[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 198 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 58337]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-20238]


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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 December 14, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Debbie Ferraro, Management Services 
Division, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2171, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. 
Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on computer disk, or 
via E-mail to [email protected]. Ms. Ferraro can be reached at 
(202) 693-9821 (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 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 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 selecting ``Rules and Regs'', then selecting 
``Fed Reg Docs.''

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 Operators' Physical Fitness.
    OMB Number: 1219-0049.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Total Respondents: 64.
    Total Responses: 320.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 10.7.
    Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.
    Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $98,560.
    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 10th day of October, 2007.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
 [FR Doc. E7-20238 Filed 10-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P