A deputy is a certified mine official in charge of a designated section or district of an underground coal mine. Their primary duties involve conducting pre-shift safety inspections, testing for hazardous gases like firedamp, ensuring proper brattice placement for ventilation, and overseeing the installation of roof supports.
Heard on the job
The deputy red-tagged the heading because the methane levels were creeping past one percent.
Insider tip
In many jurisdictions, the role historically known as a deputy is now formally called a fireboss or section foreman.
Also heard as
- fireboss