New Search

Return to Search Results

Full Details

Surname
BUCHANAN
Forename
John
Day
22
Month
12
Year
1939
Age
61
Occupation
Brusher
Mine/Quarry Name
Frances
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Fife Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Dysart
County
Fifeshire
Details of Event
22 December 1939: Quarter-Inch Puncture Cause of Miner's Death - Insulation of Electric Cable - How a 1/4-inch puncture in the rubber insulation of cable carrying 550 volts killed a 61-year-old miner was told in Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court today at an inquiry into the death of John Buchanan, miner, 130 Cook Street, Dysart. Buchanan was electrocuted in the Frances Colliery, Dysart, belonging to Fife Coal Company, on December 22. In evidence before Sheriff J. L. Innes, John Foster, 90 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy, stated that Buchanan had been cleaning up the pan run in the Boreland section of the colliery. The trailing cable was attached to the coal cutting machine and Buchanan had wanted to remove it. Foster told him to leave it alone, but some time after he saw Buchanan on his knees, gripping the cable in his right hand. “When I tried to knock it out of his hand," said Foster, “I got a shock myself, and I fell against the coal base. Seconds later the current was switched off and Buchanan fell forward on his right side. We applied artificial respiration for about three-quarters of an hour, and although oxygen was administered he failed to come round." Daniel Monaghan, machine man, 5 Thistle Street, Kirkcaldy, stated that he had waited until the pan run was cleared before commencing cutting. The cables had only been in use for seven days. In answer to a question by Cowan, electrical inspector of mines, witness stated that the atmosphere in the whole working place was damp and sometimes cables became wet. Cable Criticised.- Samuel M'Cousland, electrician, 41 Normand Road, Dysart, stated that 550 volts were carried in the cable for driving a 30 h.p. coal-cutting machine. Cross-examined by Mr Mitchell, Dunfermline, for the relatives, witness admitted that he had studied the report of the Department of Mines electrical engineer, who criticised the type of cable that had been used. He added that if a screen cable had been used the accident would have been avoided. Questioned by Mr James Hislop, for the company, M'Cousland said that they were gradually replacing the type of cable used by a newer type, although the screen type of cable was not suitable owing to the acid nature of the water. ''It is apt to give a feeling of false security," said M'Cousland. "It looks safe, but is not such a great precaution." Questioned by Mr Cowan, witness admitted that the life of a cable in the pit was about 12 months. The best method of ensuring safety was to ensure that punctures were attended to at once. After further evidence a formal verdict was returned. [Evening Telegraph 19 January 1940]