The operation of the lamp is very primitive and simple: oil or fat is placed in a reservoir (either open or closed), and a wick is inserted into it. The wick absorbs the flammable liquid substance, allowing the lamp to burn. The lamp was simply lit using another source of fire — a burning torch, candle, match, etc.
Because the Frosch was used in mines where there was no gas and therefore no risk of explosion, the lamp was lit everywhere, including in the work areas. The lamp was used wherever light was needed and no other light sources were available — in larger tunnels, but also in low seams, sometimes as low as 60 cm.
The advantage was that the lamp was very simple to use — the flame provided both light and warmth. The disadvantages were that the flame was fragile: it would go out if exposed to wind or water. Additionally, the open flame could (if one was not careful) cause fires or injuries. The liquid oil was also vulnerable and could spill if the lamp was knocked over.
If the lamp went out, there were two possible reasons. It could be that the oil or fat had run out — in that case, it was refilled. Another reason could be a lack of oxygen. If a flame doesn’t get oxygen, it extinguishes. In that case, miners knew it was time to leave and look for fresh air.
