Second Report of the Mine Rescue Apparatus Research Committee, 1920 (Classic Reprint)

A practical look at the evolution of mine rescue gear and its testing. This nonfiction work surveys experimental results from Edinburgh and explains new or improved rescue methods and apparatus, with an emphasis on compressed-oxygen systems and their careful testing before use.

The report contrasts standardisation with open opportunity for invention, and it explains how rigorous testing can ensure safety in dangerous mine conditions. It also details apparatus designed for better air purification, oxygen supply, and wearer protection, including practical notes on construction and operation.

• Descriptions of compressed-oxygen rescue devices and their major components.


• Insights into physiological testing and how physical fitness was measured for rescue work.


• Methods to improve purifier performance, reduce breathing resistance, and manage moisture and heat.


• Discussion of testing schemes and how different countries approached evaluating rescue equipment.

Ideal for readers of technical history and safety equipment, this edition suits professionals and students interested in the development of mine rescue technology and its real-world application in safety testing.