[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 22, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70365-70366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-29844]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations: Certificate of Electrical/Noise Training

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 January 22, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records 
Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 609A, Arlington, VA 
22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a 
computer disk, or via 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 qualifies mine electricians and certifies persons to take 
noise level measurements in coal mines. MSHA Form 5000-1 is used to 
report to MSHA those miners who have satisfactorily completed (1) a 
coal mine electrical training program; or (2) a noise training course. 
Based on the information submitted on Form 5000-1, MSHA issues 
certification cards that identify these individuals as qualified to 
perform certain tasks at the mine. Title 30 CFR 75.153(a)(2) and 
77.103(a)(2) require that a program be provided for the qualification 
of certain experienced personnel as mine electricians. Title 30 CFR 
70.504 and 71.801 require that mine operators measure the noise levels 
to which each miner is exposed and that these measurements be taken by 
a person who has been certified by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
Mine Safety and Health as qualified. A qualified person is one who has 
been certified by MSHA as an instructor in noise measurement training 
programs; or has completed a noise training course conducted by and 
approved by MSHA.

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 Certificate of Electrical/Noise 
Training. 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 For Further 
Information Contact section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    MSHA uses the information from MSHA Form 5000-1 to issue 
certification cards to those persons who are qualified. MSHA inspectors 
may ask to see the cards to determine compliance with regulations 
during routine inspections. Mine operators use the cards to determine a 
person's qualifications to perform certain tasks and when hiring new 
personnel. The information is also used by MSHA to determine mine 
operators' compliance with approved training plans, to monitor safety 
training programs, and in reporting to Congress.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Certificate of Electrical/Noise Training.
    OMB Number: 1219-0001.
    Agency Number: MSHA Form 5000-1.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Total Respondents: 5,605.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 5,605.
    Average Time per Response: 4.59 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 25,710.
    Total Burden Hour Cost: $795,009.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $1,349,004.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of

[[Page 70366]]

Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; 
they will also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 16, 2000.
Brenda C. Teaster,
Acting Chief, Records Management Division.
[FR Doc. 00-29844 Filed 11-21-00; 8:45 am]
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