80 FR 30495 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 102 (May 28, 2015)
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 102 (May 28, 2015)
| Page Range | 30495-30497 | |
| FR Document | 2015-12842 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 30495-30497] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-12842] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration [OMB Control No. 1219-0103] Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor. ACTION: Request for public comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This [[Page 30496]] program helps to assure 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 on the information collection for Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres. DATES: All comments must be received on or before July 27, 2015. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket number MSHA-2015-0010. Regular Mail: Send comments to MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939. Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th Street S., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22202- 5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the East elevator bank. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Methane is a flammable gas found in underground mines in the United States. Although methane is often associated with underground coal mines, it also occurs in some metal and nonmetal mines. Underground metal and Nonmetal mines are categorized according to the potential to liberate methane (30 CFR 57.22003--Mine category or subcategory). Methane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, and it tends to rise to the roof of a mine because it is lighter than air. Although methane itself is nontoxic, its presence reduces the oxygen content by dilution when mixed with air and, consequently, can act as an asphyxiant when present in large quantities. Methane may enter the mining environment from a variety of sources including fractures, faults, or shear zones overlying or underlying the strata that surround the ore body, or from the ore body itself. It may occur as an occluded gas within the ore body. Methane mixed with air is explosive in the range of 5 to 15 percent, provided that 12 percent or more oxygen is present. The presence of dust containing volatile matter in the mine atmosphere may further enhance the explosion potential of methane in a mine. Section 103(i) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), as amended, requires additional inspections be conducted at mines depending on the amount of methane liberated from a mine. Title 30 CFR 57.22004(c) requires operators of underground metal and nonmetal mines mines to notify MSHA as soon as possible if any of the following events occur: (a) There is an outburst that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (b) there is a blowout that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (c) there is an ignition of methane, or (d) air sample results indicate 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere of a I-B, I-C, II-B, V-B, or Category VI mine. Under sections 57.22239 and 57.22231, if methane reaches 2.0 percent in a Category IV mine or if methane reaches 0.25 percent in the mine atmosphere of a Subcategory I- B, II-B, V-B, or VI mine, MSHA shall be notified immediately. Although the standards do not specify how MSHA is to be notified, MSHA anticipates that the notifications would be made by telephone. Title 30 CFR 57.22229 and 57.22230 require that the mine atmosphere be tested for methane and/or carbon dioxide at least once every seven days by a competent person or atmospheric monitoring system or a combination of both. Section 57.2229 applies to underground metal and nonmetal mines mines categorized as I-A, III, and V-A mines where the atmosphere is tested for both methane and carbon dioxide. Section 57.22230 applies to underground metal and nonmetal mines mines categorized as II-A mines where the atmosphere is tested for methane. Where examinations disclose hazardous conditions, affected miners must be informed. Title 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) require that the person performing the tests certify by signature and date that the tests have been conducted. Certifications of examinations shall be kept for at least one year and made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Labor. II. Desired Focus of Comments MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres. MSHA is particularly interested in comments that: 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; Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 MSHA's Web site and on http://www.regulations.gov. 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 www.regulations.gov and www.reginfo.gov. The public may also examine publicly available documents at MSHA, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 21st floor. 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 request for collection of information contains provisions for Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this information collection request. Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved collection. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. OMB Number: 1219-0103. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. Number of Respondents: 4. Frequency: On occasion. Number of Responses: 213. Annual Burden Hours: 18 hours. [[Page 30497]] Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $0. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and 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: May 21, 2015. Sheila McConnell, Certifying Officer. [FR Doc. 2015-12842 Filed 5-27-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 102 / Thursday, May 28, 2015 / Notices 30495
1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This the existing ERP if there is a need to Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
program helps to assure that requested locate a RA in a different location than Arlington, VA. Sign in at the
data can be provided in the desired the one identified in the ERP for that receptionist’s desk on the 21st floor.
format, reporting burden (time and mine (as required by section Questions about the information
financial resources) is minimized, 75.1506(c)(2)). collection requirements may be directed
collection instruments are clearly Section 75.1508 requires the mine to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
understood, and the impact of collection operator to certify that persons assigned INFORMATION CONTACT section of this
requirements on respondents can be to examine, maintain, and repair RAs notice.
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine and components are trained for those
III. Current Actions
Safety and Health Administration tasks. Training certifications assist
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the MSHA in determining that persons This request for collection of
information collection for Refuge received the required training. The information contains provisions for
Alternatives for Underground Coal training certification for persons Refuge Alternatives for Underground
Mines. assigned to examine RAs is integrated Coal Mines. MSHA has updated the data
into existing requirements for preshift with respect to the number of
DATES: All comments must be received
examinations of the mine under section respondents, responses, burden hours,
on or before July 27, 2015. and burden costs supporting this
75.360 (OMB 1219–0088). The training
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection request.
certification for persons assigned to
information collection requirements of Type of Review: Extension, without
maintain and repair RAs is included in
this notice may be sent by any of the change, of a currently approved
this package under section 75.1508(a).
methods listed below. Section 75.1508(b) requires a record collection.
• Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: of any maintenance and repair Agency: Mine Safety and Health
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the performed on a refuge alternative. This Administration.
on-line instructions for submitting record assists MSHA in identifying OMB Number: 1219–0146.
comments for docket number MSHA– design flaws or other weaknesses in the Affected Public: Business or other for-
2015–0012. refuge alternative or its components that profit.
• Regular Mail: Send comments to Number of Respondents: 16.
could adversely impact the safety of
MSHA, Office of Standards, Frequency: On occasion.
miners.
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Number of Responses: 49.
Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, II. Desired Focus of Comments Annual Burden Hours: 219 hours.
Arlington, VA 22209–3939. MSHA is soliciting comments Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
• Hand Delivery: USDOL—Mine concerning the proposed information Cost: $50.40.
Safety and Health Administration, 201 collection related to Refuge Alternatives Comments submitted in response to
12th Street S., Suite 400, Arlington, VA for Underground Coal Mines. MSHA is this notice will be summarized and
22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s particularly interested in comments included in the request for Office of
desk on the 4th floor via the East that: Management and Budget approval of the
elevator bank. • Evaluate whether the collection of information collection request; they will
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: information is necessary for the proper also become a matter of public record.
Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, performance of the functions of the Dated: May 21, 2015.
Office of Standards, Regulations, and agency, including whether the Sheila McConnell,
Variances, MSHA, at information has practical utility; Certifying Officer.
MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov • Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s [FR Doc. 2015–12840 Filed 5–27–15; 8:45 am]
(email); 202–693–9440 (voice); or 202– estimate of the burden of the collection
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
693–9441 (facsimile). of information, including the validity of
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: the methodology and assumptions used;
• Suggest methods to enhance the DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
I. Background quality, utility, and clarity of the
Each underground coal mine has an information to be collected; and Mine Safety and Health Administration
emergency response plan (ERP) and • Minimize the burden of the
refuge alternative(s) (RA) that protect collection of information on those who [OMB Control No. 1219–0103]
miners when escape from a mine during are to respond, including through the
Proposed Extension of Information
a mine emergency is not possible by use of appropriate automated,
Collection; Notification of Methane
providing secure spaces with isolated electronic, mechanical, or other
Detected in Underground Metal and
atmospheres that create life-sustaining technological collection techniques or
Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres
environments. other forms of information technology,
Title 30 CFR 75.1506 requires mine e.g., permitting electronic submission of AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health
operators to provide refuge alternatives. responses. Administration, Labor.
Section 75.1507 requires the The information collection request ACTION: Request for public comments.
development and implementation of will be available on MSHA’s Web site
emergency response plans. It requires and on http://www.regulations.gov. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as
that the ERP provide detailed MSHA cautions the commenter against part of its continuing effort to reduce
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information about the RAs used in the providing any information in the paperwork and respondent burden,
mine. This information assists miners, submission that should not be publicly conducts a pre-clearance consultation
supervisors, emergency responders, and disclosed. Full comments, including program to provide the general public
MSHA in assuring that all essential personal information provided, will be and Federal agencies with an
preparations are made and required made available on www.regulations.gov opportunity to comment on proposed
materials are readily available and in and www.reginfo.gov. collections of information in accordance
working order. A mine operator may The public may also examine publicly with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
notify the District Manager and update available documents at MSHA, 1100 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 102 / Thursday, May 28, 2015 / Notices 30497
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper following organizations: (i) The Society propose to destroy records not
Cost: $0. for Human Resource Management; (ii) previously authorized for disposal or
Comments submitted in response to the Business Roundtable; (iii) the reduce the retention period of records
this notice will be summarized and National Association of State Workforce already authorized for disposal. NARA
included in the request for Office of Agencies; (iv) the United States invites public comments on such
Management and Budget approval of the Chamber of Commerce; (v) the National records schedules, as required by 44
information collection request; they will Federation of Independent Business; (vi) U.S.C. 3303a(a).
also become a matter of public record. a nationally recognized labor union or DATES: NARA must receive requests for
Dated: May 21, 2015. organization; and (vii) the National copies in writing by June 29, 2015. Once
Sheila McConnell, Governors’ Association. The Secretary NARA completes appraisal of the
Certifying Officer.
