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Full Details

Surname
HOPKINSON
Forename
Ernest
Day
16
Month
05
Year
1910
Age
29
Occupation
Fitter
Mine/Quarry Name
Shelton, Deep No.1
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Shelton Iron, Steel & Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Hanley
County
Staffordshire
Details of Event
Deceased and others were taking off the cylinder covers of a horizontal compound engine, in order to examine the cylinders. The cover of the high pressure cylinder was dished, entering the cylinder and filling it for a distance of 8ins. The engine had been stopped practically on the dead centre, so that the distance between the piston and the cylinder cover was only about 8in. Steam had been shut off at the throttle valve two hours prior to the accident, but it transpired that the valve when screwed down permitted a very slight leakage, consequently the pressure in the clearance space had probably risen to nearly to that of the boilers, 120lbs. per square inch. Instead of slackening the nuts of the bolts holding the cover, and then starting it with three forcing stud screws provided for this purpose they removed all the nuts, and then proceeded to start the cover. When started, it blew out suddenly with great violence, and struck deceased, causing injuries which proved fatal on the same day.