[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 140 (Friday, July 19, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37770-37771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-18378]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Training of Mine Rescue Teams; 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.
    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed reinstatement of the 
information collection related to the Training of Mine Rescue Teams. 
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 below in the Addressee 
section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 17, 1996..

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed to Patricia W. Silvey, 
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are 
encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to 
psilveymsha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can be 
reached at (703) 235-1910 (voice) or 703 235-5551 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
George M. Fesak, Director, Office of Program Evaluation and Information 
Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-
1984. Mr. Fesak can be reached at gfesakmsha.gov (Internet E-mail), 
(703) 235-8378 (voice), or 703 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Congress considered the ready availability of mine rescue in the 
event of an accident to be vital protection to miners. The concern was 
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 the direction of Congress, MSHA promulgated 30 CFR 49, 
Mine Rescue Teams. The regulations covered the required availability of 
mine rescue teams; alternate mine rescue capability for small and 
remote mines and special mining conditions; inspection and maintenance 
records of mine rescue equipment and apparatus; physical requirements 
for team members and alternates; and experience and training 
requirements for team members and alternates.

II. Current Actions

    Standard 49.8 requires that prior to serving on a mine rescue team, 
each member must complete an initial 20-hour course of instruction in 
the use, care, and maintenance of the type of breathing apparatus which 
will be used by the mine rescue team. In addition, 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.
    The purpose of the regulation is to assure that mine rescue teams 
will be properly trained in all phases of mine rescue work, including 
all conditions that might be encountered in the event of an actual 
emergency.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement (without change).
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Training of Mine Rescue Teams.
    OMB Number: 1219-0077.
    Recordkeeping: One year.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

[[Page 37771]]

    Cite/Reference/Form/etc.: 30 CFR 49.8.
    Total Respondents: 800.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 7,200.
    Average Time per Response: 0.25 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,800 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: None.
    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: July 15, 1996.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 96-18378 Filed 7-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M