"Pit check" in mining can refer to two things: a safety check system for miners going underground, or a type of mining memorabilia collected by enthusiasts. The safety check was a physical token, often made of brass, that a miner would hand in upon entering the mine and retrieve when leaving. If they didn't retrieve their check, it was assumed they were still underground in case of an emergency. "Pit check" also refers to these collectible tallies, which are engraved with the mine's name and the miner's number. Safety check system
- Purpose: To account for every miner underground and ensure everyone had safely exited the mine.
- Process:
- Miners were given a pair of checks (usually one for leaving and one for returning).
- A silver check would be handed in upon entering the mine to confirm the number of men going down.
- A brass check, which the miner kept, was handed in upon exiting the mine.
- Consequences: If a miner didn't hand in their brass check, it was assumed they were still in the mine, which was crucial for rescue efforts.
Collectible memorabilia
- Description: These are the physical tokens used in the safety system, which are now collected as mining memorabilia.
- Material: Most were made of brass or aluminum.
- Identification: Each check was marked with the name of the colliery and the miner's individual number.
- Historical significance: They provide a tangible link to the history of mining and the lives of the men who worked in the mines.