The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-09-25

We have carefully inspected as much
of the Twin shaft colliery workings as
1t was possible for us TO do. and at the
same time acquainted ourselves with
the method of mining, as shown on the
colliery map. We have also taken into
consideration what effect the mud
crack" would necessarily have on the
rock strata. In addition. We have also
noted the absence of large reservation
pillars of coal left sectionally through
out the colliery. These have not yet
been introduced in connection with coal
mining in the vicinity of Pittston! Af-
ter matured deliberation, we have come
to the conclusion that the mud crack,
discovered in front of the bore hole
marked on map "Elev. Sur. $50, q.
which dislocated the roof strata, to-
gether with some irregularity in the
formation of the pillars and the cham
bers of No. vein not being all vertical
ly over those in No. vein, was the
| original cause of the squeeze.
We have also been asked by you to
state in our report whether, in our
opinion, any precaution was omitted
which would have prevented such loss
| of life. Our opinion is that, nctwith-
standing q squeeze did occur at the
| Twin shaft colliery. Mr.. Langan, who
was In charge of the work. erred in
Judgment in going so far into the mine
from the bottom of the shaft. Having
gone so far from q means OF escape 10
make an examination of the squeezing
section of the colliery, he nut his men
to work TO arrest the squeeze, which he
| may have considered local, ana he and
his mon worked, for hours under the
squeezing territory until the collapse
came. SO, without q question OF doubt.
his error of Judgment was the cause OF
The loss Of his own life as well as of
those subordinate to him. Mr. Nc
Donald. the mine inspector, cannot in
any way be held responsible for the ac-
cident, not having been notified of the
squeeze by the mine superintendent.
Accompanying our report is trac-
ing of two veins mined simultaneously,
with breast over breast and pillar over
pillar. which Is the only safe method
of mining coal where the veins are
close to one another; also tracing
showing the plan of mining coal from
groups of ten breasts between reserva-
ton pillars, No. = shows that the
breasts may be opened at an angle to
the sanSway, other than right angle,
and the breasts on the one side of the
gangway opened opposite a pillar on
the other side. No. 3 shows a group of
ten breasts onened at right angles to
the gangway. and also opposite to the
pillar on the other side. The openings
connecting the breasts, as shown on
| No. and No. 3, are not opposite one
another This method of mining
strengthens the surroundings of all the
| openings and increases the safety of
| the wOrkmen, for should a squeeze
occur. its effects would be confined to
one group of breasts. Again. should
fire occur, dams could be constructed
nrt hA stnF.
walton pillars, which would necessi-
tate flooding only the section of the
colliery in which the fire was located
Each group of breasts could also be
| ventilated separately. thereby dis
charging all impurities from combus-
tion and otherwise into the return air
way which would give a safer and
| healthier atmosphere for the men to
breathe.
A tracing of part Of the workings of
Packer No. 3 collery, belonging to the
LehlSh valley Coal company. also ac-
/ companies our report. This shows the
/ method of mining coal. as introduced
by superintendent Col. ID. T. Brown,
twenty years ago. The tracing shows
the reservation pillars. the breasts be-
/ tween them. and also the final robbing
nom the barrier pillar west towards
| the slope. 1t will be noticed that each
| lift is robbed back, one a little in adj
| vance of the other
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.
| To guard against and prevent a repe-
! tition of such accidents as that at the
/ twin shaft, we would respectfully
! suggest for your consideration the fol-
| lowing:
first-That reservation pillars of coal be
! lett unmincd sectionally throughout earh
colliery, OF such dimensions as will form
, lne position of two breasts or chambers
| ana TWO pillars with Il group of not more
| than ten NO) breasts or chambers between
TWO reservation pillars
! Second-Whcre more than one seam of
coal Is IN operation, reservation pillars
! OF coal shall be formed in each seam, one
! vertically over the other, and where such
reservation pillars have not already been
| formed In cOllierics now in operation. the
/ mine inspector shall have power to enforce
| the same, ana no openings other than
| transportation and ventilatng avenues
snail be driven through these reservation
/ piiiars unless by permission of the district
| mine Inspector.
Third-The coal may be- mined from these
reservation pillars on giving notice to the
| mine Inspector, but not until final robbinG
may be begun, ana only where the surface
! conditions VIII permit of such mining
Inc reasons in favor OF the three fore goa
| ins suggestions are:
| !. Should squeeze occur, it would be
! confined 10 one group of breasts of cham
! bers.
:. Should an explosion occur, the effects
. of it would be confined to one particular
! group of breasts or chambers.
| j.. Each group could be ventilated separ-
! ately ana the impurities from combustion
/ and OF oiherwise generated in each group
! could be discharged into the return air-
| way, which would give Il pIirer and safer
atmosphere FOR the men to breathe.
! !. Where reservation pillars are left un-
/ der surface streams of water they should
! be left unmined unless ii has been proved
, beyond question of doubt that IL is safe
! 10 DO SO.
Second uggestion-Reservatio pillars
of coal should also be left unmined under
surface streams and rivers the width ot
the pillar to he In proportion 10 the width
Of the stream or river, AMI dcDth from
the surface to the top of coal seam.
The reason for giving the second slggSs-
ton is that the pillars left large under
! streams of water viii prevent the surfacz
Or bed of the stream from fracturng and
flooding the cOllipry, which has happened
in the history of coal mining.
Fourth suggestiOn-A skeleton map of
each vein mined in each colliery shall he
/ furnished by the owners, operator or SUI
/ pcrntendent to the mine inspector, show.
ing the course of all the air currents in
take and outlet, also all tho main and
/ distributing doors, and overcasts and
/ should any important or permanent change
be made in the course of the air current
the inspector shall he notified so that the
change may be put upon his map.
The reason for giving The fourth sugges.
ton is, that should all the officials lose
their lives by accident. as at the Twin
Shaft, those who might volunteer to assist
in rcscuing the entomhed men would bt
better able to do so with the aid of such
( "A map.
Fifth suggestion--Tn collieres genera ting
explosive gas. where the workmen alter.
natcly use naked and safety lanps. they
shall absolutely use safety lamps.
The reason for giving the fifth suggestion
is that nearly allhccidents from explosions
OF gas. fatal and non-fatal, occur in col.
leries whore this practice Is in use. an.
not in collieries where the workmrn abso
luttly use the safety lamp.
We have the honor to be
Very respectfully.
WILLIAM STEIN.
EDWARD RODERICK