81 FR 42735 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 126 (June 30, 2016)

Page Range		42735-42736
FR Document		2016-15424

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 Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment is Being Installed or Removed.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42735-42736]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15424]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0138]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards 
for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air 
Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining 
Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed

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 Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an 
Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where 
Mechanized Mining Equipment is Being Installed or Removed.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before August 29, 2016.

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-20##-0###]
     Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, 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, Director, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at MSHA.information 
.[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 
(facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    MSHA allows operators to use air from a belt air course to 
ventilate a working section, or an area where mechanized mining 
equipment is being installed or removed, only under certain conditions. 
The belt air use must be evaluated and approved by the district manager 
in the mine ventilation plan and operators must follow a number of 
other requirements that provide additional protection.
    Section 75.350(b) requires that the mine operator must include in a 
ventilation plan a justification that the use of air from a belt entry 
would afford at least the same measure of protection as where belt 
haulage entries are not used. The plan also must include information 
regarding point feeds and regulators and designated areas for dust and 
air velocity measurements.
    Section 75.351(b)(3) and 75.351(b)(4) require a mine operator to 
post a map or schematic, at a designated surface location, which shows 
the locations and type of Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) sensors 
at each location and the intended air flow direction at these 
locations. This map or schematic must be updated within 24 hours of any 
change in this information. Contact information for AMS and other 
appropriate personnel also must be posted at this location.
    Section 75.351(j) requires approval of the CO ambient levels, and 
the means to determine those levels, in the mine ventilation plan.
    Section 75.351(m) permits a mine to incorporate time delays into 
the AMS, or to use other methods for reducing non-fire alerts and alarm 
levels, provided they are specified and approved in the mine 
ventilation plan. Permission for such time delays, or other methods of 
reducing non-fire alerts and alarms, would be granted based on 
associated documentation that justifies these changes.
    Sections 75.351(n)(2) and 75.351(n)(3) require that alarms for AMS 
be tested every seven days and CO, smoke, or methane sensors be 
calibrated, every 31 days, respectively.
    Section 75.351(o)(1)(i) requires that a record be made if the AMS 
emits an alert or alarm signal. The record would consist of the date, 
time, location, and type of sensor, and the reason for its activation.
    Section 75.351(o)(1)(ii) requires that, if an AMS malfunctions, a 
record be made of the date, the extent and cause of the malfunction, 
and the corrective action taken to return the system to proper 
operating condition.
    Section 75.351(o)(1)(iii) requires that the persons doing the 
weekly test of alert and alarm signals, the monthly calibration, or 
maintenance of the system make a record of these tests, calibrations, 
or maintenance.
    Section 75.351(o)(3) requires that all records concerning the AMS 
be kept in a book or electronically in a computer system that is secure 
and not susceptible to alteration.
    Section 75.351(p) requires the mine operator to keep these records 
for at least one year at a surface location and to make them available 
for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and 
representatives of miners.
    Section 75.351(q)(3) requires that a record of annual AMS operator 
training be kept. The record will include the content of training, the 
person conducting the training, and the date the training is conducted. 
The record needs to be maintained at the mine site by the mine operator 
for at least one year.
    Sections 75.352(a), 75.352(b) and 75.352(c) require the designated 
AMS operator or other appropriate personnel to notify, investigate, or 
evacuate when malfunction, alert, or alarm signals are received.
    Section 75.371(hh) requires reporting within the mine ventilation 
plan of the ``ambient level in parts per million of carbon monoxide, 
and the method for determining the ambient level, in all areas where 
carbon monoxide sensors are installed.'' This provision is impacted by 
section 75.351(j).
    Section 75.371(kk) requires the locations where air quantities are 
measured as set forth in section 75.350(b)(6) be included in the mine 
ventilation plan.
    Section 75.371(ll) requires the locations and use of point feed 
regulators, in accordance with Sections 75.350(c) and 75.350(d)(5), to 
be in the mine ventilation plan.
    Section 75.371(mm) requires the location of any diesel-
discriminating

[[Page 42736]]

sensor and additional carbon monoxide or smoke sensors installed in the 
belt air course to be included in the mine ventilation plan.
    Sections 75.371(nn), 75.371(oo), and 75.371(pp) require 
modification of the mine ventilation plan to show the length of the 
time delay or any other method used for reducing the number of non-fire 
related alert and alarm signals from CO sensors, the lower alert and 
alarm setting for CO sensors, and the alternate instrument and the 
alert and alarm levels associated with the instrument, respectively.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine 
Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course to Ventilate 
Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment is Being 
Installed or Removed. 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 South, Suite 4E401, 
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 section of 
this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used 
as an Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where 
Mechanized Mining Equipment is Being Installed or Removed. 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: 1219-0138.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 17.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 205.
    Annual Burden Hours: 3,442 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $54,740.
    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.

Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-15424 Filed 6-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P

42736 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices

sensor and additional carbon monoxide III. Current Actions Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
or smoke sensors installed in the belt air This request for collection of Virginia 22202. All visitors are required
course to be included in the mine information contains provisions for to check in at the receptionist’s desk in
ventilation plan. Safety Standards for Underground Coal Suite 4E401.
Sections 75.371(nn), 75.371(oo), and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mine Ventilation—Belt Entry Used as an
75.371(pp) require modification of the Barbara Barron at 202–693–9447
Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working
mine ventilation plan to show the (Voice), barron.barbara@dol.gov
Sections and Areas Where Mechanized
length of the time delay or any other (Email), or 202–693–9441 (Telefax).
Mining Equipment is Being Installed or
method used for reducing the number of [These are not toll-free numbers].
Removed. MSHA has updated the data
non-fire related alert and alarm signals SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
with respect to the number of
from CO sensors, the lower alert and
respondents, responses, burden hours, I. Introduction
alarm setting for CO sensors, and the
and burden costs supporting this
alternate instrument and the alert and Under section 101 of the Federal Mine
information collection request.
alarm levels associated with the Type of Review: Extension, without Safety and Health Act of 1977, a mine
instrument, respectively. change, of a currently approved operator may petition and the Secretary
II. Desired Focus of Comments collection. of Labor (Secretary) may modify the
Agency: Mine Safety and Health application of a mandatory safety
MSHA is soliciting comments standard to that mine if the Secretary
concerning the proposed information Administration.
OMB Number: 1219–0138. determines that: (1) An alternative
collection related to Safety Standards method exists that will guarantee no
for Underground Coal Mine Affected Public: Business or other for-
profit. less protection for the miners affected
Ventilation—Belt Entry Used as an than that provided by the standard; or
Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working Number of Respondents: 17.
Frequency: On occasion. (2) the application of the standard will
Sections and Areas Where Mechanized result in a diminution of safety to the
Mining Equipment is Being Installed or Number of Responses: 205.
Annual Burden Hours: 3,442 hours. affected miners.
Removed. MSHA is particularly MSHA bases the final decision on the
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
interested in comments that: petitioner’s statements, any comments
• Evaluate whether the collection of Cost: $54,740.
Comments submitted in response to and information submitted by interested
information is necessary for the proper persons, and a field investigation of the
performance of the functions of the this notice will be summarized and
included in the request for Office of conditions at the mine. In some
agency, including whether the instances, MSHA may approve a
information has practical utility; Management and Budget approval of the
information collection request; they will petition for modification on the
• Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s
also become a matter of public record. condition that the mine operator
estimate of the burden of the collection
complies with other requirements noted
of information, including the validity of Sheila McConnell, in the decision.
the methodology and assumptions used; Certifying Officer.
• Suggest methods to enhance the II. Granted Petitions for Modification
[FR Doc. 2016–15424 Filed 6–29–16; 8:45 am]
quality, utility, and clarity of the On the basis of the findings of
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
information to be collected; and MSHA’s investigation, and as designee
• Minimize the burden of the
of the Secretary, MSHA has granted or
collection of information on those who
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR partially granted the following petitions
are to respond, including through the
for modification:
use of appropriate automated, Mine Safety and Health Administration • Docket Number: M–2013–055–C.
electronic, mechanical, or other FR Notice: 79 FR 4177 (1/24/2014).
technological collection techniques or Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for Petitioner: Signal Peak Energy, LLC,
other forms of information technology, Modification Granted in Whole or in 100 Portal Drive, Roundup, Montana
e.g., permitting electronic submission of Part 59072.
responses. Mine: Bull Mountains Mine No. 1,
The information collection request AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), Labor. MSHA I.D. No. 24–01950, located in
will be available on http:// Musselshell County, Montana.
www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions ACTION: Notice. Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
the commenter against providing any 75.1002(a) (Installation of electric
information in the submission that SUMMARY: Section 101(c) of the Federal
Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and equipment and conductors;
should not be publicly disclosed. Full permissibility).
30 CFR part 44 govern the application,
comments, including personal • Docket Number: M–2013–060–C.
information provided, will be made processing, and disposition of petitions
FR Notice: 79 FR 11141 (2/27/2014).
available on www.regulations.gov and for modification. This Federal Register Petitioner: Kimmel’s Mining, Inc.,
www.reginfo.gov. Notice notifies the public that MSHA P.O. Box 8, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
The public may also examine publicly has investigated and issued a final 17098.
available documents at USDOL—Mine decision on certain mine operator Mine: Williamstown Mine #1, MSHA
Safety and Health Administration, 201 petitions to modify a safety standard. I.D. No. 36–09435, located in Schuylkill
12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA ADDRESSES: Copies of the final decisions
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

County, Pennsylvania.
22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s are posted on MSHA’s Web site at Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400
desk on the 4th floor via the East http://www.msha.gov/READROOM/ (Hoisting equipment; general).
elevator. PETITION.HTM. The public may • Docket Number: M–2014–030–C.
Questions about the information inspect the petitions and final decisions FR Notice: 79 FR 64627 (10/30/2014).
collection requirements may be directed during normal business hours in Petitioner: M-Class Mining, LLC,
to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER MSHA’s Office of Standards, 11351 N. Thompsonville Road,
INFORMATION section of this notice. Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Macedonia, Illinois 62860.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00108 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1

Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:45:36
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:45:36

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 August 29, 2016.
Contact		Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at MSHA.information [email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 (facsimile).
FR Citation		81 FR 42735

81 FR 42735 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed

DEPARTMENT OF LABORMine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 126 (June 30, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration