Deputy
also known as Mine deputy, Fireman, Deputy under manager, Assistant under manager
Screen grab from the film "The Scottish Shale Industry" 1929.
Screen grab from the film "The Scottish Shale Industry" 1929.
A Fireman or Deputy was a subordinate mine official and the position could only be filled only by an experienced, competent and certified person. Duties included inspecting the place of work for the presence of gas, ventilation, state of the roof and sides, and other general safety concerns. The Shale Miners were not allowed to start work until their working place had been approved as safe by the Fireman.