[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 74 (Friday, April 16, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20649-20650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8646]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Mine Ventilation System 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 pre-clearance 
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.
    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the extension of the information 
collection related to the compliance with standards (30 CFR 57.8520 and 
57.8525). The ventilation system is the most vital life support system 
in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation system is 
essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working environment. A 
well planned mine ventilation system is necessary to assure a fresh air 
supply to miners at all working places, to control the amounts of 
harmful airborne contaminants in the mine atmosphere, and to dilute 
possible accumulation of explosive gases. Lack of adequate ventilation 
in underground mines has resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation and 
explosions due to a buildup of explosive gases.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 15, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Darrin A. King, Chief, Records Management 
Branch, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2139, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. 
Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on computer disk, or 
via e-mail to [email protected]. Mr. King can be reached at (202) 
693-9838 (voice), or (202) 693-9801 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the employee listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Underground mines present harsh and hostile working environments. 
The ventilation system is the most vital life support system in 
underground mining and a properly operating ventilation system is 
essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working environment. 
Inadequate ventilation can be a primary factor for deaths caused by 
disease of the lungs (e.g., silicosis). In addition, poor working 
conditions from lack of adequate ventilation contribute to accidents 
resulting from heat stress, limited visibility, or impaired judgment 
from contaminants.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    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 in the ADDRESSES section of 
this notice or viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA home page 
(http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing ``Statutory and Regulatory 
Information'' and ``Federal Register Documents.''

III. Current Actions

    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to ventilation and main fan maintenance.
    Type of Review: Extension.

[[Page 20650]]

    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record.
    OMB Number: 1219-0016.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Frequency: Annually and on occasion.
    Respondents: 258.
    Estimated Time Per Respondent: 25 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 6,375.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $0.
    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 at Arlington, Virginia, this 8th day of April, 2004.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 04-8646 Filed 4-15-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P