[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 81 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21017-21018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-10418]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; Mine Ventilation System 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.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 25, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, 
Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and 
Health Administration, Room 709A, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 
22203-1984. Mrs. Teaster can be reached at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#096b7d6c687a7d6c7b49647a6168276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="422036272331362730022f312a236c252d34">[email protected]</span></a> (Internet 
E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Underground mines 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. 
Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has resulted in 
fatalities from asphyxiation and explosions.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is 
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the 
information collection related to the Mine Ventilation System 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 other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.

III. Current Action

    A well planned mine ventilation system is necessary to assure 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.
    The standard requires that mine operators prepare a written plan of 
the mine's ventilation system and to update the plan annually. The 
purposes are to insure that each operator routinely plans, reviews, and 
updates the plan; to insure the availability of accurate and correct 
information; and to provide MSHA with the opportunity to alert the mine 
operator to potential hazards.
    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
    Title: Mine Ventilation System Plan.
    OMB Number: 1219-0016.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc/: 30 CFR 57.8520.
    Total Respondents: 284.
    Total Responses: 284.
    Average Time per Response: 24 hours.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 6,816 hours.
    Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.
    Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $0.

[[Page 21018]]

    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: April 19, 2001.
Brenda C. Teaster,
Acting Director, Records Management Division.
[FR Doc. 01-10418 Filed 4-25-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-M


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