03-20363. 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 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 57.22204, Main Fan Operation.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before October 10, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Jane Tarr, Management Analyst, Administration and Management 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2171, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on computer disk, or via Internet e-mail to [e-mail]. Ms. Tarr can be reached at [phone] (voice), or [phone] (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jane Tarr, Management Analyst, Records Management Group, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 2171, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Ms. Tarr 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 non-gassy mines.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

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 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

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.

Recordkeeping: Section 57.22204 requires that 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. Certifications and pressure recordings are to be kept for one year and made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary.

Frequency: On occasion.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Respondents: 7.

Total Responses: 3,465.

Average Time Per Response: 30 minutes.

Total Burden Hours: 1,733 hours.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $735.

Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $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 at Arlington, Virginia, this first day of August 2003.

David L. Meyer,

Director, Office of Administration and Management.