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-727, RZ-730, RZ-731, RZ-732
Type of Object
Mine
Description
Short description
Isolated self-contained breathing apparatus is placed in a green protective box (housing). In addition to housing, the apparatus has two components – the indicator and the steel safety ring.
Measures
Length 15.5 cm, width 8.5 cm, height 15.3 cm.
Materials
Plastic, steel.
Dating
After 1960.
Author / Producer
Poland.
Picture attachments
Original use
Isolated self-contained breathing apparatus was a part of the mandatory miners’ working equipment. It was intended as workers’ protection while breathing, when the atmosphere of the working environment contained hazardous substances (gases) in concentrations which are harmful to health. It is an independent breathing device with closed air circulation system. The user’s exhaled air is constantly regenerated with the help of potassium dioxide (KO2). The apparatus is activated by pulling the loop on the safety ring. The active part of the apparatus is kept in the hand and a neck strap is installed. To start using the apparatus, the lower part of the housing was pulled to activate the formation of the starting supply of the oxygen in the breathing bag. The breathing pipe was pulled, the plug from the mouth piece was removed and the mouth piece was placed in the mouth. Then one could start breathing normally. Then the clips were placed on the nose. The protective operation time depends on the physical activity (from 30 to 90 minutes).
Present use
The self-contained breathing apparatus (4 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: