'Fireman's Davy' miner's safety lamp, 1875

Made:
1875
Davy lamp, c, 1840 Davy lamp, c

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Davy lamp, c, 1840
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Musuem

Davy lamp, c
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

'Fireman's Davy' miner's safety lamp, probably made by Joseph Cooke & Co, Birmingham c. 1875.

The role of 'Fireman' derives from the occupation of managing fire in furnaces although in coal mines it was setting fire to the explosive gases – firedamp – a mixture of methane with the right amount of air (i.e. oxygen). Firedamp is lighter than air and, unless disturbed by ventilation currents, tends to collect in pockets near the roof. The preferred method to test for it was using a Davy lamp and look for changes to the flame. However, the flame is near the base of the lamp making it difficult to test close to the roof. Y2002.19.36.5 is smaller than a typical Davy lamp and has a flattened top to get as close to the roof as possible.

Details

Category:
Coal Mining
Collection:
Lancashire Coal Mining Collection
Object Number:
Y2002.19.36.5
Measurements:
233 mm x 76 mm x 63 mm,
type:
miner's oil safety lamp
credit:
Gift of Salford Museum and Art Gallery