Volume 61, Number 176, Page 47772-47773

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Hearing Conservation Plans

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondents' 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 (PRA 95) [44 U.S.C. Sec. 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 extension of the information collection related to Hearing Conservation Plans for coal mines. 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 must respond through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., electronic submissions of responses.

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

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Written comments shall be mailed to Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 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

Section 206 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. Sec. 846, requires the Secretary of Labor to promulgate mandatory health standards establishing maximum noise exposure levels for underground coal mines. The Secretary, through the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), promulgated a regulation governing permissible noise exposure levels which may be found at 30 CFR Sec. 70.510. Additionally, 30 CFR Part 70, Subpart F and Part 71, Subpart I, require that periodic noise surveys be taken by each mine operator every three to six months. The surveys must be taken by a certified person, and they must be taken where each miner in the active workings of the mine is exposed during the performance of duties to which he is normally assigned. If a mine operator is found to have violated the

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permissible noise exposure levels, the operator is required to submit to MSHA for approval a continuing, effective hearing conservation plan that includes provisions for (i) reducing environmental noise levels; (ii) personal ear protective devices to be made available to the miners; and (iii) preemployment and periodic audiograms.

II. Current Actions

MSHA seeks to continue the requirement that mine operators submit hearing conservation plans when they are found to be in violation of the noise standard to ensure that permissible noise exposure levels are not exceeded and that miners are afforded the proper protection to conserve their hearing.

Type of Review: Reinstatement.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Hearing Conservation Plan.
OMB Number: 1219-0017.
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.