Volume 62, Number 248, Page 67664-67665

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Program To Prevent Smoking in Hazardous Areas

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 Program to Prevent Smoking in Hazardous Areas. 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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before February 27, 1998.

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

Section 317(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. Sec. 877(c), and 30 CFR Sec. 75.1702 prohibits persons from smoking or carrying smoking materials underground or in places where there is a fire or explosion hazard. Under the Mine Act and Sec. 75.1702, coal mine operators are required to develop programs to prevent persons from carrying smoking materials, matches, or lighters underground and to prevent smoking in hazardous areas, such as in or around oil houses, explosives magazines, etc. The Mine Act and the standard further require that the mine operator submit the program plan to MSHA for approval. The purpose of the program is to insure that a fire or explosion hazard does not occur.

II. Current Actions

It is necessary to continue this paperwork burden in order to ensure that mine operators continue to submit smoking materials search plans and that miners are continually protected from the hazards of igniting mine explosions or mine fires by the open flames of cigarette lighters and matches and smoldering tobacco products. Smoking continues to be a prevalent habit of underground coal miners when off work when engaged in surface activities. Both the accidental or intentional carrying of smoking materials underground and the deliberate disregard for the safety of other miners can only be mitigated by the systematic programs to prohibit the carrying and use of smoking materials underground as required by 30 CFR Sec. 75.1702.

Type of Review: Extension (without change).
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Program to Prevent Smoking in Hazardous Areas.
OMB Number: 1219-0041.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.
Cite/Reference/Form/etc: 30 CFR 75.1702.
Total Respondents: 328.
Frequency: On occasion.
Total Responses: 328.
Average Time per Response: 30 minutes.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 164.
Estimated Total Burden Cost: $6,888.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $0.

Dated: December 18, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-33677 Filed 12-24-97; 8:45 am]
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