[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 9, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64978-64979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24899]


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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 
ensure that requested data is 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 10, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Melissa Stoehr, Acting Chief, Records 
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) 693-9837 (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 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

[[Page 64979]]

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 requirement related to the Hoist Operators' 
Physical Fitness. MSHA is particularly interested in comments that:
     Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of MSHA's functions, including 
whether the information has practical utility;
     Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
     Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and
     Address 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) to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond.
    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

    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: Annually.
    Recordkeeping: At least one year from the time that certification 
is obtained.
    Total Respondents: 58.
    Total Responses: 290.
    Average Time per Response: .0333 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 9.7.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.
    Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $89,320.
    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 in Arlington, Virginia, this 22nd day of October 2004.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 04-24899 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P