Disasters - Names		Disasters - Names

Date:	31st March 1883
Colliery:	Harrington
Cause:	Explosion
Lives Lost:	2

The only case of fatal explosion occurred at the Harrington Colliery in Cumberland, belonging to Sir James Bain and Co., by which two men lost their lives. deceased men had been away from their place a short time to get their luncheon, having left a light (a lamp with the gauze off) burning in the place. On their return they had only worked a few minutes when the explosion occurred. The Yard band of coal, in which the explosion took place, had recently been sunk to by a continuation of the No. 9 pit from the Little Main band, about 15 fathoms above; this shaft at the time of the accident being the only communication with the Yard band in that portion of the Royalty. The ventilation of the workings, which were of very small extent, was maintained by a brattice in the shaft up to the Little Main seam, and bratticing was also largely used in the workings themselves, the holings in the seam being at considerable distances apart in consequence of the plan of leaving large pillars at the shaft bottom as a strong support. Gas had occasionally been observed in the seam from the time of its having been reached, and naked lights were generally in use, but the workmen had been instructed to bring safety lamps with them in case it was found necessary to use them. The evidence given at the inquest disclosed that it had been left very much in the discretion of the workmen themselves whether the lamps were used as safety lamps or as open lights, in which latter case they appeared to have liberty to remove the lamp gauzes. Hence the lamps were generally unlocked. Much contradictory evidence was also given as to reporting the presence of gas by the deputies to the overman, and by him to the manager. The reports required by the General Rules, or such of them as were entered in books, appeared to be done in a very loose manner. Altogether the investigation showed that things had been conducted in an inefficient and careless manner. In saying so, I must admit that it was very evident the manager himself showed no want of vigorous work, having been in the habit of being in the pit, and other small pits in his charge, from morning till night and daily. But such a system of management, apart from a comprehensive grasp of the whole undertaking and a complete and intelligent organisation of the under officials, is not that which is best calculated either to maintain discipline or to ensure the provisions of the Act being carried out, nor does it tend to the exercise of common sense and discretion, under somewhat dangerous conditions, on the part of all concerned in the working of a pit. Entirely physical management, to coin a term which will be readily understood, tends at all times to render the judgment of under officials of non-effect, and it is not too much to say that when such management prevails the under officials will generally be found to be of an inferior order.

In this case, I afterwards obtained your permission to take proceedings before the Justices against Mr. J. S. Simpson as owner and Mr. D. Ferguson as manager, for, first not causing locked safety lamps to be used in a dangerous part of the mine, and second, not having a competent person appointed to examine and lock the safety lamps in use in the mine.

The case was heard before the Whitehaven Bench of Magistrates, and resulted in a conviction against both defendants, with penalties amounting to £5. Other charges were preferred, but I was advised not to press them.

I was subsequently informed that the widow of one of the deceased received £195. in discharge of a claim made under the Employers' Liability Act, and the relatives of the other deceased person received £50. for a similar claim.

Source:

1883 Mines Inspectors Report (C 4078)

	Beattie, James, aged 22, Trailer, explosion of firedamp
	Beattie, Thomas, aged 32, Hewer, explosion of firedamp
	All names found

 

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