[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 165 (Thursday, August 24, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51629-51630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21628]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Main Fan Operation and Inspection

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 51630]]

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 October 23, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records 
Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 709A, 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. Teaster can be reached at (703) 235-1470 
(voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, 
Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and 
Health Administration, Room 709A, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 
22203-1984. Ms. Teaster 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 57.22204, which is applicable only to specific 
underground mines that are categorized as gassy, requires main fans to 
have pressure-recording systems. Main fans are to be inspected daily 
while operating if persons are underground, and certification of the 
inspection is to be made by signature and date. When accumulations of 
explosive gases such as methane are not swept from the mine by the main 
fans, they may reasonably be expected to contact an ignition source. 
The results are usually disastrous and multiple fatalities may be 
expected to occur. The main fan requirements of this standard are 
significantly more stringent than those imposed on nongassy mines.

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 Operation and 
Inspection. 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 selecting ``Statutory and Regulatory Information'' then ``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

    Information collected through the pressure recordings is used by 
the mine operator and MSHA for maintaining a constant vigil on mine 
ventilation, and to ensure that unsafe conditions are identified early 
and corrected. Technical consultants may occasionally review the 
information when solving problems.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title:Main Fan Operation and Inspection.
    OMB Number: 1219-0030.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Frequency: Daily.
    Record keeping: One year.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22204.
    Total Respondents: 7.
    Total Responses: 2,625.
    Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,313.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $735.
    Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $735.
    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: August 18, 2000.
Brenda C. Teaster,
Acting Chief, Records Management Division.
[FR Doc. 00-21628 Filed 8-23-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M