Notice2025-12441
Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Emergency Mine Evacuation
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
July 3, 2025
Issuing agencies
Labor DepartmentMine Safety and Health Administration
Abstract
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the 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. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Emergency Mine Evacuation."
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 126 (Thursday, July 3, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 126 (Thursday, July 3, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29582-29584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-12441]
[[Page 29582]]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219-0141]
Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Emergency Mine
Evacuation
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-
clearance consultation program for all information collections, to
provide the 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. The Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information
collection titled ``Emergency Mine Evacuation.''
DATES: All comments must be received on or before September 2, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below. Please
note that late comments received after the deadline will not be
considered.
<bullet> Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket
number MSHA-2025-0036.
<bullet> Mail/Hand Delivery: DOL-MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room C3522,
Washington, DC 20210. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455
to make an appointment.
<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: Jessica Senk, Acting Director, Office
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a9e4fae1e887c0c7cfc6dbc4c8ddc0c6c787cac6c5c5cccaddc0c6c7dae9cdc6c587cec6df"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="064b554e47286f686069746b67726f69682865696a6a6365726f6968754662696a28616970">[email protected]</span></a> (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice);
or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile). These are not toll-free numbers.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
A. Legal Authority
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act), as amended, 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(a), 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, metal
and nonmetal mines.
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) governs paperwork burdens
imposed on the public by Federal agencies for using identical questions
to collect information from 10 or more persons. The PRA defines
paperwork burden in 44 U.S.C. 3502(2) as time, effort, or financial
resources expended to generate, maintain, or provide information to or
for a Federal agency. Under 44 U.S.C. 3507, the PRA also establishes
policies and procedures of information collection for controlling
paperwork burdens imposed by Federal agencies on the public, including
evaluating public comments.
B. Information Collection
To fulfill its statutory mandate to promote miners' health and
safety, MSHA requires information collected under the information
collection request (ICR) titled ``Emergency Mine Evacuation.'' The
information collection is intended to ensure that all miners receive
training on the mine's emergency evacuation plan and self-rescuers.
Specifically, miner training for mine emergencies includes mine
emergency firefighting and evacuation training and drills; storing,
testing, tracking, and using self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs); and
installing and maintaining escapeways in underground coal mines. Mine
operators must also maintain an inventory of SCSRs and ensure they are
operational in case of an emergency.
Burden costs associated with this information collection request
include:
i. Submission of revised training plans;
ii. Submission of new and revised mine emergency evacuation and
firefighting programs of instruction;
iii. Certifications of mine emergency evacuation training and
drills;
iv. Revisions to and post escapeway maps;
v. Certifications of filter self-rescuers (FSR) and SCSR tests
vi Reporting of SCSR inventories and malfunctions; and
vii. Signs of SCSR storage.
Authorization and the associated rule text are described below.
1. Submission of Revised Training Plans
Under 30 CFR 48.3(p), each underground coal mine operator who is
required to submit a revised mine emergency evacuation and firefighting
program of instruction under 30 CFR 75.1502 must also submit a revised
training plan under part 48.
2. Submission of New and Revised Mine Emergency Evacuation and
Firefighting Programs of Instruction
Under 30 CFR 75.1502(a), mine operators must submit a mine
emergency evacuation and firefighting program of instruction and any
revisions, for approval to the District Manager in which the mine is
located. Within 30 days of approval, the operator must conduct training
in accordance with the revised program.
Under 30 CFR 75.1502(c), the approved program must include a
specific plan designed to instruct miners on all shifts on the
following: procedures for evacuating the mine; procedures related to
deploying refuge alternatives; training on location, quantity, types,
and use of stored SCSRs; and other information.
3. Certification of Mine Emergency Evacuation Training and Drills
Under 30 CFR 75.1504, each operator of an underground coal mine
must conduct mine emergency evacuation training and drills and require
all miners to participate.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(a), all miners must participate in a mine
emergency evacuation training and drill once each quarter.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(a)(1), a newly hired miner, who has not
participated in a mine emergency evacuation training and drill at the
mine within the previous 3 months, must participate in the next
applicable mine emergency evacuation training and drill.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(a)(2), prior to assuming duties on a section
or outby work location, a foreman must travel both escapeways in their
entirety.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(b), each quarterly evacuation training and
drill must include the following: hands-on training on all types of
self-rescue devices and fire suppression equipment used at the mine;
training that emphasizes the importance of proper use of the SCSR; a
realistic escapeway
[[Page 29583]]
drill; a review of the mine and escapeway maps, the firefighting plan,
and the mine emergency evacuation plan in effect at the mine; and a
review of the procedures for deploying refuge alternatives and
components.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(c), over the course of each year, each miner
must participate in annual expectations training that includes the
following: donning and transferring SCSRs in smoke, simulated smoke, or
an equivalent environment; breathing through a realistic SCSR training
unit that provides the sensation of SCSR airflow resistance and heat;
and deployment and use of refuge alternatives similar to those in use
at the mine.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(d), at the completion of each training or
drill, mine operators must certify by signature and date that the
training or drill was held in accordance with the requirements in 30
CFR 75.1504.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(d)(1), the certification must include the
names of the miners participating in the training or drill and the
content of the training or drill component completed, including the
escapeway traveled and scenario used, for each miner listed.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(d)(2), the mine operator is required to keep
the certifications at the mine for one year.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(d)(3), upon request, the certifications must
be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and
the representative of the miners.
