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Miner and canary

Miner and canary


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Miner and canary

Staffordshire coal miner gently holds the last canary to work down a British coal mine. Canaries were used to detect poisonous and dangerous gas in mines Date: 1986

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Media ID 19071735

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1986 Canary Coal Detector Dunn Eighties Methane Mine Miners Mining Philip Safety


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> Mary Evans Prints Online > Photography by Philip Dunn


EDITORS COMMENTS
In this poignant image from the 1980s, a Staffordshire coal miner named Philip Dunn tenderly cradles the last canary to work in a British coal mine. The canary, a small bird with a sensitive respiratory system, was historically used as a miner's companion and early warning system for the presence of poisonous and dangerous gases, particularly methane, in the coal mines. The use of canaries as mine safety detectors dates back to the 16th century, and their importance in the industry cannot be overstated. Miners would carry the birds in cages down into the mines, and if the canary began to sing, it indicated that the air was safe. If the bird fell silent, the miners knew that dangerous gases were present and they needed to evacuate the mine immediately. By the 1980s, however, technological advancements had made canaries obsolete as mine safety detectors. The advent of electronic gas detectors and other safety measures had made the use of canaries in mines a relic of the past. This image captures the end of an era, with Philip Dunn holding the last canary to work in the mine, symbolizing the transition from a dangerous and often deadly industry to one that prioritized the safety and wellbeing of its workers. The image, taken in 1986, is a poignant reminder of the important role that animals, particularly canaries, played in the coal mining industry and the sacrifices they made to keep miners safe. It is also a testament to the progress that has been made in mine safety and the continued efforts to ensure that the working conditions for miners are as safe and healthy as possible.

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