2010-31691. Proposed Extension of Existing Information Collection; Escape and Evacuation Plans (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines)

AGENCY:

Mine Safety and Health Administration.

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comments.

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 extension of the information collection for 30 CFR 57.11053, Escape and Evacuation Plans.

DATES:

All comments must be received by midnight Eastern Standard Time on February 15, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Comments must clearly be identified with the rule title and may be submitted to MSHA by any of the following methods:

(1) Electronic mail: [e-mail].

(2) Facsimile: 202-693-9441.

(3) Regular Mail: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939.

(4) Hand Delivery or Courier: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mario Distasio, Chief of the Economic Analysis Division, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [e-mail] (e-mail), 202-693-9445 (voicemail), 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 MSHA to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners.

Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations 30 CFR 57.11053 requires the development of an escape and evacuation plan specifically addressing the unique conditions of each underground metal and nonmetal mine. Section 57.11053 also requires that revisions be made as mining progresses. The following information is required with each escape and evacuation plan submission:

(1) Mine maps or diagrams showing directions of principal air flow, location of escape routes, and locations of existing telephones, primary fans, primary fan controls, fire doors, ventilation doors, and refuge chambers;

(2) Procedures to show how the miners will be notified of an emergency;

(3) An escape plan for each working area in the mine including instructions showing how each working area should be evacuated;

(4) A firefighting plan;

(5) Surface procedures to be followed in an emergency, including the notification of proper authorities, preparing rescue equipment and other equipment which may be used in rescue and recovery operations; and

(6) A statement of the availability of emergency communication and transportation facilities, emergency power, and ventilation, and location of rescue personnel and equipment.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

MSHA is particularly interested in comments that:

• 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 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.

A copy of the Supporting Statement for the proposed extension of the information collection can be obtained by contacting the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice, or viewed on the Internet by selecting “Rules & Regs”, and then selecting “FedReg.Docs”. On the next screen, select “Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statement” to view documents supporting the Federal Register notice.

III. Current Action

This notice contains the request for an extension of the existing collection of information on 30 CFR 57.11053, Escape and Evacuation Plans. MSHA does not intend to publish the results from this information collection and is not seeking approval to either display or not display the expiration date for the OMB approval of this information collection. This information collection does not contain certification exceptions and does not employ statistical methods.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

OMB Number: 1219-0046.

Frequency: On Occasion.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Cost to Federal Government: $17,545.

Total Burden Respondents: 234.

Total Number of Responses: 468.

Total Burden Hours: 3,978.

Total Hour Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $248,513.

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 extension; Comments will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: December 13, 2010.

Patricia W. Silvey,

Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.