[Federal Register: November 20, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 224)]
[Notices]
[Page 58177-58178]
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration
Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public
Comment and Recommendations; Records of Tests and Examinations of
Personnel Hoisting Equipment
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 January 22, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Gordon J. Burke, Jr., Director,
Administration and Management, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 615, 4015,
Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their
comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to Burke.Gordon@dol.gov, along with an original printed copy. Mr. Burke can be
reached at (703) 235-1383 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlene N. Barnard, Regulatory
Specialist, Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine
Safety and Health Administration, Room 725, 5014 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Barnard can be reached at Barnard.Charlene@dol.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703)
235-1563 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
These requirements provide for a record of specific test and
inspections of a mines's personnel hoisting systems, including the wire
rope, to ensure that the system remains safe to operate. Review of the
record indicates whether deficiencies are developing in the equipment,
in particular the wire rope, so that corrective action may be taken
before an accident occurs. The requirements also provide for a
systematic procedure for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of
shaft and hoisting equipment. The mine operator must certify that the
required inspections, tests, and maintenance have been made then record
any unsafe condition identified during the examination or test.
The precise format in which the record is kept is left to the
discretion of the mine operator. All records are made by the person
conducting the required examination or test. Unless otherwise noted
below, these records are to be retained for one year at the mine site.
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 Records of Tests and Examinations
of Personnel Hoisting Equipment. MSHA is particularly interested on
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 may be viewed
on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (http://www.msha.gov)
and selecting "Statutory and Regulatory Information" then "Paperwork
Reduction Act Submissions (http://www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm)", or by
contacting the employee listed above in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this notice for a hard copy.
III. Current Actions
The information is used by industry management and maintenance
personnel to project the expected safe service performance of hoist and
shaft equipment; to indicate when maintenance and specific tests need
to be performed; and to ensure that wire rope attached to the personnel
conveyance is replaced in time to maintain the necessary safety for
miners. Federal inspectors use the records to ensure that inspections
are conducted, unsafe conditions identified early and corrected. The
consequence of hoist or shaft equipment malfunctions or wire rope
failures can result in serious injuries and fatalities. It is essential
that MSHA inspectors be able to verify that mine operators are properly
inspecting their hoist and shaft equipment and maintaining it in safe
condition.
Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Title: Record of Tests and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting
Equipment. OMB Number: 1219-0034. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. Frequency: On occasion. Recordkeeping: One year.
Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0. Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $208,800.
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: November 9, 2001.
Gordon J. Burke, Jr.,
Director, Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 01-28974 Filed 11-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M
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