Calcium Carbide Can

Object/Artifact

-

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum

Name/Title

Calcium Carbide Can

Entry/Object ID

MW.0164

Description

Retail canister containing calcium carbide crystals.

Use

Calcium carbide crystals react to water by producing flammable acetylene gas. In the context of a headlamp, the flame from acetylene gas is used to light a miner's underground work space. The headlamp has two compartments: a bottom compartment is loaded with calcium carbide, and screwed into the upper compartment which is filled with water. Water drip is controlled by a lever, gas is expelled from a small hole in the center of a reflector dish and lit with a spark wheel.

Context

This container is retail packaged, but many miners would carry calcium carbide into the mine in a flask shaped more readily for a pocket.

Collection

Fred Barkey Collection, Coal Mining Tools

Category

Flammable

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Safesport Manufacturing Company

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Location

Can Front

Transcription

Safesport CARBIDE (CALCIUM CARBIDE) FOR CARBIDE LAMPS WARNING: FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE GAS FORMS IF CONTENTS BECOME WET READ CAREFULLY CAUTIONS ON SIDE PANEL NET WEIGHT 32 OZ. (2 LBS.)

Type

Label

Location

Can Side

Transcription

MINERS LAMP CARBIDE CALCIUM CARBIDE Made in U.S.A. Sole Distributor SAFESPORT MANUFACTURING CO. DENVER, COLORADO 80211

Type

Label

Location

Can Side

Transcription

CAUTION: FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE GAS FORMS IF CONTENTS BECOME WET MAY CAUSE EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED Keep contents dry. Use adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid breathign dust. FIRST AID: In case of contact, flush skin or eyes thoroughly with water. For eyes get prompt medical attention. If swallowed, give water and call physician immediately. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Materials

Material

Metal

Material Notes

can contains calcium carbide crystals

Web Links and URLs

Calcium carbide