[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 1913]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-718]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Main Fan Maintenance Record

AGENCY: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing efforts 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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 13, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Diane B. Hill, Program Analysis Officer, 
Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are 
encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet 
E-mail to [email protected], along with an original printed copy. Ms. Hill 
can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 
(facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane B. Hill, 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. Hill 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 57.8525 requires that main fans be maintained 
according to either manufacturers' recommendations or a written 
periodic schedule adopted by the mine operator. The main fans are the 
major life support system to the entire underground mining operation. 
The air flow provided by the fans assures fresh air to the miners at 
working faces, reduces the chance of the air reaching threshold limit 
values of airborne contaminants, and dilutes accumulations of possible 
explosive gases.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to the Main Fan Maintenance Record. 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 contact 
section.

II. Current Actions

    MSHA is seeking to continue the requirement for a regular fan 
maintenance schedule to assure an uninterrupted supply of air in the 
mine.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Main Fan Maintenance Record.
    OMB Number: 1219-0012.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.8525.
    Total Respondents: 21.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Total Responses: 7.
    Average Time per Response: 1.57 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 11 hours.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: None.
    Total Operation and Maintenance Costs: None.
    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: January 5, 2000.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 00-718 Filed 1-11-00; 8:45 am]
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