There is still an Aiviery in Western Areas (West of Johannesburg) holding many of these birds in memory of the valiant job they performed. Follow up with Anglo Gold in SA or UK
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Alan Vickers
Sent: 01 November 2000 10:04
To: Mining History List
Subject: Canaries for the mines.
Julie - Canaries were carried in small cages by mines rescue brigade
personnel when carrying out their duties underground following an
explosion. The ventilation system would have been severely disrupted and
the canary was a very sensitive detector of the presence of carbon monoxide.
When the rescue team saw that the canary was in difficulties they knew that
it was time for them to get out and retreat back to a 'fresh air base',
where the canary was revived with oxygen. Canaries were kept for this
purpose at all mines rescue stations and at some collieries also. I was
employed at one colliery for a period in 1954-55 and there were two or three
cages containing canaries which were housed in the 'Ambulance Room' at the
colliery.
Alan.
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