[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 7, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4682-4683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2535]



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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Qualification and Certification Program

ACTION: Notice.

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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. 
Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to the ``Qualification and Certification 
Program.'' A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the Addressee 
section of this notice.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 8, 1996. 
The Department of Labor 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.

ADDRESSEE: Patricia W. Silvey, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, 
Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203. For further information, contact Ms. 
Silvey at 703-235-1910 (this is not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Persons performing tasks and certain required examinations at coal 
mines which are related to miner safety and health, and which require 
specialized experience, are required to be either ``certified'' or 
``qualified'' to carry out these duties. The regulations recognize 
State certification and qualification programs. However, where state 
programs are not available, under the Mine Act and MSHA standards, the 
Secretary may certify and qualify persons for as long as they continue 
to satisfy the requirements needed to obtain the certification or 
qualification, fulfill any applicable retraining requirements, and 
remain employed at the same mine or by the same independent contractor.
    Applications for Secretarial certification must be submitted to the 
MSHA Qualification and Certification Unit in Denver, Colorado. Forms 
5000-4 and 5000-7 provide the coal mining industry with a standardized 
reporting format which expedites the certification process while 
ensuring compliance with the regulations. The information provided on 
the forms enables the Secretary of Labor's delegate--MSHA, 
Qualification and Certification Unit--to determine if the applicants 
satisfy the requirements to obtain the certification or qualification. 
Persons must meet certain minimum experience requirements depending on 
the type of certification or qualification applied for.

II. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions 
whereby persons may be temporarily qualified or certified to perform 
tests and examinations; requiring specialized expertise; related to 
miner safety and health at coal mines.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement (without change).
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Qualification and Certification Program.
    OMB Number: 1219-0069.
    Agency Number: MSHA Forms 5000-4 and 5000-7.
    Affected Public: Businesses of other for-profit.
    Citations: 30 CFR 75.10, 75.155, 77.100 and 77.105.

[[Page 4683]]


------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Total     Average time   Burden
  Forms    Respondents    Frequency    responses   per response   hours 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5000-4        565 On    1,456........   10 min.   243..........         
             occass.                                                    
5000-7         59 On    180..........  8.5 min.   26...........         
             occass.                                                    
          -------------               -----------               --------
Totals           624                      1,636                      269
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* Frequency for each form has changed from ``semi-annually'' to ``on    
  occasion'' because the certification is good for as long as this      
  person continues to satisfy the requirements necessary for            
  qualification and is employed at the same mine or by the same         
  independent contractor.                                               

    Estimated Total Burden Hours = 269
    Estimated Burden Costs = $7,207
    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: January 30, 1996.
George Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 96-2535 Filed 2-6-96; 8:45 am]
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