[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 59032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-29369]



[[Page 59032]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Hoist Operators Physical Fitness

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 25, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Gordon J. Burke, Jr., Director, 
Administration and Management, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 611, 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. Mr. Burke can be 
reached at (703) 235-1383 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlene N. Barnard, Regulatory 
Specialist, Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine 
Safety and Health Administration, Room 725, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, 
Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Barnard 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 sections 56.19057 and 57.19057 require the annual 
examination and certification of a hoist operator's fitness. The safety 
of all metal and nonmetallic miners riding hoist conveyances is 
dependent upon the attentiveness and physical capabilities of the hoist 
operator, in routine and emergency evacuations. Improper movement. 
overspeed, and overtravel of a hoisting conveyance can result in 
serious physical harm or death to all passengers. While small mine 
operators are likely to have fewer hoists and hoist operators, Congress 
intended that the Mine Act be enforced at all mining operations within 
its jurisdiction regardless of size and that information collection and 
record keeping requirements be consistent with efficient and effective 
enforcement of the Mine Act. However, Congress did recognize that small 
operations may face problems in complying with some Mine Act 
provisions. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act directs the Secretary of 
Labor not to impose an unreasonable burden on small businesses when 
obtaining any information under the Mine Act. This information 
collection does not have a significant impact on a substantial number 
of small entities.

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 Hoist Operator's Physical 
Fitness. 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

    Title 30 CFR sections 56.19057 and 57.19057 require the annual 
examination and certification of a hoist operator's fitness. The safety 
of all metal and nonmetallic miners riding hoist conveyances is 
dependent upon the attentiveness and physical capabilities of the hoist 
operators, in routine and emergency evacuations. Improper movements, 
overspeed, and overtravel of a hoisting conveyance can result in 
serious physical harm or death to all passengers. Small mine operators 
are likely to have fewer hoists and hoist operators.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Hoist Operator's Physical Fitness.
    OMB Number: 1219-0049.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Record keeping: At least one year from the time that certification 
is obtained.
    Total Respondents: 47.
    Total Responses: 235.
    Average Time per Response: 2 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 7.8.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.
    Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $72,380.
    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: November 16, 2001.
Gordon J. Burke, Jr.,
Director, Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 01-29369 Filed 11-23-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M