Volume 61, Number 26, Page 4682-4683

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public
Comment and Recommendations; Qualification and Certification Program

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 extension of the information collection related to the "Qualification and Certification Program." 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: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 8, 1996. The Department of Labor 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, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

ADDRESSEE: Patricia W. Silvey, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203. For further information, contact Ms. Silvey at 703-235-1910 (this is not a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Persons performing tasks and certain required examinations at coal mines which are related to miner safety and health, and which require specialized experience, are required to be either "certified" or "qualified" to carry out these duties. The regulations recognize State certification and qualification programs. However, where state programs are not available, under the Mine Act and MSHA standards, the Secretary may certify and qualify persons for as long as they continue to satisfy the requirements needed to obtain the certification or qualification, fulfill any applicable retraining requirements, and remain employed at the same mine or by the same independent contractor.

Applications for Secretarial certification must be submitted to the MSHA Qualification and Certification Unit in Denver, Colorado. Forms 5000-4 and 5000-7 provide the coal mining industry with a standardized reporting format which expedites the certification process while ensuring compliance with the regulations. The information provided on the forms enables the Secretary of Labor's delegate--MSHA, Qualification and Certification Unit--to determine if the applicants satisfy the requirements to obtain the certification or qualification. Persons must meet certain minimum experience requirements depending on the type of certification or qualification applied for.

II. Current Actions

This request for collection of information contains provisions whereby persons may be temporarily qualified or certified to perform tests and examinations; requiring specialized expertise; related to miner safety and health at coal mines.

Type of Review: Reinstatement (without change).
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Qualification and Certification Program.
OMB Number: 1219-0069.
Agency Number: MSHA Forms 5000-4 and 5000-7.
Affected Public: Businesses of other for-profit.
Citations: 30 CFR 75.10, 75.155, 77.100 and 77.105.

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                                         Total     Average time   Burden
  Forms    Respondents    Frequency    responses   per response   hours 
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5000-4        565          On occass.    1,456        10 min.        243       
5000-7         59          On occass.      180         8.5 min.       26     
          --------                    --------                  --------  
Totals        624                        1,636                       269
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Estimated Total Burden Hours = 269
Estimated Burden Costs = $7,207

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: January 30, 1996.

George Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.

[FR Doc. 96-2535 Filed 2-6-96; 8:45 am]
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