[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42004-42005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17341]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219-0030]
Proposed Extension of Existing Information Collection; Main Fan
Operation and Inspection in Gassy Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and continuing collections
of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
This program helps to assure that requested data can be provided in the
desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is
minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the
impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly
assessed. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is
soliciting comments concerning the extension of the information
collection for 30 CFR 57.22204. OMB last approved this information
collection request on January 8, 2010. The package expires on January
31, 2013.
DATES: All comments must be postmarked or received by midnight Eastern
Time on September 17, 2012.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements
of this notice must be clearly identified with ``OMB 1219-0030'' and
sent to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Comments may
be sent by any of the methods listed below.
Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
Facsimile: 202-693-9441, include ``OMB 1219-0030'' in the
subject line of the message.
Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, VA 22209-3939. For hand delivery, sign in at the
receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Moxness, Chief, Economic Analysis
Division, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441
(facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Potentially gassy (explosive) conditions in underground metal and
nonmetal mines are largely controlled by the main mine fans. When
accumulations of explosive gases, such as methane, are not swept from
the mine by the main fans, they may reasonably be expected to contact
an ignition source. The results of such contacts are usually
disastrous, and multiple fatalities may be reasonably expected to
occur. The standard contains significantly more stringent requirements
for main fans in ``gassy'' mines than for main fans in other mines. 30
CFR 57.22204, which only applies to metal and nonmetal underground
mines that are categorized as ``gassy,'' requires main fans to have
pressure-recording systems. This standard also requires main fans to be
inspected daily while operating if persons are underground and
certification made of such inspections by signature and date.
Certifications and pressure recordings are to be retained for one year
and made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary.
This information collection addresses the recordkeeping associated
with 30 CFR 57.22204.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting
comments concerning the proposed extension of the information
collection related to this safety standard on main fan operation and
inspection in gassy underground metal and nonmetal mines. MSHA is
particularly interested in comments that:
Evaluate whether the collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information has practical utility;
Evaluate the accuracy of the MSHA's estimate of the burden
of the collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; and
Address the use of appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms
of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic submissions of
responses) to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond.
The public may examine publicly available documents, including the
public comment version of the supporting statement, at MSHA, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room
2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. OMB clearance requests are available on
MSHA's Web site at http://www.msha.gov under ``Rules & Regs'' on the
right side of the screen by selecting Information Collections Requests,
Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statements. The document will be
available on MSHA's Web site for 60 days after the publication date of
this notice. Comments submitted in writing or in electronic form will
be made available for public inspection. Because comments will not be
edited to remove any identifying or contact information, MSHA cautions
the commenter against including any information in the submission that
should not be publicly disclosed. Questions about the information
collection requirements may be directed to the person listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION section of this notice.
III. Current Actions
The information obtained from mine operators is used by MSHA during
inspections to determine compliance with this safety standard. MSHA has
updated the data in respect to the
[[Page 42005]]
number of respondents and responses, as well as the total burden hours
and total annual cost burden supporting this information collection
extension request.
Summary
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Main Fan Operation and Inspection in Gassy Underground Metal
and Nonmetal Mines.
OMB Number: 1219-0030.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22204.
Total Number of Respondents: 7.
Frequency: Daily.
Total Number of Responses: 6,930.
Total Burden Hours: 2,386 hours.
Other Cost Burden: $2,800.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a
matter of public record.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A).
Dated: July 12, 2012.
George F. Triebsch,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-17341 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
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