POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Emergency breathing apparatus used in mines

Object No. 2000/113/7

All underground coal miners, and some other workers, carry self-rescuers like this one, which were made in the USA or UK in 1994. Invented around 1924, it is only used if a fire or explosion emits toxic levels of carbon monoxide. With clips blocking air flow through the nose, the user breathes through a mouthpiece. Contaminated air passes through dry calcium chloride to remove moisture. Then it passes over a mixture of manganese and copper oxides, a catalyst that spurs the oxidation of carbon monoxide to harmless carbon dioxide. A miner can breathe this way for up to one hour while awaiting rescue. Mining is one of the most dangerous occupations in Australia. Mine safety is consequently a ajor concern for workers, unions, employers and governments. Risks in underground coal mining include roof or wall collapse (what miners call a 'fall of ground'), the build-up of toxic gases, or explosive concentrations of coal dust. Since the middle of the 19th century, miners have worn or carried equipment to protect them from, or alert them to, these dangers. In 1999 the Cooranbong Colliery donated to the Museum a full set of underground coal mine officials’ personal equipment as an example of the gear worn by each of its managers and undermanagers. Cooranbong Colliery, located at Dora Creek, New South Wales, is owned by Powercoal Pty. Ltd. It supplies coal to the nearby Eraring power station. The set of equipment donated includes protective gear such as boots, a helmet with a lamp, and a self-rescuer (which provides breathable air in an emergency) that are worn or carried by all underground. It also includes gas monitoring equipment that is additional gear carried by coal mine officials to help them assess hazards and maintain a safe workplace underground. This is the self-rescuer donated by the Cooranbong Colliery. Miners carry the self-rescuer to protect themselves against carbon monoxide poisoning in the event of a fire or explosion underground polluting the mine atmosphere. This is a carbon monoxide filter self-rescuer . Carbon monoxide is the by-product of the burning of any carbonaceous material (for example coal, timber or methane). The self-rescuer contains filters and chemicals which convert poisonous carbon monoxide to breathable carbon dioxide. In an emergency which produces high levels of carbon monoxide (such as a fire or explosion underground) a miner can breathe through the unit for approximately one hour while awaiting rescue. This MSA model (W65) is one approved for use in New South Wales collieries in 1999. Martha Sear, Curator, 2000