Experimental and Safety Research Coal Mines
Website:
https://www.nps.gov/places/experimental-and-safety-research-coal-mines.htm
Telephone Number:
(800) 232-4636
Location:
636 Cochran Mill Rd, Clairton, PA 15025
Description:
The Experimental and Safety Research Coal Mine holds immense historical significance due to its pivotal role in 20th-century government research, which directly contributed to enhancing safety standards within the mining industry. Research conducted within the mine resulted in groundbreaking discoveries regarding the physical and chemical properties of coal dust and methane gas, as well as their interactions with explosives and electronic equipment in mining environments.
The dedicated staff applied these research findings to develop new explosives, replacing the hazardous use of black powder with safer alternatives. Additionally, numerous advancements in electronic equipment, headlamps, lighting systems, and other safety gear were pioneered through mine research, significantly reducing the risk of explosions and improving miners' chances of survival during emergencies.
Collectively, these efforts played a crucial role in preventing mining disasters and fostering a safer and healthier working environment for coal miners throughout the 20th century. The period of significance for the Experimental and Safety Research Coal Mine spans from 1910, marked by the construction of the Experimental Mine, to 1982, when significant experimentation related to the coal industry ceased at this location.
