[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24511-24512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10383]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Product Testing by Applicant or Third 
Party

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 June 26, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed to Theresa M. O'Malley, 
Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information 
Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, 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) 
235-156351 (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 715, 
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

    Section 318 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 
U.S.C. 878, defines ``permissible'' equipment as that which has been 
approved according to specifications which are prescribed by the 
Secretary of Labor. This approval indicates that the Mine Safety and 
Health Administration's specifications and tests, designed to ensure 
that a product will not present a

[[Page 24512]]

fire, explosion, or other specific safety hazard related to use, have 
been met. Additionally, 30 CFR Part 7 provides procedures whereby 
products may be tested and certified by the applicant or a third party.

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 ``Product Testing by Applicant or 
Third Party.'' 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 submission or responses.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request may be viewed 
on the Internet by assessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) 
under ``Statutory and Regulatory Information'' then selecting 
``Paperwork Reduction Act submissions (http://www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm)'', or by contacting the employee listed above in the For 
Further Information Contact section of this notice for a hard copy.

III. Current Actions

    MSHA is seeking to continue the requirements for approving certain 
products and equipment for use in underground mines.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Product Testing by Applicant or Third Party.
    OMB Number: 1219-0100.
    Recordkeeping: 30 CFR 7.4(a) requires respondents to maintain 
records of test results and procedures for a period of at least 3 
years. Section 7.6(c) requires respondents to maintain records of the 
initial sale of each unit having an approval marking for at least the 
expected shelf life of and service life of the product.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit.
    Total Respondents: 391.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 564 responses.
    Average Time per Response: 2.81 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,585 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Cost: $114,103.
    Total Annualized Costs: $0.
    Total Operation/Maintenance Costs: $554,199.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and 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: April 20, 2000.
Theresa M. O'Malley,
Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information 
Resources.
[FR Doc. 00-10383 Filed 4-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M