SAFETY IN WINDlxXG OI'EKATIOXS. 211 



(/) Lowering unbalanced, with the reversing or control lever in 

 I the downward sense. Engine-driver, not aware of his error, 



keeps brake tightly applied, and the blocks become burnt and 

 useless. This has occurred in steam-winders, and also in the 

 case of a 3-phase hoist. In this latter case the driver appre- 

 hended his mistake, and threw the control lever over to the 

 opposite position, and naturally caused the "trips" to act 

 immediately. 



Regarding" Class 3. it can only be said that these accidents 

 could not occtir except for neglect of duty on the part of the 

 engine-driver. Again, if he does rieglect to adjust the brake, or 

 if the brake path shoukl be seriously fouled with grease or oil, 

 any accident should be i)revented if there was strict compliance 

 with the regulations. The apposite portions of those dealing with 

 clutches and brakes are qtioted here to make these jwints 

 clear : — 



kcyiilation 15 (4). — The driver of a winding-engine shall not 

 unclutch a drum of his engine until he has assured himself 

 immediately iKt'oreband, by testing the brake of the druin 

 against the full power of the engine, that the brake is in proper 

 condition lo hold the load suspended from the said drum. 



Rcyulntioiic 15 (5). — When the drum is uncjutched. the brake shall 

 only be used for the purpose of maintaining such drum 

 stationary. Lowering from an unclutched drum is not allowed. 



Rc'fiulation 15 (6). — When the winding-engines are fitted with fric- 

 tion clutches, the engine-driver shall, when clutching in, test 

 the holding power of the clutch before releasing the brake of 

 the corresponding drum, the brake of the other drum being- 

 kept otT. In the case of a steam or air hoist, the test shall be 

 made against the full power of the engine, and in the case of 

 an electric Imist, against the normal starting current. 



'i'he mention of Regulation 15 (5) calls to mind a few rare 

 instances in which engine-drivers have caused serious accidents 

 while directly disobeying this regulation. The brakes, especially 

 after the deterioration of the surface <>f the blocks which accom- 

 panies the [lerformance of this illegal act, are of no use after a 

 certain speed of descent is attained. 



It n')w remains for consideration as to how far castialties to 

 persons and damage to plant can be prevented by means of auto- 

 matic contrivances in the event of the (Kctirrence of any of the 

 lapses eiuimerated in Classes 2 and 3. 



Dealing with Class 2, it may at hrst be remarked that over- 

 winds do not generally take place with the conveyance travelling 

 at any great speed. In these cases, therefore, as also in those 

 occurring under Class 1, a detaching hook is a very reliable 

 safeguard. These hooks have in almost every instance been effec- 

 tual unless the speed is too great, and many lives have been saved 

 during recent years oh the W'itwatersrand through their instru- 

 mentality. In one case, in 1916, a cage carrying 19 natives was 

 safely held, but unfortunately the shock was so great that two 

 were seriovisly injured, one of them subsequently dying. Again 

 in 19 1 7, at the Simmer and Jack, when the morning trip was 

 going down, a cage loaded with 24 natives was raised, instead of 



