[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 188 (Tuesday, September 29, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51960-51961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25999]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public
Comment and Recommendations; Hoist Operators Physical Fitness; and
Physical Requirements for Mine Rescue Teams and Man Hoist Operators
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 Hoist Operators Physical Fitness;
and Physical Requirements for Mine Rescue Teams. 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.
[[Page 51961]]
DATES: Submit comments on or before November 30, 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:
Mrs. Theresa O'Malley, Program Analysis Office, 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. Mrs. 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 Sections 56.19057 and 57.19057 require the annual
certification of hoist operator's fitness. The safety of all metal and
nonmetallic miners riding hoist conveyances is dependent upon the
attentiveness and physical capabilities of the hoist operators,
especially in emergency evacuations. Improper movements, overspeed, and
overtravel of a hoisting conveyance can result in serious physical harm
or death to all passengers. Unlike other industries, the hazards of
mining are not reduced in small operations because of the volume of
material to be processed and the heavy equipment used. This precludes
making exceptions to safety standards for small mines in order to
reduce the burden imposed by the standard. However, small mine
operators are likely to have fewer hoist operators.
Section 49.7(a) requires each mine rescue team member to be
examined annually by a physician who shall certify that he/she is
physically fit to perform mine rescue and recovery work for a prolonged
period under extreme conditions. Small operators are not exempt from
the requirement for a medical examination for mine rescue personnel;
however, they are allowed to provide an approved alternative mine
rescue capability.
II. Current Actions
Title 30 CFR Sections 56.19057 and 57.19057 require the annual
certification of hoist operator's fitness. The safety of all metal and
nonmetallic miners riding hoist conveyance is dependent upon the
attentiveness and physical capabilities of the hoist operators,
especially during emergency evacuations. Improper movements, overspeed,
and overtravel of a hoisting conveyance can result in serious physical
harm or death to all passengers. Small mine operators are likely to
have fewer hoist operators.
Section 49.7(a) requires each member of a mine rescue team to be
examined annually by a physician who shall certify that he/she is
physically fit to perform mine rescue and recovery work for a prolonged
period under strenuous conditions.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Record of all Certified and Qualified Persons; Hoist
Operators Physical Fitness; and Physical Requirements for Mine Rescue
Teams.
OMB Number: 1219-0049.
Agency Number: MSHA 221.
Record keeping: At least one year from the time that certification
is obtained.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit Cite/Reference/Form:
30 CFR 56/57.19057 and 30 CFR 49.7.
Total Respondents: 1.154.
Frequency: On occasion.
Total Responses: 18,206.
Averge Time per Response: 50 minutes.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,511.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): None.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $5,277,703.
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: September 24, 1998.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 98-25999 Filed 9-28-98; 8:45 am]
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