[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 98 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28003-28004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13621]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Escape and Evacuation Plan

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 Escape and Evacuation. 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 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit 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: Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis 
Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. 
Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 719, 
4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. O'Malley can be 
reached at [email protected] (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), 
or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Title 30, CFR Sec. 57.11053 requires the development of an escape 
and evacuation plan specifically addressing the unique conditions of 
each underground metal and nonmetal mine. Section 57.11053 also 
requires that revisions be made as mining progresses. The plan must be 
available to the inspector and conspicuously posted for the benefit of 
affected miners. The plan is required to be reviewed jointly by the 
operator and MSHA once every 6 months.

II. Current Actions

    An accurate, up-to-date plan is vital to the safety of the miners 
and rescue personnel in the event of an emergency. The plans are 
monitored by MSHA to ensure that plans are updated as mining progresses 
and that the escape routes are still effective.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: 30 CFR Sec. 57.11053, Escape and Evacuation Plans.
    OMB Number: 1219-0046.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR Sec. 57.11053.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $233,280.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $2,430.
    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.


[[Page 28004]]


    Dated: May 14, 1998.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 98-13621 Filed 5-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M