[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 184 (Wednesday, September 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57397-57398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24076]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0083]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Daily Inspection of 
Surface Coal Mines; Certified Person; Reports of Inspection (Pertains 
to Surface Coal 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 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 on the information collection for Daily 
Inspection of Surface Coal Mines; Certified Person; Reports of 
Inspection (Pertains to Surface Coal Mines).

DATES: All comments must be received on or before November 23, 2015.

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-2015-0027.
     Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 
22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the 
East elevator.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Acting 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

    A number of potential hazards can exist at surface coal mines and 
facilities. Highwalls, mining equipment, travelways, and the handling 
of mining materials each present potentially hazardous conditions.
    Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine Act) 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information 
necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of 
miners. Further Section 101(a) of the Mine Act 30 U.S.C. 811 authorizes 
the Secretary to develop, promulgate, and revise as may be appropriate, 
improved mandatory health and safety for the protection of life and 
prevention of injuries in coal or other mines. 30 U.S.C. 811(a).
    Section 77.1713, Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
requires coal mine operators to conduct examinations of each active 
working area of surface mines, active surface installations at these 
mines, facilities and preparation plants not associated with 
underground coal mines for hazardous conditions during each shift. A 
report of hazardous conditions detected must be entered into a record 
book along with a description of any corrective actions taken. By 
conducting an on shift examination for hazardous conditions, mine 
operators can better ensure a safe working environment for the miners 
and a reduction in accidents.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Daily Inspection of Surface Coal Mines; Certified 
Person; Reports of Inspection (Pertains to Surface Coal 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 MSHA's estimate of the burden of 
the collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;

[[Page 57398]]

     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.
    The information collection request will be available on http://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any 
information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed. 
Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made 
available on www.regulations.gov and www.reginfo.gov.
    The public may also examine publicly available documents at USDOL-
Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th South, Suite 4E401, 
Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th 
floor via the East elevator.
    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 provisions for 
Daily Inspection of Surface Coal Mines; Certified Person; Reports of 
Inspection (Pertains to Surface Coal Mines). MSHA has updated the data 
with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and 
burden costs supporting this information collection request.
    Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved 
collection.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    OMB Number: 1219-0083.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 1,100.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 343,200.
    Annual Burden Hours: 514,800 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $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.

Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-24076 Filed 9-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P