Under 30 CFR 75.1504(d)(4), upon request, a copy of the
certification that shows his or her own training must be provided to
the participating miner.
4. Revisions to and Posting of Escapeway Maps
a. Revisions To Escapeway Maps
Under 30 CFR 75.1505(b), all maps must be kept up-to-date and any
change in route of travel, location of doors, location of refuge
alternatives, or direction of airflow must be shown on the maps by the
end of the shift on which the change is made.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-5, the mine operator must indicate the
locations of all stored SCSRs on the mine maps required by 30 CFR
75.1200 and the escapeway maps required by 30 CFR 75.1505.
b. Posting of Escapeway Maps
Under 30 CFR 75.1505(a), an escapeway map must show the designated
escapeways from the working sections or the miners' work stations to
the surface or the exits at the bottom of the shaft or slope, refuge
alternatives, and SCSR storage locations. The escapeway map must be
posted or readily accessible for all miners--
i. In each working section;
ii. In each area where mechanized mining equipment is being
installed or removed;
iii. At the refuge alternative; and
iv. At a surface location of the mine where miners congregate, such
as at the mine bulletin board, bathhouse, or waiting room.
5. Certification of FSR and SCSR Tests
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-3(b), after each time a self-rescue device is
worn or carried by a person, the device must be inspected for damage
and for the integrity of its seal by a person trained to perform this
function. Self-rescue devices with broken seals or which are damaged so
that the device will not function properly must be removed from
service.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-3(c), all FSRs approved by MSHA and NIOSH
under 42 CFR part 84, except devices using vacuum containers as the
only method of sealing, must be tested at intervals not exceeding 90
days by weighing each device on a scale or balance accurate to within +
1 gram. A device that weighs more than 10 grams over its original
weight must be removed from service.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-3(d), all SCSRs approved by MSHA and NIOSH
under 42 CFR part 84 must be tested in accordance with instructions
approved by MSHA and NIOSH. Any device which does not meet the
specified test requirements must be removed from service.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-3(e), at the completion of each test required
by 30 CFR 75.1714-3(c) and (d), the person making the tests must
certify by signature and date that the tests were done. This person
must make a record of all corrective action taken. Certifications and
records must be kept at the mine and made available on request to an
authorized representative of the Secretary.
6. Reporting of SCSR Inventories and Malfunctions
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-8(a), a mine operator must submit to MSHA a
complete inventory of all SCSRs at each mine. New mines must submit the
inventory within 3 months of beginning operation.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-8(a)(1), the inventory must include the mine
name, MSHA mine ID number, and mine location; and for each SCSR unit,
the manufacturer, the model type, the date of manufacture, and the
serial number.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-8(a)(2), in the event that a change in the
inventory occurs, a mine operators must report the change to MSHA
within the quarter that the change occurs (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep,
Oct-Dec).
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-8(b), a mine operator must report to MSHA any
defect, performance problem, or malfunction with the use of an SCSR.
The report must include a detailed description of the problem and, for
each SCSR involved, the information required under 30 CFR 75.1714-
8(a)(1).
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-8(c), the mine operator must preserve and
retain each SCSR reported under 30 CFR 75.1714-8(b) for 60 days after
reporting the problem to MSHA.
7. Signs of SCSR Storage
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-2(f), if an SCSR is not carried out of the
mine at the end of a miner's shift, the place of storage must be
approved by the District Manager. A sign made of reflective material
with the word ``SCSRs'' or ``SELF-RESCUERS'' must be conspicuously
posted at each SCSR storage location. Direction signs made of a
reflective material must be posted leading to each storage location.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-2(g)(2), when the one-hour canister is placed
in a storage location, a sign made of a reflective material with the
word ``SCSRs'' or ``SELF-RESCUERS'' must be conspicuously posted at
each storage location. Direction signs made of a reflective material
must be posted leading to each storage location.
Under 30 CFR 75.1714-4(f), a sign made of reflective material with
the words ``SCSRs'' or ``SELF-RESCUERS'' must be conspicuously posted
at each storage location. Direction signs made of a reflective material
must be posted leading to each storage location.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information
collection titled ``Emergency Mine Evacuation.'' 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
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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 ICR will be available on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://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="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov">https://www.reginfo.gov</a>.
The public may also examine publicly available documents at DOL-
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, 200 Constitution
Avenue NW, Room C3522, Washington, DC 20210. Before visiting MSHA in
person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment.
Questions about the information collection requirements may be
directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION section of
this notice.
III. Current Actions
This ICR concerns provisions for Emergency Mine Evacuation. MSHA
has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents,
responses, time burden, and burden costs supporting this ICR 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: 1219-0141.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit entity.
Number of Annual Respondents: 150.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Annual Responses: 979,804.
Annual Time Burden: 422,930 hours.
Annual Other Burden Costs: $37,352.
MSHA Form: MSHA Form 2000-222, Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR)
Inventory and Report.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget
approval of the proposed ICR; they will become a matter of public
record and be available at <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov">https://www.reginfo.gov</a>.
Jessica Senk,
Certifying Officer, Mine Safety and Health Administration.
[FR Doc. 2025-12441 Filed 7-2-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 3, 2025.
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.