1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

308 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.
was some places that the ventilation could have been increased to
an advantage. The passageways to the second means of egress were
not such as to meet the requirements of the law in all
particulars;
these and other matters pertaining to the health and welfare of the
persons employed in the mine received my attention.
Little Redstone.—Mine in fair condition when last examined.
Little Alps.—On the date of my last inspection was in a. very [Satisfactory
condition as regards ventilation, drainage and the
passageway to the second means of egress. I gave positive orders
for the mine to be put in such condition as to comply with the law.
I have since been informed that an improvement has been made.
Rock Run.—Mines not in operation on my last examination. Ventilation
and drainage fair.
Rostraver.—Ventilation and drainage require improvement in
parts of the mine. The passageway to the second meas of egress
was in a very unsatisfactory condition owing to accumulated water.
The evidence is not wanting to show that the above named part is
always neglected until the active portion of the workings is attended
to. I notified the mine foreman and superintendent that the means
of egress must be kept in a legal condition at all times, and at the
same time the other matters should receive immediate attention.
Bakewell.—A new drift opening located on the east side of the
river opposite Monongahela City. While the mining is at present
done by pick, electric mining machines will be used as soon as the
plant can be installed. The ventilation was not in conformity with
the law, the air current that was moving was by natural means.
The company intends to erect a ventilating fan in the near future,
but for the present will use a "fire grate" to ventilate the mine.
New Eagle and Abe Hays.—Idle during the entire year.
Stony Hill.—On one of my visits to this mine during the year I
found part of the mine being worked without being in communication
with two openings as required by law. I called the attention to
those in immediate charge of the mine to the matter, the result being
that the part complained of was vacated.
Crescent.—In fair condition on the date of my last visit.
Snow Hill.—General condition of mine as regards ventilation and
drainage, fair.
Clipper.—On my last visit I found ventilation very unsatisfactory.
On some of the entries I could not get the instrument to register.
Owing to the custom of making, to a great extent, the stoppings
from the refuse of the mine, it is a somewhat difficult matter to
carry the air to the face of the workings, unless there is a very large
volume produced by the ventilator. I requested that some other
material be used in building the stoppings hereafter, and that the
law be complied with in reference to openings.