Notice2023-16264
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Escape and Evacuation Plans
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
August 1, 2023
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. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection for Escape and Evacuation Plans.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 146 (Tuesday, August 1, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50179-50180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16264]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219-0046]
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Escape and
Evacuation Plans
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. Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the
information collection for Escape and Evacuation Plans.
DATES: All comments must be received on or before October 2, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comment as follows. Please note that late,
untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic Submissions:
Submit electronic comments in the following way:
<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-2023-0023.
<bullet> Mail/Hand Delivery: DOL-MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite
[[Page 50180]]
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 all comments 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#713c2239305f181f171e031c1005181e1f5f121e1d1d141205181e1f0231151e1d5f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="763b253e37581f181019041b17021f19185815191a1a1315021f1918053612191a58111900">[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), (Pub. L. 91-173, as amended by Pub. L. 95-164), 30 U.S.C.
813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (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 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 or other mines.
30 CFR 57.11053 requires the development of specific escape and
evacuation plans by the operator that address the unique conditions and
mining system of each underground metal and nonmetal mine (MNM). The
plan must show assigned responsibilities of all key personnel in the
event of an emergency and set out in written form. 30 CFR 57.11053 also
requires that mine operators make revisions to the escape and
evacuation plan for an underground metal and nonmetal mine as mining
progresses and conditions at the mine change. The plan must be
available to the Secretary or their authorized representatives from
MSHA and conspicuously posted at the mine at locations convenient to
all persons on the surface and underground. The mine operator and MSHA
are required to jointly review the plan at least once every 6 months.
The following information is required with each escape and
evacuation plan submission:
(1) Mine maps or diagrams showing directions of principal air flow,
location of escape routes, and locations of existing telephones,
primary fans, primary fan controls, fire doors, ventilation doors, and
refuge chambers. Appropriate portions of such maps or diagrams shall be
posted at all shaft stations and in underground shops, lunchrooms, and
elsewhere in working areas where persons congregate.
(2) Procedures to show how the miners will be notified of an
emergency.
(3) An escape plan for each working area in the mine, including
instructions showing how each working area should be evacuated. Each
such plan shall be posted at appropriate shaft stations and elsewhere
in working areas where persons congregate.
(4) A firefighting plan.
(5) Procedures for surface personnel to follow in an emergency,
including the notification of proper authorities and the preparation of
rescue equipment and other equipment which may be used in rescue and
recovery operations.
(6) A statement on the availability of emergency communication and
transportation facilities, emergency power and ventilation, as well as
the location of rescue personnel and equipment.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information
collection related to Escape and Evacuation Plans. 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 information collection request concerns provisions for Escape
and Evacuation Plans. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the
number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs
supporting this information collection request from the previous
information collection request.
Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved
collection.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
OMB Number: 1219-0046.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Annual Respondents: 190.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Annual Responses: 380.
Annual Burden Hours: 3,230 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $1,900.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized in
the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the
proposed information collection request; they will become a matter of
public record and will be available at <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov">https://www.reginfo.gov</a>.
Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Certifying Officer, Mine Safety and Health Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-16264 Filed 7-31-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
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