01-3069. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

January 16, 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 each individual 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: 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.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Title: Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines.

OMB Number: 1219-0088.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Frequency: On occasion; monthly; weekly; and daily.

Number of Respondents: 980.

Number of Annual Responses: 2,262,566.

Estimated Time Per Response: Varies from approximately 16 hours for large mines to update and submit a Mine Ventilation Plan to approximately three minutes for a mine foreman to countersign a record of hazardous conditions resulting from unintentional fan stoppages of greater than 15 minutes.

Total Burden Hours: 2,725,770.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $40.

Total Annual Costs (operating/maintaining systems or purchasing services): $194,256.

Description: The Standard for Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines requires that mine operators maintain records concerning the ventilation system, tests, and examinations which are required by the Standard. The information is necessary to insure that the integrity of a mine's ventilation system is being maintained and that a safe and healthful work environment is provided to miners.

Ira L. Mills,

Departmental Clearance Officer.