[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41085-41086]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20106]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Gamma Radiation Exposure Records

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 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 new/revision/extension/
reinstatement of the information collection related to Gamma Radiation 
Exposure Records (pertains to metal and nonmetal underground 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 below in the For Further 
Information Contact section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 29, 1997.


[[Page 41086]]


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

    Under section 103(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 
1977, MSHA is required to ``* * * issue regulations requiring operators 
to maintain accurate records of employee exposures to potentially toxic 
materials or harmful physical agents which are required to be monitored 
or measured under any applicable mandatory health or safety standard 
promulgated under this Act.''
    Gamma radiation occurs anywhere that radioactive materials are 
present, and has been associated with lung cancer and other 
debilitating occupational diseases. Gamma radiation hazards may be 
found near radiation sources at surface operations using X-ray 
machines, weightometers, nuclear and diffraction units.

II. Current Actions

    Annual gamma radiation surveys are required to be conducted in all 
underground mines where radioactive ores are mined. Where the average 
gamma radiation measurements are in excess of 2.0 milliroentgens per 
hour in the working place, all persons are to be provided with gamma 
radiation dosimeters and records of cumulative individual gamma 
radiation exposures been kept.
    Records of cumulative occupational radiation exposures aid in the 
protection of workers and in control of subsequent radiation exposure, 
and are used by MSHA in the evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
protection program in demonstrating compliance with regulatory 
requirements.
    Type of Review: Reinstatement without change.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Gamma Radiation Exposure Records.
    OMB Number: 1219-0039.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.5047.
    Total Respondents: 2.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Total Responses: 2.
    Average Time per Response: 2 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 2.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $73.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining):
    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 24, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-20106 Filed 7-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M