[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 89 (Friday, May 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 25525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12274]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Training Plans

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 submission of training plans as 
addressed in 30 CFR 48.3 and 48.23. 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 July 7, 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

    The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. 801, et 
seq. (Mine Act), recognizes that the role of education and training in 
the improvement of miner health and safety is an important element of 
federal efforts to make the nation's mines safer places in which to 
work. Section 115(a) of the Mine Act states that ``each operator of a 
coal or other mine shall have a health and safety program which shall 
be approved by the Secretary.'' Title 30, C.F.R. Secs. 48.3 and 48.23 
specifically address the requirements for training plans. The standards 
are intended to ensure that miners will be effectively trained in 
matters affecting their health and safety, with the ultimate goal being 
the reduction of frequency and severity of the injuries in the nation's 
mines.

II. Current Actions

    Approved training plans are used to implement training programs for 
training new miners, training newly employed experienced miners, 
training miners for new tasks, annual refresher training, and hazard 
training. The plans are also used by MSHA to ensure that all miners are 
receiving the training necessary to perform their jobs in the safest 
manner possible.
    Type of Review: Extension
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Training Plans--30 C.F.R. Secs. 48.3 and 48.23
    OMB Number: 1219-0009.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.

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                                                                                                                           Average time                 
         Cite/reference                Total                             Frequency                             Total       per response    Burden (hrs) 
                                    respondents                                                              responses         (hrs)                    
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48.3 and 48.23..................           1,300  Annually..............................................           1,300               8          10,400
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    Totals......................           1,300  Annually..............................................           1,300               8          10,400
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    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining: $2,600.
    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: May 1, 1998.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 98-12274 Filed 5-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M