Federal Register: June 17, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 116)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Main Fan Operation and Inspection

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 reinstatement of the information collection related to Main Fan Operation and Inspection. (Applies to underground metal and nonmetal mines which have been categorized as ``gassy''.)

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, 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 in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before August 18, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send comments 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

Title 30, CFR 57.22204, which is applicable only to specific underground mines that are categorized as gassy, requires main fans to have pressure-recording systems. Main fans are to be inspected daily while operating if persons are underground, and certification of the inspection is to be made by signature and date. When accumulations of explosive gases such as methane are not swept from the mine by the main fans, they may reasonably be expected to contact an ignition source. The results are usually disastrous and multiple fatalities may be expected to occur. The main fan requirements of this standard are significantly more stringent than those imposed on nongassy mines.

II. Current Actions

Information collected through the pressure recordings is used by the mine operator and MSHA for maintaining a constant vigil on mine ventilation, and to ensure that unsafe conditions are identified early and corrected. Technical consultants may occasionally review the information when solving problems.

Type of Review: Reinstatement (without change).
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Main Fan Operation and Inspection.
OMB Number: 1219-0030.
Recordkeeping: One year.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 57.22204.
Total Respondents: 7.
Frequency: Daily.
Total Responses: 2,625.
Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 1,313.
Estimated Total Burden Hour Cost: $47,268.
Estimated Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $735.
Estimated Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining: $735.
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: June 10, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-15874 Filed 6-16-97; 8:45 am]
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