[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50179-50180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16264]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0046]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Escape and 
Evacuation Plans

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. Mine 
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the 
information collection for Escape and Evacuation Plans.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before October 2, 2023.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comment as follows. Please note that late, 
untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic Submissions: 
Submit electronic comments in the following way:
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket 
number MSHA-2023-0023.
     Mail/Hand Delivery: DOL-MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite

[[Page 50180]]

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 all comments 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), (Pub. L. 91-173, as amended by Pub. L. 95-164), 30 U.S.C. 
813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (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 or other mines.
    30 CFR 57.11053 requires the development of specific escape and 
evacuation plans by the operator that address the unique conditions and 
mining system of each underground metal and nonmetal mine (MNM). The 
plan must show assigned responsibilities of all key personnel in the 
event of an emergency and set out in written form. 30 CFR 57.11053 also 
requires that mine operators make revisions to the escape and 
evacuation plan for an underground metal and nonmetal mine as mining 
progresses and conditions at the mine change. The plan must be 
available to the Secretary or their authorized representatives from 
MSHA and conspicuously posted at the mine at locations convenient to 
all persons on the surface and underground. The mine operator and MSHA 
are required to jointly review the plan at least once every 6 months.
    The following information is required with each escape and 
evacuation plan submission:
    (1) Mine maps or diagrams showing directions of principal air flow, 
location of escape routes, and locations of existing telephones, 
primary fans, primary fan controls, fire doors, ventilation doors, and 
refuge chambers. Appropriate portions of such maps or diagrams shall be 
posted at all shaft stations and in underground shops, lunchrooms, and 
elsewhere in working areas where persons congregate.
    (2) Procedures to show how the miners will be notified of an 
emergency.
    (3) An escape plan for each working area in the mine, including 
instructions showing how each working area should be evacuated. Each 
such plan shall be posted at appropriate shaft stations and elsewhere 
in working areas where persons congregate.
    (4) A firefighting plan.
    (5) Procedures for surface personnel to follow in an emergency, 
including the notification of proper authorities and the preparation of 
rescue equipment and other equipment which may be used in rescue and 
recovery operations.
    (6) A statement on the availability of emergency communication and 
transportation facilities, emergency power and ventilation, as well as 
the location of rescue personnel and equipment.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Escape and Evacuation Plans. 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 information collection request concerns provisions for Escape 
and Evacuation Plans. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the 
number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs 
supporting this information collection request from the previous 
information collection request.
    Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved 
collection.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    OMB Number: 1219-0046.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Annual Respondents: 190.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Annual Responses: 380.
    Annual Burden Hours: 3,230 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $1,900.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized in 
the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the 
proposed information collection request; they will become a matter of 
public record and will be available at https://www.reginfo.gov.

Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Certifying Officer, Mine Safety and Health Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-16264 Filed 7-31-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P