E6-14915. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Mine Rescue Teams; Arrangements for Emergency Medical Assistance; and Arrangements for Transportation for Injured Persons

ACTION:

Notice.

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/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.

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the extension of the information collection related to the 30 CFR Sections 49.2 through 49.4, 49.6 through 49.9, 75.1713-1, and 77.1702; Mine Rescue Teams; Arrangements for Emergency Medical Assistance; and Arrangements for Transportation for Injured Persons.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before November 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, John Rowlett, Director, Management Services Division, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2134, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to [e-mail], along with an original printed copy. Mr. Rowlett can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact the employee listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Section 115(e) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) required the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to publish proposed regulations which provide that mine rescue teams be available for rescue and recovery work to each underground mine in the event of an emergency. In addition, the costs of making advance arrangements for such teams are to be borne by the operator of each such mine.

Congress considered the ready availability of mine rescue in the event of an accident to be vital protection for miners. Congress was concerned that too often in the past, rescue efforts at a disaster site have had to await the delayed arrival of skilled mine rescue teams. In responding to Congressional concerns, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) promulgated 30 CFR Part 49, Mine Rescue Teams. The regulations set standards related to the availability of mine rescue teams; alternate mine rescue capability for small and remote mines and mines with special mining conditions; inspection and maintenance records of mine rescue equipment and apparatus; physical requirements for mine rescue team members and alternates; and experience and training requirements for team members and alternates.

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 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 can be obtained by contacting the employee listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice, or viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA home page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing “Statutory and Regulatory Information” and “Federal Register Documents.”

III. Current Actions

Under 30 CFR 49, Mine Rescue Teams, the regulations set standards related to the availability of mine rescue teams; alternate mine rescue capability for small and remote mines and mines with special mining conditions; inspection and maintenance records of mine rescue equipment and apparatus; physical requirements for mine rescue team members and alternates; and experience and training requirements for team members and alternates. Parts 75 and 77 requires that coal mine operators make arrangements with a licensed physician, medical service, medical clinic, or hospital and with an ambulance service to provide 24-hour emergency medical assistance and transportation. That information is to be posted at the mine.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Mine Rescue Teams; Arrangements for Emergency Medical Assistance; and Arrangements for Transportation for Injured Persons.

OMB Number: 1219-0078.

Recordkeeping: § 49.6 states that rescue apparatus and equipment shall be maintained and that a person trained in the use and care of breathing apparatus shall inspect and test the apparatus at lease every 30 days and shall certify by signature and date that the inspections and tests were done. The certification and the record of corrective action taken, if any, shall be maintained at the mine rescue station for a period of one year. § 49.7 requires that each team member and alternate be examined within 60 days of the beginning of the initial training, and annually thereafter by a physician who shall certify the physical fitness of the team member to perform mine rescue and recovery work for prolonged periods under strenuous conditions. The operator shall have MSHA Form 5000-3 on file for each team member. These forms shall be kept on file at either the mine or the mine rescue station for a period of one year. § 49.8 requires that prior to serving on a mine rescue team, each member must complete an initial 20-hour course of instruction and all team members are required to receive 40 hours of refresher training annually. A record of the training received by each mine rescue team member is required to be on file at the mine rescue station for a period of one year.

Frequency: On Occasion.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Respondents: 1,072.

Responses: 45,270.

Burden Hours: 24,366.

Total Burden Cost: $648K.

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 at Arlington, Virginia, this 31st day of August, 2006.

David L. Meyer,

Director, Office of Administration and Management.