00-21628. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Main Fan Operation and Inspection

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork 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 October 23, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 709A, 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. Teaster can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 709A, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Teaster can be reached at [e-mail] (Internet E-mail), [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Title 30, CFR 57.22204, which is applicable only to specific underground mines that are categorized as gassy, requires main fans to have pressure-recording systems. Main fans are to be inspected daily while operating if persons are underground, and certification of the inspection is to be made by signature and date. When accumulations of explosive gases such as methane are not swept from the mine by the main fans, they may reasonably be expected to contact an ignition source. The results are usually disastrous and multiple fatalities may be expected to occur. The main fan requirements of this standard are significantly more stringent than those imposed on nongassy mines.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to the Main Fan Operation and Inspection. 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 proposed information collection request may be viewed on the 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

Information collected through the pressure recordings is used by the mine operator and MSHA for maintaining a constant vigil on mine ventilation, and to ensure that unsafe conditions are identified early and corrected. Technical consultants may occasionally review the information when solving problems.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Main Fan Operation and Inspection.

OMB Number: 1219-0030.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Frequency: Daily.

Record keeping: One year.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22204.

Total Respondents: 7.

Total Responses: 2,625.

Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,313.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $735.

Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $735.

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: August 18, 2000.

Brenda C. Teaster,

Acting Chief, Records Management Division.