Notice2022-21232
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record
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
September 30, 2022
Issuing agencies
Labor DepartmentMine Safety and Health Administration
Abstract
The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 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 on the information collection for Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 189 (Friday, September 30, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 189 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59462-59463]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21232]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219-0016]
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plan
and Main Fan Maintenance Record
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies
with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information
in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 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 on the information collection for Ventilation Plan
and Main Fan Maintenance Record.
DATES: All comments must be received on or before November 29, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.
<bullet> Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket
number MSHA-2022-0043.
<bullet> Mail/Hand Delivery: Mail or visit DOL-MSHA, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Before visiting MSHA in person, call
202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in keeping with the Department of
Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health precautions may be required.
<bullet> MSHA will post your comment as well as any attachments,
except for information submitted and marked as confidential, in the
docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Aromie Noe, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f8b5abb0b9d691969e978a95998c919796d69b9794949d9b8c9197968bb89c9794d69f978e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e4a9b7aca5ca8d8a828b968985908d8b8aca878b88888187908d8b8a97a4808b88ca838b92">[email protected]</span></a> (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice);
or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information
necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of
miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811,
authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to 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
and metal and nonmetal mines.
Underground 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. A well planned mine ventilation system is necessary to
ensure a fresh air supply to miners at all working places, to control
the amounts of harmful airborne contaminants in the mine atmosphere,
and to dilute possible accumulation of explosive gases.
[[Page 59463]]
Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has resulted in
fatalities from asphyxiation and/or explosions due to a buildup of
explosive gases. Inadequate ventilation can be a primary factor for
deaths caused by disease of the lungs (e.g., silicosis). In addition,
poor working conditions from lack of adequate ventilation contribute to
accidents resulting from heat stress, limited visibility, or impaired
judgment from contaminants.
30 CFR 57.8520 (Ventilation plan) requires the mine operator to
prepare a written plan of the mine ventilation system. The plan is
required to be updated at least annually. Upon written request of the
District Manager, the plan or revisions must be submitted to MSHA for
review and comment.
30 CFR 57.8525 (Main fan maintenance) requires the main ventilation
fans for an underground mine must be maintained according to the
manufacturer's recommendations or a written periodic schedule. Upon
request of an authorized representative of the Secretary, this fan
maintenance schedule must be made available for review. The records
assure compliance with the standard and may serve as a warning
mechanism for possible ventilation problems before they occur.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information
collection related to Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record.
MSHA is particularly interested in comments that:
<bullet> Evaluate whether the collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency,
including whether the information has practical utility;
<bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of
the collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
<bullet> Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; and
<bullet> 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.
The information collection request will be available on <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any
information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed.
Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made
available on <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> and <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a>.
The public may also examine publicly available documents at DOL-
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street
South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the
receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the East elevator. Before
visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in
keeping with the Department of Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health
precautions may be required.
Questions about the information collection requirements may be
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section of this notice.
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of information contains provisions for
Ventilation Plan and Main Fan Maintenance Record in 30 CFR 57.8520 and
30 CFR 57.8525. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the number of
respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this
information collection request.
Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved
collection.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
OMB Number: 1219-0016.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 232.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Responses: 243.
Annual Burden Hours: 5,608 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $0.
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.
Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2022-21232 Filed 9-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 30, 2022.
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