2010-15270. Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where ...

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 75.350, 75.351, 75.352, 75.371.

DATES:

All comments must be received by midnight Eastern Daylight Savings Time on August 23, 2010.

ADDRESSES:

Comments must clearly be identified with the rule title and may be submitted to MSHA by any of the following methods:

(1) Electronic mail: [e-mail].

(2) Facsimile: [phone].

(3) Regular Mail: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939.

(4) Hand Delivery or Courier: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mario Distasio, Chief of the Economic Analysis Division, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [e-mail] (e-mail), 202-693-9445 (voicemail), 202-693-9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation Belt Entry rule provides safety requirements for the use of the conveyor belt entry as a ventilation intake to course fresh air to working sections and areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed in mines with three or more entries. This rule establishes additional protective provisions that mine operators must follow if they want to use belt air to ventilate working sections.

• 75.351(b)(3) requires posting at the surface location of an up-to-date map or schematic showing air flow directions and the location and type of all Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) sensors.
• 75.351(n)(1) requires that sensors used to detect CO or smoke be visually examined at least once each shift, when belts are operated as part of a production shift. If hazardous conditions are found during the visual exam, then a log of such conditions must be filed under existing section 75.363(b)—Hazardous conditions; posting, correcting and recording (OMB approval 1219-0088).
• 75.351(n)(2) and 75.351(n)(3) require that alarms for AMS be tested every seven days and that CO, smoke, or methane sensors be calibrated, every 31 days respectively.
• 75.351(o)(1)(i) requires that a record be made if the AMS emits an alert or alarm signal.
• 75.351(o)(1)(ii) requires that, if a malfunction in the system occurs, a record be made of the malfunction and the corrective action to return the system to proper operating condition.
• 75.351(o)(1)(iii) requires that the persons doing the weekly test of alert and alarm signals, the monthly calibration, or maintenance of the system make a record of these tests, calibrations, or maintenance.
• 75.351(o)(3) requires that all records concerning the AMS be kept in a book or electronically in a computer system that is secure and not susceptible to alteration.
• 75.351(p) requires the mine operator to keep these records for at least one year at a surface location and to make them available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of miners.
• 75.351(q) requires that a record of the annual AMS operator training be kept. The record will include the content of training, the person conducting the training, and the date the training is conducted.
• 75.352(a) and 75.352(b) require the designated AMS operator or other appropriate personnel to take actions promptly when malfunction, alert, or alarm signals are received.

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 selecting “Rules & Reg”, and then selecting “FedReg.Docs”. On the next screen, select “Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statement” to view documents supporting the Federal Register Notice.

III. Current Actions

This request for collection of information contains recordkeeping provisions for 30 CFR 75.350, 75.351, 75.352, 75.371 Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation—Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed. MSHA does not intend to publish the results of this information collection and is not seeking approval to not display the expiration date or OMB approval number for this collection of information.

There are no certification exceptions identified with this information collection and the collection of this information does not employ statistical methods.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

OMB Number: 1219-0138.

Frequency: On Occasion.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Cost to Federal Government: No cost to Federal Government.

Total Burden Respondents: 21.

Total Number of Responses: 251.

Total Burden Hours: 4,255.

Total Hour Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $303,512.

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: June 18, 2010.

Patricia W. Silvey,

Director, Office of Standards, and Regulations, and Variances.