[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 106 (Friday, June 1, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29841-29842]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13783]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Escape and Evacuation Plan

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 July 31, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records

[[Page 29842]]

Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 709A, 4015, 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 57.11053 requires the development of an escape and 
evacuation plan specifically addressing the unique conditions of each 
underground metal and nonmetal mine. Section 57.11053 also requires 
that revisions be made as mining progresses. The plan must be available 
to the inspector and conspicuously posted for the benefit of affected 
miners. The plan is required to be reviewed jointly by the operator and 
MSHA once every 6 months.

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 Escape and Evacuation Plan. 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 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

    An accurate, up-to-date plan is vital to the safety of the miners 
and rescue personnel in the event of an emergency. The plans are 
monitored by MSHA to ensure that plans are updated as mining progresses 
and that the escape routes are still effective.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Escape and Evacuation Plan.
    OMB Number: 1219-0046.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.11053.
    Total Respondents: 284.
    Total Responses: 568.
    Average Time per Response: 8 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 4,544 hours.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.
    Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $1,704.
    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: May 23, 2001.
Brenda C. Teaster,
Acting Chief, Records Management Division.
[FR Doc. 01-13783 Filed 5-31-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M