03-10337. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

April 15, 2003.

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 on [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 12035, 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).

Title: Main Fan Maintenance Record.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

OMB Number: 1219-0012.

Frequency: On occasion.

Type of Response: Recordkeeping.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondent: 25.

Total Annual Responses: 8.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 1.5 Hours.

Total Annual Burden: 12 Hours.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

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

Description: 30 CFR 57.8525 requires Mine Operators to keep main fans maintained according to either manufacturers' recommendations or a written periodic schedule adopted by the mine operator. The main fans are the major life support system to the entire underground mining operation. The airflow provided by the fans assures fresh air to the miners at working faces, reduces the chance of the air reaching threshold limit values of airborne contaminants, and dilutes accumulations of possible explosive gases.

Ira L. Mills,

Departmental Clearance Officer.