01-26637. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 15, 2001.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has submitted the following public information collection requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). A copy of this ICR, with applicable supporting documentation, may be obtained by calling the Department of Labor. To obtain documentation contact Darrin King at [phone] or E-Mail: [e-mail].

Comments should be sent to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Stuart Shapiro, OMB Desk Officer for MSHA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503 ([phone]), within 30 days from the date of this publication in the Federal Register.

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
• 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.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Title: Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation—30 CFR 75.360(a)(1) and 75.360(f).

OMB Number: 1219-0125.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Type of Response: Recordkeeping.

Frequency: Once each shift.

Number of Respondents: 127 (75 small mines and 52 large mines).

Number of Annual Responses: 102,000.

Estimated Time Per Response: 1.08 hours for small mines and 1.67 hours for large mines.

Burden Hours: 78,001.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Annual Costs (operating/maintaining systems or purchasing services): $0.

Description: The preshift examination is the mine operator's fundamental tool for assessing the overall safety condition of the mine. During the examination, the examiner focuses on discovering both existing and developing hazards, such as methane accumulation, bad roof and water accumulation, and determining the effectiveness of the mine ventilation system. The examination has proven to be particularly effective in the discovery and correction of hazardous conditions and practices before they lead to injuries or fatalities. Because conditions in the underground mining environment can change rapidly, recurring examinations are necessary to assure safety of the miners underground. A timely preshift examination assures the safety of the environment on a routine basis.

Ira L. Mills,

Departmental Clearance Officer.