[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 174 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 54302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-22980]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Explosive Materials and Blasting Units

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 November 6, 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

    MSHA evaluates and approved explosive materials and blasting units 
as permissible for use in the mining industry. However, since there are 
no permissible explosives or blasting units available that have 
adequate blasting capacity for some metal and nonmetal gassy mines, 
Standard 57.22606(a) was promulgated to provide procedures for mine 
operators to follow for the use of non-approved explosive materials and 
blasting units. Mine operators must notify MSHA in writing, of all non-
approved explosive materials and blasting units to be used prior to 
their use. MSHA evaluates the non-approved explosive materials and 
determines if they are safe for blasting in a potentially gassy 
environment.

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 Explosive Materials and Blasting 
Units. 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, mechnical, 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 submission (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 uses the information to determine that the explosives and 
procedures to be used are safe for blasting in a gassy underground 
mine. Federal inspectors use the notification to ensure that safe 
procedures are followed.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Explosive Materials and Blasting Units.
    OMB Number: 1219-0095.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit.
    Total Respondents: 7.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 7.
    Average Time per Response: 1 hour.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 7.
    Estimated Total Burden Hour Cost: $321.
    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: August 31, 2000.
Brenda C. Teaster,
Acting Chief, Records Managment Division.
[FR Doc. 00-22980 Filed 9-6-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M