Underground Lighting
Since the earliest days of human civilization, people have sought rare and beautiful minerals and semi-precious stones. Mining for these valuable commodities began early on in the human story, and digging underground for resources became a significant industry around which tribes and communities formed. Digging into the earth for these treasured materials was not easy or safe, and mining has always been a dangerous activity with many serious risks. In the darkness under the earth there is the constant, every present threat of collapse, poor air quality, risk of chemical poisoning and the deep darkness of land without sun. The darkness is one of the most fundamental challenges for miners, and even now underground lighting is a complex feat of engineering. But why is underground lighting such a difficult problem and what are some of the solutions that people have found to illuminate underground mines?
The Problem with Underground Lighting
Until the very recent development of electric lighting, people have had to rely almost solely on open flames for underground lighting. Often underground lighting was made using oil lamps, rushes and open torches but these are dangerous in enclosed spaces. Open flames give off dangerous fumes and smoke which are hazardous in enclosed spaces, and they can easily be knocked over. As well as the flame itself being harmful, mines often have flammable gases that can collect in them which are known as ‘firedamp’. These gases can ignite in the presence of even a small flame and can explode unexpectedly with terrible effects. Many miners have lost their lives due to these explosions.
Underground Lighting in the Industrial Revolution
Miners have always looked for safer solutions for underground lighting, and people have tried things like jars of fireflies or hanging dried fish skin which can produce bioluminescence. Some miners tried using a Spedding Mill for underground lighting, which is a spinning metal wheel, usually operated by a young boy, to which a flint was pressed, producing a small shower of sparks. It was assumed the sparks would not ignite firedamp, but this was proved untrue following a series of explosions at Wallsend Colliery in the 1780s. The increased demand for natural resources during the Western Industrial Revolution caused mines to be driven deeper underground than ever before. An arms race for safe underground lighting began with engineers across the UK experimenting with designs of safety lamps. These used simple mechanics to protect the naked flame using gauze chimneys, which allowed oxygen to the flame, but prevented volatile gases from igniting. These simple but effective safety lamps provided adequate underground lighting to work, without the risk of explosions, and the mortality rate of miners was significantly reduced.
Classic Underground Lighting Solutions
These safety lamps have become an icon of Britain’s industrial past. Although not used for underground lighting so often anymore, they are still beautiful for lighting gardens, sheds and cellars. If you are interested in new, safety lamps for the home or as a gift, get in touch with E Thomas and Williams in Scotland for the finest hand-crafted underground lighting.
