Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;RZ-728, RZ-729, RZ-734, RZ-735, RZ-738
Type of Object
Mine
Description
Short description
Isolated breathing apparatus is placed in a housing. Oxygen steel flask and potassium pressured container (regenerative cartridge) with safety valves. The inside of the apparatus contains the following components: breathing bag, oxygen distributor, breathing valves and cooler (in older models). Two expandable breathing pipes (or air supply line) are led out of the apparatus and are connected with the protective face mask. It has two head harnesses for fastening around the head. The shorter pipe, namely a high pressure line for a manometer. The housing contains supporting straps and the “stomach” belt. The housing contains the manufacturer plate, inscription: “Rudnik živega srebra Idrija” and apparatus inventory number. The apparatus (RZ-728, RZ-729) contain the cases with tools and additional rubber pipe.
Measures
Length 33–50 cm, width 32–45 cm, height 16–22.5 cm.
Materials
Aluminium, steel, rubber, leather, wood.
Dating
First half of the 20th century, Second half of the 20th century.
Author / Producer
Pirelli (Rome, Italy); MLW – VEB Kombinat Medizin-und Labortechnik (Leipzig, DDR); Donbas (Donets Basin, Ukrainian SSR); Manufacturer information is not known.
Picture attachments
Original use
The isolated breathing apparatus was used in the Idrija Mercury Mine rescue unit. The breathing apparatus, which they carried on their backs, provided oxygen to the rescuers during interventions. The oxygen passed from the potassium steel flask into the breathing bag. Then, potassium was bound with carbon dioxide from the exhaled air. The Mine’s rescue unit already existed before 1945 (the first such apparatus was already ordered in 1847), but it was poorly equipped and disorganised. After 1953, the implementation of hygienic and technical protection at work significantly improved the organisation. In 1956, the Idrija Mercury Mine rescue team was divided into two units, the pit unit and the smelting plant unit. The rescue team members were appropriately trained for protection and rescuing in the event of work related accidents or other hazards.
Present use
The isolated breathing apparatus (5 in total) are being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. They are a part of the mine collection of the Idrija Municipal Museum. They are stored in the depot. They may be used for temporary museum exhibitions and various forms of promotion of mercury heritage.
Original location
Idrija Mercury Mine, rescue service.
Present location
Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 2 depot.
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
The objects are appropriately preserved. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible: