Exhibition Label Text: Canary cage c. 1930.
Small birds were used to test for poisonous carbon monoxide gas in the
mines. The birds became affected by the gas more quickly than the miners
who could then withdraw to safety.
Most mines and all Mines Rescue Centres bred their own canaries. A minor
accident might require the use of hundreds of birds. Once affected by gas
the birds had to be left for at least a day to recover.
330 x 255 x 160 mm
Digital image on Keeper’s computer – S:/Keeper/MyPictures/Exhibitions/DisplayNewVisitorCentre. Taken November 2003.
Removed from Francis Colliery 15/06/94. On display in Old Power house, 18.8.98. Small birds and rodents were used to test for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the mines. The birds become affected before the men giving advance warning of the presence of the poisonous gas. Most mines bred their own birds for use as ‘gas detectors’ and they were always carried by the Mines Rescue Service. See photograph 1996.3251-shows Heriot Watt Mine Rescue Centre, in the 1940s, complete with cages of canaries.