[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 211 (Monday, November 2, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67427-67428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27822]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0054]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Fire Protection 
(Underground 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 Fire 
Protection (Underground Coal Mines).

DATES: All comments must be received on or before January 4, 2016.

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-2015-0032.
     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

    Fire protection standards for underground coal mines are based on 
section 311(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine 
Act).
    30 CFR 75.1100 requires that each coal mine be provided with 
suitable firefighting equipment adapted for the size and conditions of 
the mine, and that the Secretary of Labor shall establish minimum 
requirements of the type, quality, and quantity of such equipment.
    30 CFR 75.1100-3 requires that chemical fire extinguishers be 
examined every 6 months and that the date of the examination be 
recorded on a permanent tag attached to the extinguisher.
    30 CFR 75.1103-5(a)(2)(ii) requires that a map or schematic be 
updated within 24 hours of any change in the locations of automatic 
fire warning sensors and the intended air flow direction at these 
locations. This map or schematic would be kept at a manned surface 
location where personnel have an assigned post of duty.
    30 CFR 75.1103-8(a) requires that a qualified person examine the 
automatic fire sensor and warning device systems on a weekly basis and 
conduct a functional test of the complete system at least once every 
seven days.
    Section 75.1103-8(b) requires that a record of the weekly automatic 
fire sensor functional tests be maintained by the mine operator and 
kept for a period of one year.
    30 CFR 75.1103-8(c) requires that sensors be calibrated in 
accordance with the manufacturer's calibration instructions at 
intervals not to exceed 31 days. Records of the sensor calibrations 
must be maintained by the operator and kept for a period of one year.
    30 CFR 75.1103-11 requires that each fire hydrant and hose be 
tested at least once a year and the records of those tests be 
maintained at an appropriate location.
    30 CFR 75.1501(a)(3) requires the operator to certify that each 
responsible person is trained and that the certification is maintained 
at the mine for at least one year.
    30 CFR 75.1502 requires each mine operator to adopt and follow a 
mine evacuation and firefighting program of instruction that addresses 
all mine emergencies created as a result of a fire, an explosion, or a 
gas or water inundation. In addition, this section requires mine 
operators to submit this program of instruction, and any revisions, to 
MSHA for its approval and to train miners regarding the use of the 
program of instruction, and any revisions to such program of 
instruction, after it is approved by MSHA.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Fire Protection (Underground 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

[[Page 67428]]

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;
     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 
Fire Protection (Underground 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: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    OMB Number: 1219-0054.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 237.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 144,427.
    Annual Burden Hours: 24,916 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $332.
    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. 2015-27822 Filed 10-30-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P