[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42004-42005]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17341]


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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0030]


Proposed Extension of Existing Information Collection; Main Fan 
Operation and Inspection in Gassy Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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

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 continuing collections 
of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 
This program helps to assure 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 is 
soliciting comments concerning the extension of the information 
collection for 30 CFR 57.22204. OMB last approved this information 
collection request on January 8, 2010. The package expires on January 
31, 2013.

DATES: All comments must be postmarked or received by midnight Eastern 
Time on September 17, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements 
of this notice must be clearly identified with ``OMB 1219-0030'' and 
sent to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Comments may 
be sent by any of the methods listed below.
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Facsimile: 202-693-9441, include ``OMB 1219-0030'' in the 
subject line of the message.
     Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, 
Arlington, VA 22209-3939. For hand delivery, sign in at the 
receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Moxness, Chief, Economic Analysis 
Division, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 
(facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Potentially gassy (explosive) conditions in underground metal and 
nonmetal mines are largely controlled by the main mine fans. When 
accumulations of explosive gases, such as methane, are not swept from 
the mine by the main fans, they may reasonably be expected to contact 
an ignition source. The results of such contacts are usually 
disastrous, and multiple fatalities may be reasonably expected to 
occur. The standard contains significantly more stringent requirements 
for main fans in ``gassy'' mines than for main fans in other mines. 30 
CFR 57.22204, which only applies to metal and nonmetal underground 
mines that are categorized as ``gassy,'' requires main fans to have 
pressure-recording systems. This standard also requires main fans to be 
inspected daily while operating if persons are underground and 
certification made of such inspections by signature and date. 
Certifications and pressure recordings are to be retained for one year 
and made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary.
    This information collection addresses the recordkeeping associated 
with 30 CFR 57.22204.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed extension of the information 
collection related to this safety standard on main fan operation and 
inspection in gassy underground metal and nonmetal mines. MSHA is 
particularly interested in comments that:
     Evaluate whether the collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information has practical utility;
     Evaluate the accuracy of the MSHA's estimate of the burden 
of the 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.
    The public may examine publicly available documents, including the 
public comment version of the supporting statement, at MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 
2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. OMB clearance requests are available on 
MSHA's Web site at http://www.msha.gov under ``Rules & Regs'' on the 
right side of the screen by selecting Information Collections Requests, 
Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statements. The document will be 
available on MSHA's Web site for 60 days after the publication date of 
this notice. Comments submitted in writing or in electronic form will 
be made available for public inspection. Because comments will not be 
edited to remove any identifying or contact information, MSHA cautions 
the commenter against including any information in the submission that 
should not be publicly disclosed. Questions about the information 
collection requirements may be directed to the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    The information obtained from mine operators is used by MSHA during 
inspections to determine compliance with this safety standard. MSHA has 
updated the data in respect to the

[[Page 42005]]

number of respondents and responses, as well as the total burden hours 
and total annual cost burden supporting this information collection 
extension request.

Summary

    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Main Fan Operation and Inspection in Gassy Underground Metal 
and Nonmetal Mines.
    OMB Number: 1219-0030.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22204.
    Total Number of Respondents: 7.
    Frequency: Daily.
    Total Number of Responses: 6,930.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,386 hours.
    Other Cost Burden: $2,800.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and 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.

    Authority:  44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A).

    Dated: July 12, 2012.
George F. Triebsch,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-17341 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P