richards (secretary of the Miners’ Federation), and Major
Watts Morgan (miners’ agent in the Rhondda).

The conference of South Wales miners held in Cardiff
On Tuesday -passed a resolution in favour of a general
holiday throughout the coal field on polling day, December
14, requesting also that arrangements be made for all
wages to be paid on Friday.

-	The Blaenavon Company, owners of collieries and by-
product works with blast furnaces, steel mills, tyre works,
etc., have (under arrangement with the Government)
largely added to their plant, so that the productive
power of the works both for pig iron and steel has been
hiUch 'increased.' During the war they have manufactured
great quantities of sliell steel -and done other important
work for the Government. Owing to difficulties of the
War conditions, the company has not been able to reap the
benefit of extensions and improvements, and although sub-
stantial profits have been earned during the past year, it
is now announced that no dividend will be declared. The
directors state also that they propose to raise a further
capita:! sum of J2150,000. This decision has caused much
comment on the Cardiff Stock Exchange.

Mr. Vickery, general manager of the Newport Docks,
is among the members of the Central Advisory Committee
on port labour which has been formed by the Ministry
of Labour in order to assist in matters relating to de-
mobilisation. The Committee will co-ordinate the work
of the local Port Labour Committees, and will allocate
pivotal men for release from the Army to the different
ports claiming their services. Among other members are
Mr. J. T. Clatworthy, of the Coal Trimmers’ Union, and
several local Labour leaders.

Protest is being made by a section of the coal exporters
of South Wales against the proposed legislation by the
Ital-iail Parliament, a Bill having been introduced to make
the- import and sale of coal a State monopoly. Other
monopolies are proposed, some of them foodstuffs, but it
is only in respect of coal that the British exporter is
concerned. Traders at Genoa and other centres of import
to Italy are taking active steps in opposition, seeing that
their means of livelihood would be imperilled, and the
anticipation in this country is that by the centralising of
the trade in Italy the position of exporters on this side will
be equally imperilled. It is therefore urged that the
Chamber of Commerce, and also the ship owners’ organi-
sation, should take steps to safeguard the interests of
merchants, which also are in turn the interest of colliery
proprietors. The establishment of a State monopoly, it
is suggested, might even be the precursor of a similar
monopoly in France or elsewhere, and in the consumers’
interest, no less than that of the producer, it is desired
to keep the bureaucrat from intervention.

The suggestion is now put forward that a Coal Ex-
porters’ Association should be formed in South Wales
upon the lines of that which already exists in the North
of England, in order that this present difficulty of the
Italian Government, and many other questions which
affect the exporters especially, shall be dealt with by a
Separate organisation rather than through any general
body.

The Conciliation Board met at Cardiff on Friday, Mr.
Hugh Bramwell in the chair. Mr. James 'Winstone sus-
pended his' electioneering operations at Merthyr' in order
to attend the meeting with the workmen’s representatives.
The important question as to procedure during demobili-
sation came up. Mr. Gibson, the employers’ secretary,
submitted statistics which showed the number of miners
who had joined the Army since war broke out, the number
who had returned to work, also of new men employed.,
and the total number for whom work would be. provided
within a'period of one month and within a period of six.
months. It was suggested that a central mining exchange
should be established, to be under the supervision of the.
joint secretaries (Mr. Gibson and Mr. T. Richards) ; and
the owners, it was stated, would make every effort pos-