Volume 61, Number 137, Page 37091-37092

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Main Fan Maintenance Record

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. 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 concerning the proposed new/revision/extension/reinstatement of the information collection related to the Main Fan Maintenance Record. MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

*Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

*Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

*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,[[Page 37092]] electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the contact section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before September 16, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed to Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to psilvey, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can be reached at (703) 235-1910 (voice) or (703) 235-5551 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George M. Fesak, Director, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Mr. Fesak can be reached at Fesak.George@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Sections 303(a), and (g) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 authorize the recordkeeping and reporting requirements implemented in 30 CFR 57, Subpart G-Ventilation, Section 57.8525. The main fans are the major life support system to the entire underground mining operation. The air flow provided by the fans assures fresh air to the miners at working faces, reduces the chance of the air reaching threshold limit values of airborne contaminants, and dilutes accumulations of possible explosive gases.

II. Current Actions

MSHA is seeking to continue the requirement for a regular fan maintenance schedule to assure an uninterrupted supply of air in the mine.

Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Main Fan Maintenance Record.
OMB Number: 1219-0012.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or 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.

Dated: July 10, 1996.

George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 96-18047 Filed 7-15-96; 8:45 am]
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