Notice2021-26053
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 30, 2021
Issuing agencies
Labor Department
Abstract
The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)-sponsored information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 227 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67975-67976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26053]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB
Review; Comment Request; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in
Underground Coal Mines
ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Mine Safety
and Health Administration (MSHA)-sponsored information collection
request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review
and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited.
DATES: The OMB will consider all written comments that agency receives
on or before December 30, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the
Department, including whether the information will have practical
utility; (2) if the information will be processed and used in a timely
manner; (3) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and
cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (4) ways to enhance the quality,
utility and clarity of the information collection; and (5) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nora Hernandez by telephone at 202-
693-8633 or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a3e7eceffcf3f1e2fcf3f6e1efeae0e3c7cccf8dc4ccd5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5713181b08070516080702151b1e141733383b79303821">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act), the Secretary may by rule
in accordance with procedures set forth in this section and in
accordance with section 553 of Title 5, United States Code (without
regard to any reference in such section to sections 556 and 557 of such
title), develop, promulgate, and revise as may be appropriate, improved
mandatory health or safety standards for the protection of life and
prevention of injuries in coal or other mines. In addition, Section 303
requires that all coal mines be ventilated by mechanical ventilation
equipment installed and operated in a manner approved by an authorized
representative of the Secretary and such equipment be examined daily
and a record be kept of such examination.
Underground coal mines usually present harsh and hostile working
environments. The ventilation system is the most vital life support
system in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation
system is essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working
environment. Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has
resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation and explosions.
An underground mine is a maze of tunnels that must be adequately
ventilated with fresh air to provide a safe environment for miners.
Methane is liberated from the strata, and noxious gases and dusts from
blasting and other mining activities may be present. The explosive and
noxious gases and dusts must be diluted, rendered harmless, and carried
to the surface by the ventilating currents. Sufficient air must be
provided to maintain the level of respirable dust at or below 2
milligrams per cubic meter of air and air quality must be maintained in
accordance with MSHA standards. Mechanical ventilation equipment of
sufficient capacity must operate at all times while miners are in the
mine. Ground conditions are subject to frequent changes, thus
sufficient tests and examinations are necessary to ensure the integrity
of the ventilation system and to detect any changes that may require
adjustments in the system. Records of tests and examinations are
necessary to ensure that the ventilation system is being maintained and
that changes which could adversely affect the integrity of the system
or the safety of the miners are not occurring. These examination,
reporting and recordkeeping requirements of Sec. Sec. 75.310, 75.312,
75.342, 75.351, 75.360 through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and 75.382 also
incorporate examinations of other critical aspects of the underground
work environment such as roof conditions and electrical equipment which
have historically caused numerous fatalities if not properly maintained
and operated. For additional substantive information about this ICR,
see the related notice published in the Federal Register on July 21,
2021 (86 FR 38502).
This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency
generally
[[Page 67976]]
cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public
is generally not required to respond to an information collection,
unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no
person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with
a collection of information that does not display a valid OMB Control
Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.
DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for
three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than
three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information
collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive
a month-to-month extension while they undergo review.
Agency: DOL-MSHA.
Title of Collection: Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in
Underground Coal Mines.
OMB Control Number: 1219-0088.
Affected Public: Private Sector: Businesses or other for-profit
institutions.
Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 153.
Total Estimated Number of Responses: 10,926.
Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 115,874 hours.
Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $128,046.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).
Dated: November 23, 2021.
Nora Hernandez,
Department Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-26053 Filed 11-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 30, 2021.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.