[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67975-67976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26053]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in 
Underground Coal Mines

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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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 30, 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: Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine 
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act), the Secretary may by rule 
in accordance with procedures set forth in this section and in 
accordance with section 553 of Title 5, United States Code (without 
regard to any reference in such section to sections 556 and 557 of such 
title), 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 or other mines. In addition, Section 303 
requires that all coal mines be ventilated by mechanical ventilation 
equipment installed and operated in a manner approved by an authorized 
representative of the Secretary and such equipment be examined daily 
and a record be kept of such examination.
    Underground coal 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. Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has 
resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation and explosions.
    An underground mine is a maze of tunnels that must be adequately 
ventilated with fresh air to provide a safe environment for miners. 
Methane is liberated from the strata, and noxious gases and dusts from 
blasting and other mining activities may be present. The explosive and 
noxious gases and dusts must be diluted, rendered harmless, and carried 
to the surface by the ventilating currents. Sufficient air must be 
provided to maintain the level of respirable dust at or below 2 
milligrams per cubic meter of air and air quality must be maintained in 
accordance with MSHA standards. Mechanical ventilation equipment of 
sufficient capacity must operate at all times while miners are in the 
mine. Ground conditions are subject to frequent changes, thus 
sufficient tests and examinations are necessary to ensure the integrity 
of the ventilation system and to detect any changes that may require 
adjustments in the system. Records of tests and examinations are 
necessary to ensure that the ventilation system is being maintained and 
that changes which could adversely affect the integrity of the system 
or the safety of the miners are not occurring. These examination, 
reporting and recordkeeping requirements of Sec. Sec.  75.310, 75.312, 
75.342, 75.351, 75.360 through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and 75.382 also 
incorporate examinations of other critical aspects of the underground 
work environment such as roof conditions and electrical equipment which 
have historically caused numerous fatalities if not properly maintained 
and operated. For additional substantive information about this ICR, 
see the related notice published in the Federal Register on July 21, 
2021 (86 FR 38502).
    This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency 
generally

[[Page 67976]]

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: Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in 
Underground Coal Mines.
    OMB Control Number: 1219-0088.
    Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses or other for-profit 
institutions.
    Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 153.
    Total Estimated Number of Responses: 10,926.
    Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 115,874 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $128,046.
    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).

    Dated: November 23, 2021.
Nora Hernandez,
Department Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-26053 Filed 11-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P