[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51749-51750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20362]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Proposed Information Collection; Ventilation Plan and Main Fan
Maintenance Record (Pertains to Metal and Nonmetal Underground 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,
44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). 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 (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed
information collection for updating Ventilation Plan and Main Fan
Maintenance Record 30 CFR 57.8520, and 57.8525.
DATES: All comments must be postmarked or received by midnight Eastern
Standard Time on October 21, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements
of this notice 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 for docket
number [MSHA-2013-0025].
Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the
21st floor.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Deputy Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-
9441 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813, authorizes the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) to collect information necessary to carry out its
duty in protecting the safety and health of miners.
Underground mines usually present harsh and hostile working
environments. The ventilation system is the most vital life support
system in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation
system is essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working
environment. A well planned mine ventilation system is necessary to
assure a fresh air supply to miners at all working places, to control
the amounts of harmful airborne contaminants in the mine atmosphere,
and to dilute possible accumulation of explosive gases.
Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has resulted in
fatalities from asphyxiation and/or explosions due to a buildup of
explosive gases. Inadequate ventilation can be a primary factor for
deaths caused by disease of the lungs (e.g. silicosis).
In addition, poor working conditions from lack of adequate
ventilation contribute to accidents resulting from heat stress, limited
visibility, or impaired judgment from contaminants. The mine operator
is required to prepare a written plan of the mine ventilation system.
The plan is required to be updated at least annually. Upon written
request of the District Manager, the plan or revisions must be
submitted to MSHA for review and comment.
The main ventilation fans for an underground mine must be
maintained either according to the manufacturers' recommendations or a
written periodic schedule. Upon request of an Authorized Representative
of the Secretary of Labor, this fan maintenance schedule must be made
available for review. The records assure compliance with the standard
and may serve as a warning mechanism for possible ventilation problems
before they occur.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
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
Minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting
electronic submission of responses.
This information collection request is available on MSHA's Web site
at http://www.msha.gov under ``Federal Register Documents'' on the
right side of the screen by selecting ``New and Existing Information
Collections and Supporting Statements.'' The information collection
request will be available on MSHA's Web site for 60 days after the
publication date of this notice, and on http://www.regulations.gov.
Because
[[Page 51750]]
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.
The public may also examine this information collection request at
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington VA 22209-3939 by signing in at the
receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.
Questions about the information collection requirements may be
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section of this notice.
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of information contains notification
and recordkeeping provisions for the Proposed Information Collection
Request submitted for public comment and recommendations; Ventilation
Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record 30 CFR 57.8520, and 57.8525. MSHA
has updated the data in respect to the number of respondents and
responses, as well as the total burden hours and burden costs
supporting this information collection request.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration
Title: Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record.
OMB Number: 1219-0016.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Total Number of Respondents: 270.
Frequency: Various.
Total Number of Responses: 286.
Total Burden Hours: 6,617 hours.
Total Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost Burden: $0.
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.
Dated: August 16th, 2013.
George F. Triebsch,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2013-20362 Filed 8-20-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P