Two accidents occurred to the powder magazines, the causes of which were
never absolutely determined. The first occurred on January 10th, 1907,
when the dynamite burned up without exploding. The second accident was
on March 3d, 1907, when an explosion occurred which damaged property
over a very large area, but did not involve any serious injury to
persons, only one man being slightly hurt.
The only serious blasting accident in the tunnels occurred on January
26th, 1908, and was due to a premature blast, the cause for which could
not be ascertained.
_Contractor's Organization._--The work was in general charge of a
superintendent, and, during the time it was being carried on at both
ends, an assistant superintendent had charge at night. At each end there
was a day and a night walking boss, who had general supervision of the
men in the tunnels, the day walking boss being the superior, and
responsible for the general conduct of the work at his end, both day and
night. Two 10-hour shifts were worked, thirteen shifts every two weeks,
no work being done on alternate Sundays and Sunday nights. With the
exception of the walking bosses and the master mechanic, all the men
changed from the day to the night shift every two weeks.
The organization was approximately as follows, for each shift:
_General_--_Both Tunnels._
1 Master mechanic (days only),
1 Machinist,
1 Engine runner,
2 Firemen,
2 Oilers,
1 Electrician and helper,
1 Drill machinist and helper,
3 Blacksmiths and helpers,
1 Powderman,
1 Walking boss,
4 Locomotive engine runners,
4 Brakemen,
1 Switchman,
1 Foreman on dump,
6 Men on dump,
1 Foreman on track,
6 Men on track.
_In Each Tunnel._
_Drilling and Blasting._
1 Foreman,
12 Drillers,
12 Helpers,
1 Nipper,
1 Pipe-fitter.
_Mucking._
1 Shovel engineer,
1 Cranesman,
1 Muck boss,
12 Muckers.