[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 208 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54143-54144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23421]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0030]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Main Fan Operation 
and Inspection (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A 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. This program 
helps to ensure 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 main fan 
operation and inspection (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A mines).

DATES: All comments must be received on or before December 26, 2018.

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-2018-0030.
     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, 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

    Potentially gassy (explosive) conditions underground are largely 
controlled by the main 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. Title 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 must be 
retained for one year and made available to authorized representatives 
of the Secretary of Labor.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to main fan operation and inspection (I-A, II-A, 
III, and V-A 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;
     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.

[[Page 54144]]

    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 section of 
this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
main fan operation and inspection (I-A, II-A, III, and V-A 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: 1219-0030.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 6.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 5,940.
    Annual Burden Hours: 2,046 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $2,400.
    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.

Roslyn B. Fontaine,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-23421 Filed 10-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P