The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-06-02
after-War Device Added to
Mine Rescue. Stations of
West Virginia.

When the coal strike is ended,
considerable first aid and mine res
cue work will be conducted in
Northern West Virginia The Com
B so1idation Coal Co. had planned TO
4Ssd $50 during the early part OF May,
v but the strike interfered with the
8program.
The So bject is live one and will
play a prominent part in the short
NcourSe in coal mining at West Flr-
,ginia University this summer.
The West Virginia Department OF
Mines Is very active along these
Mines and ranks high in this actlv-
4 lily among the various mining states
3ofSthe union.
{ Rescue Stations
n THE State Department of Mines,
among its many activities. opef-
aates seven complete mine res cue
y stations. These stations are locat-
led in various mining districts
where they can best serve the
greatest number of mines, and in
the districts where there is the
sASeatest hazard from gas and dust
8iosions.
The rescue stations are operated
bSssth he chief of the Department oil
4 t4n1HSS,E uuueI Lie SSueEdl Supcl VI
sion Of competent mine rescue
fsian, who has the title of Director
}SbfsMine Rescue Stations. The in
"a iyidpal stations are looked after
nv the inspector of the district il
(which they are located, and who IS,
4 himself trained in mine rescue
work. He sees to it that the ap-
¶tus is in condition for use at all
MINES.
Gibbs Apparatus
, sThe Gibbs mine rescue apparatus
lis the most recent and approved
type of apparatus, and it was de-
jeloped for the United States Bu-
4 3sau OF Mines by DR.. William T.
[.Gibbs, mechanical engineer who
5fFa as employed by the bureau ex-
sEoressly for the purpose of develop
fling an American-made mine rescue
{apparatus. The Gibbs mine rescue
Aapparatus is of the self-contafnec
4type, which, when placed on the
lwearer# and properly adjusted.
Bmakes it possible for him to go into
25any# irreSpirable atmosphere and do
hard work for a period of three and
fa@f1alf hours, and be entirely shut
!, offSfrom the surrounding atmos-
Sphere. The oxygen necessary to
Sustain life, and which is used up
Ain@ the wearer's system during this
4 ength of time, is supplied from
small tank which is part of the ap-
s}oaratus, and in which the oxygen
sSEcompressed to 1000 pounds pres
|;2shre. BY means of a very ingeni-
s3bt1s waive, the oxygen is released
5into the circulating system, just
asst is required, and this release
sfsaccomplished by the breathing
gofEthe wearer. The carbon dioxiee
Agas which is contained in the eN-
3ha1ed air, is absorbed by means of
3kssp eciaI oh emical substance known
sasAcardoxide, which was developed
}luring the war, for use in gas
masks A man protected by this
Spe@ of self-contained breathing ap-
Natus, can go into any kind OF
TpIson GUS gas and do hard work
.3}oFsa three and half hour period.
,IEhe 5apparatuses are particularly
lusefuI in coal mines in case OF a
ine%exp1osion or mine fire. Dur
years. on account of the
Interest which most mine operators
IshaVe taken in safety, mine explo-
fBsionss have been greatly reduced.
!sbl1ti there still remains the mine
fire hazard, and breathing appara
y tIis#can be most successfully en-
Moved In fighting fire and getting
Sits8under control, or in sealing up
tfeSfire. and can be used again II
rezopening the same. If there is the
proper#use of mine rescue appara-
susSfor3 this purpose. there is no oc-
s5casFon for men being gassed in