Federal Register Document: Notice: Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines [04/20/2000]

[Federal Register: April 20, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 77)]
[Notices]
[Page 21211-21212]

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Proposed Information Collection Request; Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines

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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 19, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to tomalley@dol.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. O'Malley can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). Ms. O'Malley can be reached at tomalley@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

30 CFR 56/57.3203 and 75.204 address the quality of rock fixtures and their installation. Roof and rock bolts and accessories are an integral part of ground control systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and ribs. These standards require that metal and nonmetal and coal mine operators obtain a certification from the manufacturer that rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance with the 1995 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publication "Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories'' (ASTM F432-95).

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to the Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal 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 collectin techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing "Statutory and Regulatory Information'' and "Paperwork Reduction Act Supporting Statements (http://www.msha.gov/ regspwork.htm)'', or contacting the employee listed above in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

MSHA is seeking to continue the requirement for mine operators to obtain certification from the manufacturer that roof and rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications and make that certification available to an authorized representative of the Secretary.

Type of Review:

Agency:

Title:

OMB Number

Affected Public:

[[Page 21212]]

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                                                                                                                           Average time
              Cite/reference                      Total  respondents                  Frequency                Total       per response    Burden hours*
                                                                                                             responses        (hours)
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30 CFR 56/57.3203(a).....................  252 M/NM Surface...............  On Occasion.................           1,008            0.05            50.4
                                           190 M/NM Underground...........  On Occasion.................           1,520            0.05            76.0
75.204(a)................................  761 Coal Underground...........  On Occassion................           6,088            0.05           304.4

    Total................................  1,203..........................  ............................           8,616  ..............          430.8
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*Discrepancies due to rounding.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup)

Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining)

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: April 14, 2000.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 00-9910 Filed 4-19-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M