Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Product Testing by Applicant or Third Party [Notices] [01/16/97] -

MSHA - Federal Register Documents: INFORMATION REQUESTS

Volume 62, Number 11, Page 2394

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Product Testing by Applicant or Third Party

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 ``Product Testing by Applicant or Third Party.'' 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 contact section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before March 17, 1997.

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, 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

Section 318 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C. 878, defines ``permissible'' equipment as that which has been approved according to specifications which are prescribed by the Secretary of Labor. This approval indicates that the Mine Safety and Health Administration's specifications and tests, designed to ensure that a product will not present a fire, explosion, or other specific safety hazard related to use, have been met. Additionally, 30 CFR Part 7 provides procedures whereby products may be tested and certified by the applicant or a third party.

II. Current Actions

MSHA is seeking to continue the requirements for approving certain products and equipment for use in underground mines.

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: January 9, 1997.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 97-1100 Filed 1-15-97; 8:45 am]
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