[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 24, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67087-67088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25640]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request; Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal 
Mines

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Mine Safety 
and Health Administration (MSHA)-sponsored information collection 
request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review 
and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited.

DATES: The OMB will consider all written comments that agency receives 
on or before December 27, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
    Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Department, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (2) if the information will be processed and used in a timely 
manner; (3) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and 
cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (4) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information collection; and (5) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Hernandez by telephone at 202-
693-8633 or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: MSHA requires mine operators to provide 
important safety and health protections to underground coal miners who 
work on and around diesel-powered equipment. The engines powering 
diesel equipment are potential contributors to fires and explosion 
hazards in the confined environment of an underground coal mine where 
combustible coal dust and explosive methane gas are present. Diesel 
equipment operating in underground coal mines also can pose serious 
health risks to miners from exposure to diesel exhaust emissions, 
including diesel particulates, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. 
Diesel exhaust is a lung carcinogen in animals.
    This information collection includes maintenance and use of diesel 
equipment; tests and maintenance of fire suppression systems on both 
the equipment and at fueling stations; and exhaust gas sampling.
    Records are required to document that essential testing and 
maintenance of diesel-powered equipment are conducted regularly by 
qualified persons; that corrective actions are taken; and the persons 
performing the maintenance, repairs, examinations, and tests are 
trained and qualified to perform such tasks.
    Safety requirements for diesel equipment include many of the proven 
features required in existing standards for electric-powered mobile 
equipment, such as cabs or canopies, methane monitors, brakes and 
lights. Sampling of diesel exhaust emissions is required to protect 
miners from overexposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide 
contained in diesel exhaust. Information collection requirements are 
found in: Section 75.1901(a), Diesel fuel requirements; section 
75.1904(b)(4)(i), Underground diesel fuel tanks and safety cans; 
Section 75.1906(d), Transport of diesel fuel; section 75.1911(j), Fire 
suppression systems for diesel-powered equipment and fuel 
transportation units; section 75.1912(i), Fire suppression systems for 
permanent underground diesel fuel storage

[[Page 67088]]

facilities; sections 75.1914(f)(2), (g), (h)(1), and (h)(2), 
Maintenance of diesel-powered equipment; sections 75.1915(b)(5), 
(c)(1), and (c)(2), Training and qualification of persons working on 
diesel-powered equipment. For additional substantive information about 
this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on 
June 16, 2021 (86 FR 32067).
    This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency 
generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and 
the public is generally not required to respond to an information 
collection, unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid 
OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions 
of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to 
comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid 
OMB Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.
    DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for 
three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than 
three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information 
collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive 
a month-to-month extension while they undergo review.
    Agency: DOL-MSHA.
    Title of Collection: Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal 
Mines.
    OMB Control Number: 1219-0119.
    Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses or other for-profit 
institutions.
    Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 126.
    Total Estimated Number of Responses: 172,599.
    Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 14,002 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $312,294.
    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).

    Dated: November 17, 2021.
Nora Hernandez,
Department Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-25640 Filed 11-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P