Mine Lighting
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Mine Lighting
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New feature - all lamp pictures now expand to larger format when you click them. New Carbide Lamps page! Mine lighting was originally the same as for any other dark space with candles or open lamps burning animal fats, or even flame torches burning pitch. After dangerous gases were discovered underground, an amazing array of 'safe' methods of lighting mines were invented. These range from the Spedding Mill, and its forerunner the adapted gun flint, rotten fish, to flame safety lamps, compressed air lamps and electric safety lamps. The success of the various types of lighting varied widely, and sadly, an unsuccessful lighting method could cost the lives of hundreds of people. Many flame safety lamps required a degree of understanding to be used safely and many mining accidents were caused purely by misuse or poor maintenance of lamps. |