[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 183 (Friday, September 20, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49559-49560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20394]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0016]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plan 
and Main Fan Maintenance Record

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 Ventilation Plan 
and Main Fan Maintenance Record.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before November 19, 2019.

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-2019-0038.
     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

    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 of Labor to develop, promulgate, and revise as 
may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for 
the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal and metal and 
nonmetal mines.
    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 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

[[Page 49560]]

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 soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record. 
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.
    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 
Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record. 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: 1219-0016.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 197.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 206.
    Annual Burden Hours: 4,762 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. 2019-20394 Filed 9-19-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P