DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Permissible Equipment Testing
ACTION: Notice.
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 help 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 Permissible Equipment Testing. 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 below in the For further Information Contact section of this notice.
DATES: Submit comments on or before November 24, 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:
Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Programs
Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine
Safety and Health Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Mrs. O'Malley can be reached at
tomalley@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-8378 (voice), or (703)
235-1563 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is responsible for the inspection, testing, approval and certification, and quality control of mining equipment and components, materials, instruments, and explosives
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used in both underground and surface coal, metal, and nonmetal mines. Title 30 CFR, Parts 15 through 36 contain procedures by which manufacturers may apply for and have equipment approved as "permissible'' for use in mines.
II. Current Actions
Title 30 CFR Parts 15 through 36 require that an investigation leading to approval or certification will be undertaken by the Approval and Certification Center (A&CC) only pursuant to a written application accompanied by prescribed drawings and specifications identifying the piece of equipment. This information is used by engineers and scientists to evaluate the design in conjunction with tests to assure conformance to standards prior to approval for use in mines.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Permissible Equipment Testing.
OMB Number: 1219-0066.
Agency Number: MSHA 702.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
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Total Total Average time per Burden
Cite/reference respondents Frequency responses response hours
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Part 15......................... 6 On occasion........ 6 1 hr., 53 min..... 11
Part 18......................... 708 On occasion........ 708 1 hr., 50 min..... 8,136
Part 19......................... 5 On occasion........ 5 11 hrs. 36 min.... 58
Part 20......................... 8 On occasion........ 8 8 hrs............. 64
Part 21......................... 8 On occasion........ 8 8 hrs............. 64
Part 22......................... 11 On occasion........ 11 9 hrs., 38 min.... 106
Part 23......................... 12 On occasion........ 12 8 hrs., 15 min.... 99
Part 24......................... 3 On occasion........ 3 12 hrs............ 36
Part 26......................... 3 On occasion........ 3 14 hrs............ 42
Part 27......................... 8 On occasion........ 8 8 hrs., 45 min.... 70
Part 28......................... 3 On occasion........ 3 13 hrs., 20 min... 40
Part 29......................... 3 On occasion........ 3 10 hrs............ 30
Part 33......................... 12 On occasion........ 12 6 hrs., 30 min.... 78
Part 35......................... 5 On occasion........ 5 25 hrs............ 125
Part 36......................... 81 On occasion........ 81 8 hrs., 44 min.... 654
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Totals...................... 876 ................... 876 .................. 9,613
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Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.Dated: September 22, 1998.
Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $1,849,376.
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.