Cynheidre outburst 1

First of all, I did not take this picture. It was taken by the National Coal Board South Wales Area Photographer, but I was with him at the time. I have posted this here by request to show the technique of 'painting with light' to capture images underground in a hazardous, gassy environment, where electronic, or flash equipment cannot be used.

The camera was set up on a tripod, all lights were turned out and the the shutter opened on the 'B' setting. The photographer then used his cap-lamp to paint the entire area with light, starting at the top and working downwards in a series of sweeps from side-to-side. Then the shutter was closed. The entire exposure was about 30 seconds.

The picture shows the results of an outburst of coal and gas which has overwhelmed the shearer (just visible to the left of where the chain disappears into the debris).
South Wales, Cynheidre Colliery, BV24 face, 5th May 1983.