[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 32827]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15874]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Main Fan Operation and Inspection

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 reinstatement of the 
information collection related to Main Fan Operation and Inspection. 
(Applies to underground metal and nonmetal mines which have been 
categorized as ``gassy''.)
    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 August 18, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send 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. 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 [email protected] 
(Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 
(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 nongassy mines.

II. 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: Reinstatement (without change).
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Main Fan Operation and Inspection.
    OMB Number: 1219-0030.
    Recordkeeping: One year.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22204.
    Total Respondents: 7.
    Frequency: Daily.
    Total Responses: 2,625.
    Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,313.
    Estimated Total Burden Hour Cost: $47,268.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $735.
    Estimated 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: June 10, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-15874 Filed 6-16-97; 8:45 am]
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