Women taking part in a Fire Practice at the Barnbow Munitions Factory in Leeds

Photograph showing women taking part in a fire practice at the Barnbow Munitions Factory on Manston Lane, Leeds. This factory was set up during the First World War to manufacture munitions. Though health and safety rules were in place, as seen here, in such a highly dangerous atmosphere some accidents could not be prevented and three fatal explosions took place. On 5 December 1916, 35 women were killed; on 31st March 1917 two girls died; and on 31st March 1918 3 men were the casualties