Where did breaker boys work and what types of work did they perform on the job?
Breaker boys were young boys employed in coal mines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They worked primarily in coal mines, particularly in the United States and other industrialized countries.
Their primary job was to work at the coal breakers. Coal breakers were large machines used to crush and separate coal from impurities. The breaker boys' task was to manually pick out any impurities, such as rocks, slate, or other debris, from the coal as it passed through the machinery. They had to identify and remove these impurities quickly to ensure the production of clean coal.
The work of breaker boys was extremely dangerous and physically demanding. They were often subjected to harmful dust and fumes, endured long hours, and faced the risk of injury from the heavy machinery. The job was also emotionally taxing as the boys were exposed to the hazardous working conditions at a very young age, typically between the ages of 8 to 12.
Breaker boys worked in coal mines during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their main job was to remove impurities (such as slate, rocks, and other debris) from mined coal. Here's how you can find more information about the working conditions and tasks of breaker boys:
1. Start by searching for "breaker boys" on reputable search engines like Google. This will give you an overview of the topic.
2. Look for reliable historical sources such as books or articles about coal mining during that era. Libraries, online academic databases, or websites of reputable historical institutions are good places to start.
3. Read about the working conditions and tasks performed by breaker boys. This information may include details about their work hours, ages, safety concerns, and the types of tools or equipment they used.
4. To get a more comprehensive understanding, consider exploring primary sources such as photographs, diaries, or interviews with former breaker boys or their families. These sources can provide firsthand accounts of their experiences and shed light on their specific duties.
Remember to critically evaluate your sources and cross-reference information to ensure accuracy. It is also helpful to consult multiple sources for a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
Breaker boys worked in coal mines, typically in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their main task was to separate impurities, such as rocks and coal dust, from the mined coal. Here are the steps involved in their work:
1. Sorting: Breaker boys received coal from the mines, which contained impurities. They would manually sort through the coal, separating it into different sizes and quality grades.
2. Breaking: The boys would often use their hands or small tools to break larger lumps of coal into smaller pieces. This process helped to increase the overall efficiency of the coal-burning process.
3. Removing impurities: Breaker boys would also remove any impurities or unwanted materials, such as rocks or shale, that were mixed with the coal. They would use their hands or small tools to pick out these impurities, ensuring that only clean coal remained.
4. Operating machinery: In some cases, breaker boys were responsible for operating machinery, such as conveyor belts or chutes, that helped in the separation and sorting process. They would feed the coal through these machines for further cleaning and sorting.
5. Maintaining equipment: Breaker boys were often responsible for maintaining and cleaning the equipment they used. They would ensure that the machinery was functioning properly and clear any blockages or jams.
It is important to note that breaker boys faced dangerous working conditions, with exposure to dust, toxic gases, and the risk of physical injuries. With the increased focus on child labor laws and worker safety, this practice was eventually outlawed in many countries.