[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10046-10047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-5117]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Safety Defects, Examination, Correction 
and 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 (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 the Safety Defects, Examination, 
Correction and Records. 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 others 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 April 28, 1998.

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 Sections 56.13015 and 57.13015 require compressed-air 
receivers and other unfired pressure vessels be inspected by inspectors 
holding a valid National Board Commission and in accordance with the 
applicable chapters of the National Board Inspection Code, a manual for 
Boiler and Pressure Vessels Inspectors, 1979. Safety defects found on 
compressed-air receivers and other unfired pressure vessels could cause 
injuries and fatalities in the mining industry. Records of inspections 
are kept in accordance with the requirements of the National Board 
Inspection Code and the records are made available to the Secretary or 
his authorized representative.
    Title 30 CFR Sections 56.13030 and 57.13030 require that fired 
pressure vessels (boilers) be equipped with safety devices approved by 
the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to protect against hazards 
from overpressure, flameouts, fuel interruptions and low water level. 
These sections also require that records of inspection and repairs be 
retained by the mine operator in accordance with the requirements of 
the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the National Board 
Inspection Code (progressive records--no limit on retention time) and 
shall be made available to the Secretary or his authorized 
representative.
    Title 30 CFR Sections 56.14100 and 57.14100 require equipment 
operators to inspect equipment, machinery, and tools that are to be 
used during a shift for safety defects before the equipment is placed 
in operation. Defects affecting safety are required to be corrected in 
a timely manner. In instances where the defect makes continued 
operation of the equipment unsafe, the standards require removal from 
service, tagging to identify that it is out of use, and repair before 
use is resumed.
    Title 30 CFR Sections 56.18002 and 57.180002 require that a 
competent person designated by the operator shall examine each working 
place at least once each shift for conditions which may adversely 
affect safety or health. A record of such examinations shall be kept by 
the operator for a period of one year and shall be made available for 
review by the Secretary or his authorized representative.

II. Current Actions

    The records are used by industry management and maintenance 
personnel to ensure that defects are not overlooked, that repairs are 
made, and to monitor when and how often maintenance is performed on 
certain equipment. Additionally, the inspection records denote any 
hazards that were discovered and how the hazards or unsafe conditions 
were abated. Federal inspectors use the records to ensure that unsafe 
conditions are identified early and corrected.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Safety Defects, Examination, Correction and Records.
    OMB Number: 1219-0089.
    Affected Public: Business of other for-profit.

[[Page 10047]]



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                                                                                           Average              
                                      Total                                    Total       time per     Burden  
          Cite/reference           respondents          Frequency            responses     response     hours   
                                                                                          (minutes)             
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56/57.13015......................       1,745   Annually................           1,745         10          291
56/57.13030......................       3,140   Annually................           3,140         10          524
56/57.14100......................      11,000   Daily...................      10,522,828          5      876,902
56/57.18002......................      11,000   Daily...................       2,738,630         12      547,726
                                                                         ----------------           ------------
      Totals.....................  ...........  ........................      13,266,343  .........    1,425,443
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    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $37,061,518.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): 0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): 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: February 24, 1998.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 98-5117 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M