NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSUEM

Question

HI PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW WHT THE HURRIER AND THE TRAPPER ARE IN THE MINE Who was the ripper? What did he do? What were the dangers of his job?

What is ‘shot-firing’ and how was it done? Why was this method introduced?

Answer 1

A hurrier would pull the loaded coal tubs or waggons from the coal face to the bottom of the shaft, while the thruster would push from behind. They would have little time for rest and had to live with the constant fear of explosions or roof-falls. Long hours and poor working conditions affected people's health and ability to work.

The Trapper - This was one of the simplest jobs down the mine and did not require much strength, but it was also one of the loneliest jobs and the place where the child sat was often damp and draughty. It must have been like spending twelve hours a day in a dungeon. The children never saw the daylight, except on Sunday.

The Rippers were men employed to remove the rock left from above the coal seam and set arches (rings) as the face advanced

A Shot Firer was a man qualified  and appointed by the manager, to use explosives underground. Also known as a 'deputy’, 'shotlighter' or 'shotman'

i'm stopping now hope my information was of some use, spent a bit of time on this one.