[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 59 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16227-16228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-7473]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Fire Protection (Underground Coal Mines)

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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before May 26, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Theresa M. O'Malley, 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. 
O'Malley can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 
(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

    Subpart L of 30 CFR part 75, establishes minimum fire protection 
requirements for underground coal mines. This subpart contains 
provisions requiring that a program for the instruction of miners in 
fire fighting and evacuation procedures be adopted by the mine operator 
and approved by the MSHA district manager. Subpart L also contains 
provisions requiring fire extinguishers to be examined every 6 months, 
fire drills to be conducted every 90 days, automatic fire sensor and 
warning device systems to be examined weekly and tested annually, and 
fire hydrants and hose to be tested at least once a year. These 
provisions also require that the mine operator maintain a record or 
certification that the fire drills and examinations and tests are 
conducted.

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 Fire Protection (Underground Coal 
Mines). 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 may be viewed 
on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) 
and then choosing ``Statutory and Regulatory Information'' and 
``Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions (http://www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm)'', or by contacting the employee listed above in

[[Page 16228]]

the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice for a hard 
copy.

III. Current Actions

    MSHA believes that the requirement for distinct fire fighting and 
evacuation programs for coal mines promotes the objectives of the 
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 by ensuring that miners are 
able to safely evacuate a mine in the event of a fire and that fires 
are extinguished as soon as possible. MSHA uses the programs and the 
fire drill and fire fighting equipment certifications to determine 
whether a mine operator has adequate procedures and equipment to 
protect miners in the event of a fire.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Fire Protection (Underground Coal Mines)
    OMB Number: 1219-0054.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.

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                                      Total                             Total       Average time per     Burden
          Cite/reference           respondents        Frequency       responses    response (hours)      hours*
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75.1100-3........................       1,424   Semi-annually.......     56,960  2 minutes...........      1,899
33975.1101-23(a).................         339   On occasion.........        339  30 minutes..........        170
75.1101-23(c)....................       1,424   Quarterly...........     17,088  30 minutes..........      8,544
75.1103-8........................         685   Weekly..............    178,100  25 minutes..........     41,558
75.1103-8 (Test).................         685   Annually............      2,740  15 minutes..........        685
75.1103-11.......................         685   Annually............     41,100  30 minutes..........     20,550
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    Total........................  ...........  ....................    296,327  15 minutes..........    73,406
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*Discrepancies due to rounding.

    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup) $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining: $1,695.
    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: March 21, 2000.
Theresa M. O'Malley,
Program Analysis Officer, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 00-7473 Filed 3-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M