shall appoint not more than five records, we will send you a copy of the
individuals nominated by veterans’ schedule you requested. We usually
[FR Doc. 2015–12842 Filed 5–27–15; 8:45 am]
service organizations that have a prepare appraisal memoranda that
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
national employment program and not contain additional information
more than five individuals who are concerning the records covered by a
recognized authorities in the fields of proposed schedule. You may also
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
business, employment, training, request these. If you do, we will also
Veterans’ Employment and Training rehabilitation, or labor and who are not provide them once we have completed
Service employees of DOL. Members will serve the appraisal. You have 30 days after we
as Special Government Employees. send these requested documents in
Advisory Committee on Veterans’ The ACVETEO will function in which to submit comments.
Employment, Training, and Employer compliance with the provisions of the
ADDRESSES: You may request a copy of
Outreach (ACVETEO) FACA, and its charter will be filed
any records schedule identified in this
under the FACA. For more information,
AGENCY: Veterans’ Employment and notice by contacting Records
contact Timothy A. Green, Designated
Training Service (VETS), Labor. Management Services (ACNR) using one
Federal Official, ACVETEO, U.S.
ACTION: Notice of ACVETEO Charter of the following means:
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution
Renewal. Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20210; Mail: NARA (ACNR); 8601 Adelphi
telephone (202) 693–4700. Road; College Park, MD 20740–6001.
SUMMARY: In accordance with section Email: request.schedule@nara.gov.
4110 of Title 38, U.S. Code, and the Signed at Washington, DC, on May 20, Fax: 301–837–3698.
provisions of the Federal Advisory 2015.
You must cite the control number,
Committee Act (FACA) and its Keith Kelly,
which appears in parentheses after the
implementing regulations issued by the Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment name of the agency which submitted the
U.S. General Services Administration and Training Service.
schedule, and a mailing address. If you
(GSA), the Secretary of Labor is [FR Doc. 2015–12923 Filed 5–27–15; 8:45 am] would like an appraisal report, please
renewing the charter for the Advisory BILLING CODE 4510–79–P include that in your request.
Committee on Veterans’ Employment,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Training, and Employer Outreach
(ACVETEO). Margaret Hawkins, Director, by mail at
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS Records Management Services (ACNR);
The ACVETEO’s responsibilities are ADMINISTRATION
to: (a) Assess employment and training National Archives and Records
needs of veterans and their integration [NARA–2015–043] Administration; 8601 Adelphi Road;
into the workforce; (b) determine the College Park, MD 20740–6001, by phone
Records Schedules; Availability and at 301–837–1799, or by email at
extent to which the programs and
Request for Comments request.schedule@nara.gov.
activities of the Department of Labor
(DOL) are meeting such needs; (c) assist AGENCY: National Archives and Records SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each year,
the Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Administration (NARA). Federal agencies create billions of
Employment and Training (ASVET) in ACTION: Notice of availability of records on paper, film, magnetic tape,
conducting outreach to employers with proposed records schedules; request for and other media. To control this
respect to the training and skills of comments. accumulation, agency records managers
veterans and the advantages afforded prepare schedules proposing retention
employers by hiring veterans; (d) make SUMMARY: The National Archives and periods for records and submit these
recommendations to the Secretary of Records Administration (NARA) schedules for NARA’s approval. These
Labor, through the ASVET, with respect publishes notice at least once monthly schedules provide for timely transfer
to outreach activities and the of certain Federal agency requests for into the National Archives of
employment and training needs of records disposition authority (records historically valuable records and
veterans; and (e) carry out such other schedules). Once approved by NARA, authorize the disposal of all other
activities deemed necessary to making records schedules provide mandatory records after the agency no longer needs
required reports and recommendations instructions on what happens to records them to conduct its business. Some
under section 4110(f) of Title 38, U.S. when no longer needed for current schedules are comprehensive and cover
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Code. Government business. They authorize all the records of an agency or one of its
Per section 4110(c)(1) of Title 38, U.S. agencies to preserve records of major subdivisions. Most schedules,
Code, the Secretary of Labor shall continuing value in the National however, cover records of only one
appoint at least twelve, but no more Archives of the United States and to office or program or a few series of
than sixteen, individuals to serve as destroy, after a specified period, records records. Many of these update
Special Government Employees of the lacking administrative, legal, research, previously approved schedules, and
ACVETEO as follows: Seven or other value. NARA publishes notice some include records proposed as
individuals, one each from the for records schedules in which agencies permanent.
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Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:33:15
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:33:15
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Request for public comments. | |
| Dates | All comments must be received on or before July 27, 2015. | |
| Contact | Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 (facsimile). | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 30495 |
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