[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 98 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 27785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-13356]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; 30 CFR 77.1101, Escape and Evacuation 
Plans

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 Escape and Evacuation Plans for 
surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines. 
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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before July 21, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments 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 [email protected], along 
with an original printed copy.

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 [email protected] (Internet E-mail), 
(703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 77.1101(a) requires operators of surface coal mines and 
surface work areas of underground coal mines to establish and keep 
current a specific escape and evacuation plan to be followed in the 
event of a fire.
    Section 77.1101(c) requires escape and evacuation plans to include 
the designation and proper maintenance of an adequate means for exiting 
areas where persons are required to work or travel including buildings, 
equipment, and areas where persons normally congregate during the work 
shift.
    Section 77.1101(b) requires that all employees be instructed in 
current escape and evacuation plans, fire alarm signals, and applicable 
procedures to be followed in case of fire. The training and record 
keeping requirements associated with this standard are addressed under 
OMB No. 1219-0070 (Certificate of Training).
    While escape and evacuation plans are not subject to approval by 
MSHA district managers, MSHA inspectors evaluate the adequacy of the 
plans during their inspections of surface coal mines and surface work 
areas of underground coal mines.

II. Current Actions

    MSHA proposes to continue the information collection requirement 
related to escape and evacuation plans for surface coal mines and 
surface work areas of underground coal mines for an additional 3 years. 
MSHA believes that eliminating this requirement would expose miners to 
unnecessary risk of injury or death should a fire occur at or near 
their work location.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Escape and Evacuation Plans.
    Recordkeeping: Indefinite.
    OMB Number: 1219-0051.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 77.1101.
    Total Respondents: 401.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 401.
    Average Time per Response: 4.8 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,930 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $0.

    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: May 14, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-13356 Filed 5-20-97; 8:45 am]
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