Notice2026-10858
Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment
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
June 1, 2026
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 "Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment."
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 104 (Monday, June 1, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 104 (Monday, June 1, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32451-32453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-10858]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219-0034]
Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Records of Tests
and Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment
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 ``Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel
Hoisting Equipment.''
DATES: All comments must be received on or before July 31, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below. Please
note that 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 instructions for submitting comments for docket number MSHA-
2026-0166.
<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 202-693-9440
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 D. Senk, Acting Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#afe2fce7ee81c6c1c9c0ddc2cedbc6c0c181ccc0c3c3caccdbc6c0c1dcefcbc0c381c8c0d9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="68253b20294601060e071a05091c010706460b0704040d0b1c0107061b280c0704460f071e">[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 and metal
and nonmetal (MNM) mines.
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
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 under the information collection
request (ICR) titled ``Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel
Hoisting Equipment.'' The information collection is intended to ensure
that hoist or shaft equipment and wire ropes are properly inspected,
and unsafe conditions are identified early and corrected promptly.
Burden costs associated with this ICR include:
1. Initial measurements of wire ropes
2. Biweekly visual examinations of wire ropes
3. Semiannual tests and measurement of wire ropes
4. Daily examinations of personnel hoists
5. Tests of safety catches at underground coal mines
MSHA's mandatory standards for hoisting or shaft equipment
including wire ropes covers all mines: surface MNM mines in 30 CFR part
56, underground MNM mines in part 57, underground coal mines in part
75, and surface coal mines in part 77, respectively.
The associated standards that authorize the collection of
information are described below.
1. Initial Measurements of Wire Ropes
Under 30 CFR 56.19022, 57.19022, 75.1432, and 77.1432, after
initial rope stretch but before visible wear occurs, the rope diameter
of newly installed wire ropes shall be measured at least once in every
third interval of active length and the measurements averaged to
establish a baseline for subsequent measurements. A record of the
measurements and the date shall be made by the person taking the
measurements. This record shall be retained until the rope is retired
from service.
2. Biweekly Visual Examinations of Wire Ropes
Under 30 CFR 56.19023(a), 57.19023(a), 75.1433(a), and 77.1433(a),
at least once every fourteen calendar days, each wire rope in service
shall be visually examined along its entire active length for visible
structural damage, corrosion, and improper lubrication or dressing. In
addition, visual examination for wear and broken wires shall be made at
stress points, including the area near attachments, where the rope
rests on sheaves, where the rope leaves the drum, at drum crossovers,
and at change-of-layer regions. When any visible condition that results
in a reduction of rope strength is present, the affected portion of the
rope shall be examined on a daily basis.
Under 30 CFR 56.19023(b), 57.19023(b), 75.1433(b), and 77.1433(b),
before any person is hoisted with a newly installed wire rope or any
wire rope that has not been examined in the previous fourteen calendar
days, the wire rope shall be examined in accordance with paragraph (a)
of this section.
Under 30 CFR 56.19023(d), 57.19023(d), 75.1433(d), and 77.1433(d),
at the completion of each examination required by paragraph (a) of this
section, the person making the examination shall certify, by signature
and date, that
[[Page 32452]]
the examination has been made. If any condition listed in paragraph (a)
of this section is present, the person conducting the examination shall
make a record of the condition and the date. Certifications and records
of examinations shall be retained for one year.
3. Semiannual Tests and Measurements of Wire Ropes
Under 30 CFR 56.19023(c), 57.19023(c), 75.1433(c), and 77.1433(c),
at least once every six months, nondestructive tests shall be conducted
of the active length of the rope, or rope diameter measurements shall
be made--
(a) Wherever wear is evident;
(b) Where the hoist rope rests on sheaves at regular stopping
points;
(c) Where the hoist rope leaves the drum at regular stopping
points; and
(d) At drum crossover and change-of-layer regions.
