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They remain there until an all-clear is given, which may include a distinct all-clear scent such as wintergreen.

If you search for "stench gas" you will find some... interesting photos of the control panel for these systems:

http://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1686/24201183892_c8a2dffc3b_h.j...

(Something about buttons marked "release stench gas" and "release anti-stench gas" seem amusing in a rather comical fashion.)



Something OCD in me is rather disturbed by the "release stench gas" being located to the right of the "anti-stench gas".


It should clearly (or likely) be the other way around, at least in any country with a left-to-right reading order, OCD or not :)

We scan information faster in the preferred reading direction, and flipping the warning​ gas on half a second earlier will likely, sooner or later save somebody from harm. Not that there aren't other ways to improve safety in mines, but each small part counts, I guess?


Not pictured, but right next to this machine is the "garry gum" and "anti-garry gum" dispenser.




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