Banksman: The man at the surface in charge of the pit bank. He is responsible for the loading and unloading of the cage.

Blackdamp: a large accumulation of carbon dioxide in the air which reduces the amount of oxygen present. Miners unaware could collapse through lack of oxygen. It makes the safety lamp burn with a smoky flame.

Borehole: a hole drilled into the coal or rock into which explosives are placed to blast and break the coal or rock.

Brass Checks: Square check; given to the banksman before entering the mine. Round check; given to the banksman on leaving the mine. Triangular check; shown to the wages clerk to get your pay or pay ticket.

The Davy Lamp: Invented by Sir Humphry Davy after a dreadful disaster at the Felling Colliery in 1812. The safety lamp uses a metallic gauze to cover the flame so that it cannot ignite the methane gas (or firedamp) in the mines. The lamp has the added advantage of the flame changing colour in reaction to different levels or concentrations of methane gas.

Firedamp: This is the name miners give to methane gas. The gas appears naturally in coal seams and can be the cause of dreadful accidents.

Heading: a roadway driven in coal or rock which has only one entrance/exit.

Shotfiring: the use of explosives for the purpose of removing hard to get coal or stone.

Stall: a roadway driven for the purpose of getting coal.

Tub: a small-wheeled vehicle used to carry coal out of the mine.

Ventilation door: used to direct fresh air to where the miners are currently working and prevent a build up of dangerous gasses.

Windway: a roadway used for the purpose of allowing air to flow around the pit.