Hi Groupl
With regard to Phil's question...
Actually in Britain in some situations, whistles were used for signalling
beween members of
a Mines Rescue team . They were hand held and actuated by a rubber bulb.
But this was not at all common... usually a small claxon (as used on a
motorcycle) or in later years a rubber bulb horn was the norm. (and under
the standard signal code 3 hoots means:- "Retire")
Some types of breathing apparatus have an automatic continuous sounding
whistle to indictate low cylinder pressure.
Here in Australia, the only whistles I can recall in a coal mine were on a
trolley-wire locomotives.
...the warning device on our longwall faces is an electronic "warbler".
However I do believe in some metal mines, whistles (operated off the
compressed air mains) were used to withdraw men for shotfiring and also for
shaft signals.
Regards
John Shoebridge
----- Original Message -----
From: Phil Clifford <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2002 8:17 AM
Subject: 3 Whistles
> I have had an enquiry on my website guest book as follows:
>
> "Can anybody tell me what 3 Whistles were for down the Mines, I can
remember
> it was some kind of alarm, think it was for Gas ? can anybody help."
>
> I have records relating to the 1911 Coal Mines Act which lists, in the
> Second Schedule, the Code of Signals to be used in Rescue Operations.
>
> These refer to 'Bells' or 'Hoots'. I am unaware of a signal by Whistle
and
> would assume that, in an irrespirable atmosphere, whistles would be
> impossible to use without exposing the individual to risk of gas etc.
>
> Before I respond to the person making the inquiry, could I ask the more
> learned members of the list if there were such occasions that whistles
were
> used in mines, possibly other than in rescue situations?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Regards
>
> Phil Clifford
>
> Mines Rescue Research at http://freespace.virgin.net/kathryn.c
>
> Lovat Scouts Research at http://freespace.virgin.net/plg.research
>
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