When I started ‘mining’ way back, sometimes I think it was before the Ark!
Second hand NiFe lamps were extremely common, since the NCB, had ‘given up on them’, due to their high incidence of causing skin burns. Which was came from alkali, leaking out of the cells.
The problem basically was caused by the seals in them, degenerating ,which allowed some of the electrolyte to leave the battery.
This occurred, especially, if the miner was carrying out a clearance job, or bending down to do the task.
I can remember the late Harry Parker, driving over to deep Ecton mine simply to sit in the water, so that the burn on his back,could, at least be thoroughly washed down.
Needless to say, when I next saw him he had converted to a lead acid lamp, which in effect,is almost completely sealed.