[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42069-42070]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15768]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


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

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 proposed extension of the 
information collection related to Escape and Evacuation Plans. 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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 13, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Melissa Stoehr, Acting Chief, Records

[[Page 42070]]

Management Branch, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2134, Arlington, VA 
22209-3939. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on 
computer disk, or via e-mail to [email protected]. Ms. Stoehr can 
be reached at (202) 693-9827 (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

    Title 30, CFR Sec.  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 for review by MSHA inspectors and conspicuously posted at 
locations convenient to all persons on the surface and underground. The 
plan is required to be reviewed jointly by the mine operator and MSHA 
at least once every six months.

II. Current Actions

    An accurate, up-to-date plan is vital to the safety of the miners 
and rescue personnel in the event of an underground mine emergency. The 
plans are periodically reviewed by MSHA personnel to ensure that plans 
are accurate and updated as mining progresses and that the escape 
routes are still effective.
    Type of Review: Extension of Currently Approved Collection.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Escape and Evacuation Plans.
    OMB Number: 1219-0046.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Respondents: 243.
    Number of Responses: 486.
    Estimated Time per Response: 8.5 hours.
    Total Burden Hours: 4,131.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Annual 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 6th day of July, 2004.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 04-15768 Filed 7-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P