Under 30 CFR 56.19023(e), 57.19023(e), 75.1433(e), and 77.1433(e),
the person making the measurements or nondestructive tests as required
by paragraph (c) of this section shall record the measurements or test
results and the date. This record shall be retained until the rope is
retired from service.
4. Daily Examinations of Personnel Hoists
At underground coal mines, under 30 CFR 75.1400-3, hoists and
elevators shall be examined daily and such examinations shall include,
but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Elevators. A visual examination of the rope for wear, broken
wires, and corrosion, especially at excessive strain points such as
near the attachments and where the rope rests on sheaves; and
(b) Hoists and elevators.
(1) An examination of the rope fastenings for defects;
(2) An examination of safety catches;
(3) An examination of the cages, platforms, elevators, or other
devices for loose, missing or defective parts;
(4) An examination of the head sheaves to check for broken flanges,
defective bearings, rope alignment, and proper lubrication; and
(5) An observation of the lining and all other equipment and
appurtenances installed in the shaft.
At surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal
mines, under 30 CFR 77.1403, hoists and elevators shall be examined
daily and such examinations shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(a) Elevators.
(1) A visual examination of the ropes for wear, broken wires, and
corrosion, especially at excessive strain points such as near the
attachments and where the rope rests on the sheaves; and
(2) An examination of the elevator for loose, missing or defective
parts.
(b) Hoists and elevators.
(1) An examination of the rope fastenings for defects;
(2) An examination of sheaves for broken flanges, defective
bearings, rope alignment, and proper lubrication; and
(3) An examination of the automatic controls and brakes required
under 30 CFR 77.1401.
At surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal
mines, under 30 CFR 77.1906:
(a) Hoists used to transport persons shall be inspected daily. The
inspection shall include examination of the headgear (headframe, sheave
wheels, etc.), connections, links and chains, and other facilities.
(b) Prior to each working shift, and before a hoist is returned to
service after it has been out of normal service for any reason, the
hoist shall be run by the hoist operator through one complete cycle of
operation before any person is permitted to be transported.
Under 30 CFR 75.1400-4, 77.1404, and 77.1906(c), at the completion
of each required daily examination, the person making the examination
shall certify, by signature and date, that the examination has been
made. If any unsafe condition is found during the examinations, the
person conducting the examination shall make a record of the condition
and the date. Certifications and records shall be retained for one
year.
Under 30 CFR 56.19121 and 57.19121, at the time of completion, the
person performing inspections, tests, and maintenance of hoisting
equipment required in standard 56.19120 and 57.19120 shall certify, by
signature and date, that they have been done. A record of any part that
is not functioning properly shall be made and dated. Certifications and
records shall be retained for one year.
5. Tests of Safety Catches at Underground Coal Mines
At underground coal mines, under 30 CFR 75.1400(c), cages,
platforms, or other devices used to transport persons in shafts and
slopes shall be equipped with safety catches or other no less effective
devices approved by the Secretary that act quickly and effectively in
an emergency. Such catches or devices shall be tested at least once
every two months.
Under 30 CFR 75.1400-2, a record shall be made in a book of the
tests required by 30 CFR 75.1400, of the safety catches or other
devices approved by the Secretary. Each entry shall be signed by the
person making the tests and countersigned by a responsible official.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information
collection titled ``Records of Tests and Examinations of Personnel
Hoisting Equipment.'' 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 ICR is available on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. MSHA cautions
commenters 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 202-693-9440 to make an appointment.
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 ICR concerns provisions for Records of Tests and Examinations
of Personnel Hoisting Equipment. MSHA has updated the data with respect
to the number of respondents, responses, time burden, and burden costs
supporting this ICR from the previous ICR.
Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved
collection.
[[Page 32453]]
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
OMB Number: 1219-0034.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit entity.
Number of Annual Respondents: 393.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Annual Responses: 105,563.
Annual Time Burden: 8,916 hours.
Annual Recordkeeping Costs: $348,920.
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 D. Senk,
Certifying Officer, Mine Safety and Health Administration.
[FR Doc. 2026-10858 Filed 5-29-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
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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.