80_FR_32030 80 FR 31923 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines

80 FR 31923 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 107 (June 4, 2015)

Page Range31923-31924
FR Document2015-13594

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 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 Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31923-31924]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13594]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0121]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards 
for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines

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 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 Safety 
Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground 
Coal Mines.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before August 3, 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-2015-0008.
     Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street S., Suite 400, 
Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22202-
5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the East 
elevator.

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

    Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes 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 
authorizes the 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 mines.
    Accidents involving falls of roof, face, and rib in underground 
mines or falls of highwall in surface mines, historically, have been 
among the leading causes of injuries and deaths. Prevention or control 
of falls of roof, face, and rib is uniquely difficult because of the 
variety of conditions encountered in mines that can affect the 
stability of various types of strata and the changing nature of the 
forces affecting ground stability at any given operation and time. Roof 
and rock bolts and accessories are an integral part of ground control 
systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib. 
Advancements in technology of roof and rock bolts and accessories have 
aided in reducing the hazards associated with falls of roof, face, and 
rib.
    The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publication 
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories'' is a 
consensus standard used throughout the United States. It contains 
specifications for the chemical, mechanical, and

[[Page 31924]]

dimensional requirements for roof and rock bolts and accessories used 
for ground support systems. The ASTM standard for roof and rock bolts 
and accessories is updated periodically to reflect advances in 
technology.
    Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR), parts 56 and 57 
subpart B-Ground Control, section 56.3203 and section 57.3203, and part 
75 subpart C-Roof Support, section 75.204, address the quality of roof 
and rock bolts and accessories and their installation. MSHA's objective 
in these regulations is to ensure the quality and effectiveness of roof 
and rock bolts and accessories and, as technology evolves, to allow for 
the use of new materials which are proven to be reliable and effective 
in controlling the mine roof, face, and rib.
    30 CFR 56.3203(a), 57.3203(a), and 75.204(a) require: (1) That mine 
operators obtain a certification from the manufacturer that roof and 
rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance 
with the applicable ASTM specifications, and (2) that the 
manufacturer's certification is made available to an authorized 
representative of the Secretary of Labor (Secretary).
    30 CFR 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h) require that if the mine operator 
uses other tensioned and nontensioned fixtures and accessories for 
ground control that are not addressed by the applicable ASTM standard 
listed in sections 56.3203(a) and 57.3203(a), test methods must be 
established by the mine operator and used to verify their ground 
control effectiveness. 30 CFR 56.3203(i) and 57.3203(i) require that 
the mine operator certify that the tests developed under sections 
56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h) were conducted and such certifications be 
made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary.
    30 CFR 75.204(f)(6) requires that the mine operator or a person 
designated by the operator certify by signature and date the 
measurements required by paragraph (f)(5) of this section have been 
made. Paragraph (f)(5) requires that in working places from which coal 
is produced during any portion of a 24-hour period, the actual torque 
or tension on at least one out of every ten previously installed 
mechanically anchored tensioned roof bolts is measured from the outby 
corner of the last open crosscut to the face in each advancing section. 
This certification shall be maintained for at least one year and shall 
be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and 
representatives of the miners.
    MSHA has found that the certification requirements have been 
successful in maintaining compliance with requirements for roof and 
rock bolts and accessories.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and 
Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines. 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 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 USDOL-
Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
400, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on 
the 4th floor via the East elevator.
    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 
Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and 
Underground Coal Mines. 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: 1219-0121.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 844.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 87,674.
    Annual Burden Hours: 537 hours.
    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 29, 2015.
Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-13594 Filed 6-3-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices 31923 5500–SF is required to register for electronic, mechanical, or other this notice may be sent by any of the EFAST–2 credentials through the technological collection techniques or methods listed below. EFAST–2 Web site. ERISA section 104 other forms of information technology, • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: authorizes this information collection. e.g., permitting electronic submission of http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the See 29 U.S.C. 1024. responses. on-line instructions for submitting This information collection is subject Agency: DOL–EBSA. comments for docket number MSHA– to the PRA. A Federal agency generally Title of Collection: Registration for 2015–0008. cannot conduct or sponsor a collection EFAST–2 Credentials. • Regular Mail: Send comments to of information, and the public is OMB Control Number: 1210–0117. USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards, generally not required to respond to an Affected Public: Private Sector— Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th information collection, unless it is businesses or other for-profits and not- Street S., Suite 400, Arlington, VA approved by the OMB under the PRA for-profit institutions. 22202–5452. and displays a currently valid OMB Total Estimated Number of • Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety Control Number. In addition, Respondents: 83,000. and Health Administration, 201 12th notwithstanding any other provisions of Total Estimated Number of Street South, Suite 400, Arlington, VA law, no person shall generally be subject Responses: 83,000. 22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s to penalty for failing to comply with a Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: desk on the 4th floor via the East collection of information that does not 27,667 hours. Total Estimated Annual Other Costs elevator. display a valid Control Number. See 5 Burden: $0. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL Dated: May 27, 2015. Sheila McConnell, Acting Director, obtains OMB approval for this Michel Smyth, Office of Standards, Regulations, and information collection under Control Variances, MSHA, at Number 1210–0117. Departmental Clearance Officer. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov [FR Doc. 2015–13684 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] be for more than three (3) years without (email); 202–693–9440 (voice); or 202– BILLING CODE 4510–29–P renewal, and the current approval for 693–9441 (facsimile). this collection is scheduled to expire on SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: June 30, 2015. The DOL seeks to extend DEPARTMENT OF LABOR I. Background PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) more years, Mine Safety and Health Administration Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine without any change to existing Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine [OMB Control No. 1219–0121] Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes requirements. The DOL notes that existing information collection Proposed Extension of Information MSHA to collect information necessary requirements submitted to the OMB Collection; Safety Standards for Roof to carry out its duty in protecting the receive a month-to-month extension Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and safety and health of miners. Further, while they undergo review. For Underground Coal Mines section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. additional substantive information 811 authorizes the Secretary to develop, about this ICR, see the related notice AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health promulgate, and revise as may be published in the Federal Register on Administration, Labor. appropriate, improved mandatory October 15, 2014 (79 FR 61903). ACTION: Request for public comments. health or safety standards for the Interested parties are encouraged to protection of life and prevention of SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as injuries in coal and metal and nonmetal send comments to the OMB, Office of part of its continuing effort to reduce Information and Regulatory Affairs at mines. paperwork and respondent burden, Accidents involving falls of roof, face, the address shown in the ADDRESSES conducts a pre-clearance consultation section within thirty (30) days of and rib in underground mines or falls of program to provide the general public highwall in surface mines, historically, publication of this notice in the Federal and Federal agencies with an Register. In order to help ensure have been among the leading causes of opportunity to comment on proposed injuries and deaths. Prevention or appropriate consideration, comments collections of information in accordance should mention OMB Control Number control of falls of roof, face, and rib is with the Paperwork Reduction Act of uniquely difficult because of the variety 1210–0117. The OMB is particularly 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This interested in comments that: of conditions encountered in mines that program helps to assure that requested • Evaluate whether the proposed can affect the stability of various types data can be provided in the desired of strata and the changing nature of the collection of information is necessary format, reporting burden (time and forces affecting ground stability at any for the proper performance of the financial resources) is minimized, given operation and time. Roof and rock functions of the agency, including collection instruments are clearly bolts and accessories are an integral part whether the information will have understood, and the impact of collection of ground control systems and are used practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of the requirements on respondents can be to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib. agency’s estimate of the burden of the properly assessed. Currently, the Mine Advancements in technology of roof and proposed collection of information, Safety and Health Administration rock bolts and accessories have aided in including the validity of the (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the reducing the hazards associated with wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES methodology and assumptions used; information collection for Safety falls of roof, face, and rib. • Enhance the quality, utility, and Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and The American Society for Testing and clarity of the information to be Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Materials (ASTM) publication collected; and Mines. ‘‘Standard Specification for Roof and • Minimize the burden of the DATES: All comments must be received Rock Bolts and Accessories’’ is a collection of information on those who on or before August 3, 2015. consensus standard used throughout the are to respond, including through the ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the United States. It contains specifications use of appropriate automated, information collection requirements of for the chemical, mechanical, and VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:33 Jun 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1

31924 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 107 / Thursday, June 4, 2015 / Notices dimensional requirements for roof and maintaining compliance with Agency: Mine Safety and Health rock bolts and accessories used for requirements for roof and rock bolts and Administration. ground support systems. The ASTM accessories. OMB Number: 1219–0121. standard for roof and rock bolts and Affected Public: Business or other for- II. Desired Focus of Comments profit. accessories is updated periodically to reflect advances in technology. MSHA is soliciting comments Number of Respondents: 844. Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations concerning the proposed information Frequency: On occasion. (30 CFR), parts 56 and 57 subpart collection related to Safety Standards Number of Responses: 87,674. B-Ground Control, section 56.3203 and for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Annual Burden Hours: 537 hours. section 57.3203, and part 75 subpart Mines and Underground Coal Mines. Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper C-Roof Support, section 75.204, address MSHA is particularly interested in Cost: $0. Comments submitted in response to the quality of roof and rock bolts and comments that: this notice will be summarized and accessories and their installation. • Evaluate whether the collection of included in the request for Office of MSHA’s objective in these regulations is information is necessary for the proper Management and Budget approval of the to ensure the quality and effectiveness performance of the functions of the information collection request; they will of roof and rock bolts and accessories agency, including whether the also become a matter of public record. and, as technology evolves, to allow for information has practical utility; the use of new materials which are • Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s Dated: May 29, 2015. proven to be reliable and effective in estimate of the burden of the collection Sheila McConnell, controlling the mine roof, face, and rib. of information, including the validity of Certifying Officer. 30 CFR 56.3203(a), 57.3203(a), and the methodology and assumptions used; [FR Doc. 2015–13594 Filed 6–3–15; 8:45 am] 75.204(a) require: (1) That mine • Suggest methods to enhance the BILLING CODE 4510–43–P operators obtain a certification from the quality, utility, and clarity of the manufacturer that roof and rock bolts information to be collected; and and accessories are manufactured and • Minimize the burden of the DEPARTMENT OF LABOR tested in accordance with the applicable collection of information on those who ASTM specifications, and (2) that the are to respond, including through the Mine Safety and Health Administration manufacturer’s certification is made use of appropriate automated, [OMB Control No. 1219–0135] available to an authorized representative electronic, mechanical, or other of the Secretary of Labor (Secretary). technological collection techniques or Proposed Extension of Information 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h) other forms of information technology, Collection; Health Standards for Diesel require that if the mine operator uses e.g., permitting electronic submission of Particulate Matter Exposure other tensioned and nontensioned responses. (Underground Metal and Nonmetal fixtures and accessories for ground The information collection request Mines) control that are not addressed by the will be available on http:// applicable ASTM standard listed in www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health sections 56.3203(a) and 57.3203(a), test the commenter against providing any Administration, Labor. methods must be established by the information in the submission that ACTION: Request for public comments. mine operator and used to verify their should not be publicly disclosed. Full ground control effectiveness. 30 CFR SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as comments, including personal part of its continuing effort to reduce 56.3203(i) and 57.3203(i) require that information provided, will be made the mine operator certify that the tests paperwork and respondent burden, available on www.regulations.gov and conducts a pre-clearance consultation developed under sections 56.3203(h) www.reginfo.gov. and 57.3203(h) were conducted and program to provide the general public The public may also examine publicly such certifications be made available to and Federal agencies with an available documents at USDOL-Mine an authorized representative of the opportunity to comment on proposed Safety and Health Administration, 201 Secretary. collections of information in accordance 12th Street South, Suite 400, Arlington, 30 CFR 75.204(f)(6) requires that the with the Paperwork Reduction Act of VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the mine operator or a person designated by 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). This receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via the operator certify by signature and program helps to assure that requested the East elevator. date the measurements required by data can be provided in the desired Questions about the information paragraph (f)(5) of this section have format, reporting burden (time and collection requirements may be directed been made. Paragraph (f)(5) requires that financial resources) is minimized, to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER in working places from which coal is collection instruments are clearly INFORMATION CONTACT section of this produced during any portion of a 24- understood, and the impact of collection notice. hour period, the actual torque or tension requirements on respondents can be on at least one out of every ten III. Current Actions properly assessed. Currently, the Mine previously installed mechanically This request for collection of Safety and Health Administration anchored tensioned roof bolts is information contains provisions for (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the measured from the outby corner of the Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal information collection for Health last open crosscut to the face in each and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Standards for Diesel Particulate Matter wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES advancing section. This certification Coal Mines. MSHA has updated the data Exposure (Underground Metal and shall be maintained for at least one year with respect to the number of Nonmetal Mines). and shall be made available to an respondents, responses, burden hours, DATES: All comments must be received authorized representative of the and burden costs supporting this on or before August 3, 2015. Secretary and representatives of the information collection request. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the miners. Type of Review: Extension, without information collection requirements of MSHA has found that the certification change, of a currently approved this notice may be sent by any of the requirements have been successful in collection. methods listed below. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:33 Jun 03, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 15:24:08
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 15:24:08
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionRequest for public comments.
DatesAll comments must be received on or before August 3, 2015.
ContactSheila McConnell, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 (facsimile).
FR Citation80 FR 31923 
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR