[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 189 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59462-59463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21232]


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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 29, 2022.

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-2022-0043.
     Mail/Hand Delivery: Mail or visit DOL-MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 
202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in keeping with the Department of 
Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health precautions may be required.
     MSHA will post your comment as well as any attachments, 
except for information submitted and marked as confidential, in the 
docket at https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Aromie Noe, 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 (Secretary) 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 
ensure 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.

[[Page 59463]]

    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.
    30 CFR 57.8520 (Ventilation plan) requires the mine operator 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.
    30 CFR 57.8525 (Main fan maintenance) requires the main ventilation 
fans for an underground mine must be maintained according to the 
manufacturer's recommendations or a written periodic schedule. Upon 
request of an authorized representative of the Secretary, this fan 
maintenance schedule must be made available for 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 DOL-
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 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. Before 
visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in 
keeping with the Department of Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health 
precautions may be required.
    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 
Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record in 30 CFR 57.8520 and 
30 CFR 57.8525. 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: 232.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 243.
    Annual Burden Hours: 5,608 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.

Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-21232 Filed 9-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P