[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 116 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 32828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-15875]



[[Page 32828]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Explosive Materials and Blasting Units

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 Explosive Materials and Blasting 
Units used in gassy underground metal and nonmetal 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 submission of responses.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the person 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, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine 
Safety and Health Administration, Office of Standards, Regulations, and 
Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, 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

    MSHA evaluates and approves explosive materials and blasting units 
as permissible for use in the mining industry. However, since there are 
no permissible explosives or blasting units available that have 
adequate blasting capacity for some metal and nonmetal gassy mines, 
Standard 57.22606 was promulgated to provide procedures for mine 
operators to follow for the use of non-approved explosive materials and 
blasting units. Mine operators must notify MSHA in writing, of all non-
approved explosive materials and blasting units to be used prior to 
their use. MASH evaluates the non-approved explosive materials and 
determines if they are safe for blasting in a potentially gassy 
environment.

II. Current Actions

    MSHA uses the information to determine that the explosives and 
procedures to be used are safe for blasting in a gassy underground 
mine. Federal inspectors use the notification to ensure that safe 
procedures are followed.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement without change.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Explosive Materials and Blasting Units.
    OMB Number: 1219-0095.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit.
    Total Respondents: 7.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 7.
    Average Time per Response: 1 hour.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 7.
    Estimated Total Burden Hour Cost: $252.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and 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. 97-15875 Filed 6-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M