[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 162 (Wednesday, August 21, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51749-51750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20362]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Ventilation Plan and Main Fan 
Maintenance Record (Pertains to Metal and Nonmetal Underground Mines)

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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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 continuing collections 
of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 
44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). 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 (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed 
information collection for updating Ventilation Plan and Main Fan 
Maintenance Record 30 CFR 57.8520, and 57.8525.

DATES: All comments must be postmarked or received by midnight Eastern 
Standard Time on October 21, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements 
of this notice 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 for docket 
number [MSHA-2013-0025].
     Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, 
Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 
21st floor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Deputy Director, 
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-
9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813, authorizes the Mine Safety and Health 
Administration (MSHA) to collect information necessary to carry out its 
duty in protecting the safety and health of miners.
    Underground mines usually 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. 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/or explosions due to a buildup of 
explosive gases. 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. The mine operator 
is required to prepare a written plan of the mine ventilation system. 
The plan is required to be updated at least annually. Upon written 
request of the District Manager, the plan or revisions must be 
submitted to MSHA for review and comment.
    The main ventilation fans for an underground mine must be 
maintained either according to the manufacturers' recommendations or a 
written periodic schedule. Upon request of an Authorized Representative 
of the Secretary of Labor, this fan maintenance schedule must be made 
available for review. The records assure compliance with the standard 
and may serve as a warning mechanism for possible ventilation problems 
before they occur.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    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
     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 submission of responses.
    This information collection request is available on MSHA's Web site 
at http://www.msha.gov under ``Federal Register Documents'' on the 
right side of the screen by selecting ``New and Existing Information 
Collections and Supporting Statements.'' The information collection 
request will be available on MSHA's Web site for 60 days after the 
publication date of this notice, and on http://www.regulations.gov. 
Because

[[Page 51750]]

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.
    The public may also examine this information collection request at 
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington VA 22209-3939 by signing in at the 
receptionist's desk on the 21st floor.
    Questions about the information collection requirements may be 
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains notification 
and recordkeeping provisions for the Proposed Information Collection 
Request submitted for public comment and recommendations; Ventilation 
Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record 30 CFR 57.8520, and 57.8525. MSHA 
has updated the data in respect to the number of respondents and 
responses, as well as the total burden hours and burden costs 
supporting this information collection request.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    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.
    Total Number of Respondents: 270.
    Frequency: Various.
    Total Number of Responses: 286.
    Total Burden Hours: 6,617 hours.
    Total Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost Burden: $0.
    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.

    Dated: August 16th, 2013.
George F. Triebsch,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2013-20362 Filed 8-20-13; 8:45 am]
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