01-18154. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperowrk and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure 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.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before September 18, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Lynnette M. Haywood, Deputy Director, Administration and Management 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 611, 4015, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to [e-mail], along with an original printed copy. Ms. Haywood can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lynette M. Haywood, Deputy Director, Administration and Management, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 611, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Haywood can be reached at [e-mail] (Internet E-mail), [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

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.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the extension of the information collection related to the Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation. MSHA 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 submissions of responses.

A copy of the information collection request may be viewed on he Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) and selecting “Statutory and Regulatory Information then “Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions” (http://www.msha.gov/​regspwork.htm)”, or by contacting the employee listed above in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice for a hard copy.

III. Current Actions

An underground mine is a maze of tunnels that must be adequately ventilated with fresh air to provide a safe environment for miners. Methane is liberated from the strata, and anxious gases and dusts from blasting and other mining activities may be present. The explosive and noxious gases and dusts must be diluted, rendered harmless, and carried to the surface by the ventilating currents. Sufficient air quality must be provided to maintain the level of respirable dust in accordance with MSHA standards.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Safety Standard for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation.

OMB Number: 1219-0125.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Frequency: On occasion.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 75.360(a)(1), and 75.360(f).

Total Respondents: 127.

Total Responses: 102,000.

Average Time per Response: 46 minutes*.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 78,001. *Discrepancies due to rounding.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $0.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or 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: July 16, 2001.

Lynnette M. Haywood,

Deputy Director, Administration and Management.