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

[[Page 32828]]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Explosive Materials and Blasting Units

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 Explosive Materials and Blasting Units used in gassy underground metal and nonmetal 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 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.

A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the person 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, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, 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

MSHA evaluates and approves explosive materials and blasting units as permissible for use in the mining industry. However, since there are no permissible explosives or blasting units available that have adequate blasting capacity for some metal and nonmetal gassy mines, Standard 57.22606 was promulgated to provide procedures for mine operators to follow for the use of non-approved explosive materials and blasting units. Mine operators must notify MSHA in writing, of all non- approved explosive materials and blasting units to be used prior to their use. MSHA evaluates the non-approved explosive materials and determines if they are safe for blasting in a potentially gassy environment.

II. Current Actions

MSHA uses the information to determine that the explosives and procedures to be used are safe for blasting in a gassy underground mine. Federal inspectors use the notification to ensure that safe procedures are followed.

Type of Review: Reinstatement without change.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Explosive Materials and Blasting Units.
OMB Number: 1219-0095.
Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit.
Total Respondents: 7.
Frequency: On occasion.
Total Responses: 7.
Average Time per Response: 1 hour.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 7.
Estimated Total Burden Hour Cost: $252.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and 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. 97-15875 Filed 6-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M