|
|
Post by coalfire on Jul 14, 2008 14:28:22 GMT -5
Hello, I figured I would put our website on here. Its got some good stuff on it. Would love to have some people from across the pond. www.pickandshovel.org. |
|
|
|
Post by John on Jul 14, 2008 14:57:32 GMT -5
Hello, I figured I would put our website on here. Its got some good stuff on it. Would love to have some people from across the pond. www.pickandshovel.org. Some of our terminology must be a little baffling ;D ;D I had a quick look Lannie, I'll do a little surfing of your site later today. British mining tended to be more longwalling, usually several faces at a particular mine. Our flameproof is similar to American explosion proof, but a little more stringent in requirements. When we got the imported Joy miners and shuttlecars, we had to replace motors, wiring and switchgear as they didn't meet the BSA and National Coal Board standards in plugs and glands. |
|
|
|
Post by coalfire on Jul 14, 2008 15:58:19 GMT -5
Wow, I didn't know that things were that different. That was one of the reasons I did not go to Austrailia because my Electrical certification was not valid there. Other than construct some belt drives thats about all I have ever done in the mines. I would love to come to the U.K. one day thats where most of my decendents came from prior to WW1. I'm almost positive that the mines here in WV Is what brought them here. Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Jul 14, 2008 16:25:57 GMT -5
Totally different Lannie, the Mines and Quarries Act was first introduced in the latter part of the 19th century with an update around 1913 to accomadate the introduction of electricity into mines. In 1954 the Act was totally rewritten.
As juvenile apprentices, 16 yrs to 21 yrs, we had to learn the Act parrot fashion, our respective trades, ie electrical or mechanical, plus mining science, mining practice, maths, English as we were expected to write reports, accident reports, statutary reports etc. Elec theory and practice in my case, electronics. Each year we took a final year exam and then starting with my age group, we had to pass a final practical exam.
First year was one week tech college, one week area training centre. Second year was one day a week day release to tech plus night school after the days lessons at the same tech.
We had to do 20 days surface training, that entailed wearing hard hat, safety boots and "coveralls" and being trained in and around a surface of a mine.
Then 20 days underground training at a training mine, where we learned how to safely work underground.
Then back at our respective collieries, we did 20 days close personal supervision with a tradesman, so as we wouldn't get lost underground. He taught us how that pit ran and where the intake and return roads were, all the districts etc.
After we had attained 18 years of age, we commenced face training, 20 days with a supervising workman. In my case with an electrician. After that we could work anywhere underground, BUT, we had to be supervised at all times with electrical equipment and mechanical equipment. Any work we did had to be examined by an authourised tradesman.
After we'd completed our apprenticeship, received our papers and past the practical test, we were authorised in writing by the Manager of the mine as electricians in my case and in Daz's case as a Mechanic of the mine. (fitter)
Australia can be classed as states, they have different rules in each state. Victoria, Tasmania, West Australia and South Australia require state licenses. NSW and Queensland follow the UK's system, ie the Mine Manger authorises the tradesmen. BUT, they have to meet statutary standards. UK tradesmen met those standards.
BTW, I now live in southern Missouri, I'm near a little town called Alton in south central Missouri. So not really that far from you.
John
|
|
