[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 139 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39110-39111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19352]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Rock Burst Control Plan

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. 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 concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to the Rock Burst Control Plan. MSHA is 
particularly interested in comments which:
    <bullet> Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    <bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
    <bullet> 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

[[Page 39111]]

other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submissions of responses.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request can be 
obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the For Further 
Information Contact section of this notice.

DATES: Submit comments on or before August 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, 
Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their 
comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e595968c8993809ca588968d84cb828a93"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e0e0d1712081b073e130d161f50191108">[email protected]</span></a>, along 
with an original printed copy. Ms. Silvey can be reached at (703) 235-
1910 (voice) or (703) 235-5551 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Theresa O'Malley, Program 
Analysis Office, Office of Program Evaluation and Information 
Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, Room 715, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-
1984. Mrs. O'Malley can be reached at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4632292b272a2a233f062b352e2768212930"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8afee5e7ebe6e6eff3cae7f9e2eba4ede5fc">[email protected]</span></a> (Internet E-
mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    When rock bursts occur in an underground mine, they pose a serious 
threat to the safety of miners in the area affected by the burst. These 
bursts may reasonably be expected to result in the entrapment of 
miners, death, and serious physical harm. Recent mining technology has 
disclosed scientific methods of monitoring rock stresses which will 
allow the prediction of an oncoming burst. These predictions can be 
used by the mine operator to move miners to safer locations and to 
establish areas which need relief drilling.
    Title 30 Section 57.3461 requires operators of underground metal 
and nonmetal mines to develop a rock burst control plan within 90 days 
after a rock burst has been experienced.

II. Current Actions

    This information collection needs to be extended to provide for the 
protection of miners from entrapment, death, or serious physical harm 
in metal an nonmetal underground mines with a history of rock bursts.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Rock Burst Control Plan.
    OMB Number: 1291-0097.
    Agency Number: MSHA 417.
    Record keeping The control plan must be maintained at all times and 
updated as conditions warrant.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc.: 30 CFR Section 57.3461.
    Total Respondents: 2 per year.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Total Responses: 2 per year.
    Average Time per Response: 12 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 24 burden hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $864.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or 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.

    Dated: July 15, 1998.
George M. Fesak,
Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources.
[FR Doc. 98-19352 Filed 7-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M


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