[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 138 (Friday, July 18, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38586-38587]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18984]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
[Docket No. ICR-97-41]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request; Safety Testing and Certification (29 CFR 
1910.7(e)(1)(i))

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 (PRA 95) (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 impact of collection 
requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed extension of the information 
collection requirements contained in 29 CFR 1910.7. The Agency 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.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 16, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments are to be submitted to the Docket Office, Docket 
No. ICR-97-41, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S.

[[Page 38587]]

Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20210. Telephone: (202) 219-7894. Written comments 
limited to 10 pages or less in length may also be transmitted by 
facsimile to (202) 219-5046.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joseph E. Pipkin, Directorate of Safety Standards Programs, 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Room N-3605, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. 
Telephone 219-8161, ext. 125. Copies of the referenced information 
collection request are available for inspection and copying in the 
Docket Office and will be mailed to persons who request copies by 
telephoning Theda Kenney at (202) 219-8061, ext. 100, or Barbara 
Bielaski at (202) 219-8067, ext. 142. For electronic copies of the 
Information Collection Request for Safety Testing and Certification 
OSHA's WebPage on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov/ and clock on 
``standards.''

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act) authorizes 
the promulgation of such health and safety standards as are necessary 
or appropriate to provide safe or healthful employment and places of 
employment. The statute specifically authorizes information collection 
by employers as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of the Act 
or for developing information regarding the causes and prevention of 
occupational injuries, illnesses, and accidents.
    A number of OSHA's standards require certain equipment to be 
``tested'' (or ``approved'') by a ``nationally recognized testing 
laboratory'' (NRTL). In order for an organization to meet the 
definition of a NRTL, it must be ``recognized'' by OSHA and 
laboratories must apply to OSHA for recognition. Recognition is granted 
after OSHA determines that the organization meets certain criteria. 
OSHA can only make this determination after reviewing and evaluating 
``information'' provided by the organizations seeking such recognition. 
The applicant would have to provide OSHA with sufficient information 
and detail to demonstrate that the applicant meets the definition of a 
NRTL and that it has the capability to test and examine equipment and 
materials for fire or electrical safety. More specifically, the 
applicant must demonstrate that it has the facilities, equipment, 
trained staff, test procedures and calibration, and quality control 
programs.

II. Current Actions

    This notice requests an extension of the current Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the paperwork collection 
requirements contained in 29 CFR 1910.7 (currently approved under OMB 
Control No. 1218-0147).
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration.
    Title: Safety Testing and Certification (29 CFR 1910.7).
    OMB Number: 1218-0147.
    Agency Number: Docket Number ICR-97-41.
    Affected Public: State of local governments; Business or other for-
profit.
    Number of Respondents: 12.
    Frequency: Varies.
    Average Time per Response: 65 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 600.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

    Signed at Washington, D.C., this 14th day of July 1997.
John F. Martonik,
Acting Director, Directorate of Safety Standards Programs.
[FR Doc. 97-18984 Filed 7-17-97; 8:45 am]
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