81 FR 80088 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 220 (November 15, 2016)

Page Range		80088-80089
FR Document		2016-27343

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. 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 Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal and nonmetal mines).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 220 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80088-80089]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27343]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0003]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Radiation Sampling 
and Exposure Records (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines)

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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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. 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 Radiation 
Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal and 
nonmetal mines).

DATES: All comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017.

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-2016-0038.
     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 
[email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 
202-693-9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under the authority of Section 103 of the Federal Mine Safety and 
Health Act of 1977, MSHA is required to issue regulations requiring 
operators to maintain accurate records of employee exposures to 
potentially toxic materials or harmful physical agents which are 
required to be monitored or measured under any applicable mandatory 
health or safety standard promulgated under this Act.
    Airborne radon and radon daughters exist in every uranium mine and 
in several other underground mining commodities. Radon is radioactive 
gas. It diffuses into the underground mine atmosphere through the rock 
and the ground water. Radon decays in a series of steps into other 
radioactive elements, which are solids, called radon daughters. Radon 
and radon daughters are invisible and odorless. Decay of radon and its 
daughters results in emissions of alpha energy.
    Medical doctors and scientists have associated high radon daughter 
exposures with lung cancer. The health hazard arises from breathing air 
contaminated with radon daughters which are in turn deposited in the 
lungs. The lung tissues are sensitive to alpha radioactivity.
    The amounts of airborne radon daughters to which most miners can be 
exposed with no adverse effects have been established and are expressed 
as working levels (WL). The current MSHA standard is a maximum personal 
exposure of 4 working level months (WLM) per year.
    Excess lung cancer in uranium miners, just as coal workers'

[[Page 80089]]

pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and other debilitating occupational 
diseases, has been recognized for many years. Thus, an adequate base of 
accurate exposure level data is essential to control miners' exposures 
and permit an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing regulations.
    The standard at 30 CFR 57.5037 established the procedures to be 
used by the mine operator in sampling mine air for the presence and 
concentrations of radon daughters. Operators are required to conduct 
weekly sampling where concentrations of radon daughters exceed 0.3 WL. 
Sampling is required bi-weekly where uranium mines have readings of 0.1 
WL to 0.3 WL and every 3 months in non-uranium underground mines where 
the readings are 0.1 WL to 0.3 WL. Mine operators are required to keep 
records of all mandatory samplings. Records must include the sample 
date, location, and results, and must be retained at the mine site or 
nearest mine office for at least 2 years.
    The standard at 30 CFR 57.5040 requires mine operators to calculate 
and record individual exposures to radon daughters on MSHA Form 4000-9 
``Record of Individual Exposure to Radon Daughters.'' The calculations 
are based on the results of the weekly sampling required by 30 CFR 
57.5037. Records must be maintained by the operator and submitted to 
MSHA annually.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains 
to underground metal and nonmetal 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 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 
Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal 
and nonmetal 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: 1219-0003.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 5.
    Frequency: Weekly.
    Number of Responses: 505.
    Annual Burden Hours: 502 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $17,433.
    MSHA Forms: MSHA Form 4000-9, Record of Individual Exposure to 
Radon Daughters.
    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. 2016-27343 Filed 11-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P

80088 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 220 / Tuesday, November 15, 2016 / Notices

www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ NIJ published a Federal Register • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:
docs/final_report-smart_gun_report.pdf. notice (https://www.federalregister.gov/ http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
The report was published in response d/2016-16759) on July 15, 2016, seeking on-line instructions for submitting
to Presidential Memorandum, feedback from the public on the draft comments for docket number MSHA–
Promoting Smart Gun Technology, document that defined generic baseline 2016–0038.
found here: https:// specifications for law enforcement • Regular Mail: Send comments to
www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/ service pistols with additional USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards,
2016/01/05/memorandum-promoting- technology to enhance the security of Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th
smart-gun-technology. The report the firearms. The 60-day public Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA
described the potential benefits of comment period closed on September 22202–5452.
advanced gun safety technology, but 13, 2016. The working group made • Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety
noted that additional work was required revisions to the draft document, and the and Health Administration, 201 12th
before this technology is ready for final version of the document, Baseline Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA
widespread adoption by law Specifications for Law Enforcement 22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s
enforcement agencies. In particular, the Service Pistols with Security desk on the 4th floor via the East
report stressed the importance of Technology, is published here: http:// elevator.
integrating this technology into a nij.gov/topics/technology/firearms/ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
firearm’s design without compromising pages/welcome.aspx. Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of
the reliability, durability, and accuracy
Nancy Rodriguez, Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
that officers expect from their service
Director, National Institute of Justice. MSHA, at
weapons.
To address these issues, the report [FR Doc. 2016–27387 Filed 11–14–16; 8:45 am] MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov
called on law enforcement agencies to BILLING CODE 4410–18–P
(email); 202–693–9440 (voice); or 202–
develop ‘‘baseline specifications,’’ 693–9441 (facsimile).
which would outline the agencies’ SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
operational requirements for any DEPARTMENT OF LABOR I. Background
firearms equipped with gun safety
technology. By developing baseline Mine Safety and Health Administration Under the authority of Section 103 of
specifications, federal, state, and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act
[OMB Control No. 1219–0003]
municipal law enforcement agencies of 1977, MSHA is required to issue
can make clear to private manufacturers Proposed Extension of Information regulations requiring operators to
what they expect from this technology. Collection; Radiation Sampling and maintain accurate records of employee
DOJ and DHS recently assembled a Exposure Records (Pertains to exposures to potentially toxic materials
working group of experts in firearms Underground Metal and Nonmetal or harmful physical agents which are
technology to identify operational needs Mines) required to be monitored or measured
and prepare a draft document that under any applicable mandatory health
defines generic baseline specifications AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health or safety standard promulgated under
for law enforcement service pistols with Administration, Labor. this Act.
additional technology to enhance the ACTION: Request for public comments. Airborne radon and radon daughters
security of firearms. The additional exist in every uranium mine and in
security specifications that may be SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as several other underground mining
addressed by smart gun technology are part of its continuing effort to reduce commodities. Radon is radioactive gas.
distinguished from more familiar paperwork and respondent burden, It diffuses into the underground mine
firearm safety mechanisms. The conducts a pre-clearance consultation atmosphere through the rock and the
distinction between safety and security program to provide the general public ground water. Radon decays in a series
can be nuanced, and the additional and Federal agencies with an of steps into other radioactive elements,
security specifications may also opportunity to comment on proposed which are solids, called radon
function as safety features under certain collections of information in accordance daughters. Radon and radon daughters
circumstances. However, this with the Paperwork Reduction Act of are invisible and odorless. Decay of
distinction forms the basis of the use of 1995. This program helps to assure that radon and its daughters results in
the different terminology. The working requested data can be provided in the emissions of alpha energy.
group was led by NIJ and was desired format, reporting burden (time Medical doctors and scientists have
comprised of subject matter experts and financial resources) is minimized, associated high radon daughter
from various federal law enforcement collection instruments are clearly exposures with lung cancer. The health
agencies. The pistols defined by this understood, and the impact of collection hazard arises from breathing air
document are semi-automatic, recoil- requirements on respondents can be contaminated with radon daughters
operated, magazine-fed, striker-fired, properly assessed. Currently, the Mine which are in turn deposited in the
and fire 9 mm Luger or .40 S&W Safety and Health Administration lungs. The lung tissues are sensitive to
ammunition. The information detailed (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the alpha radioactivity.
in this document is informed in part by information collection for Radiation The amounts of airborne radon
specifications enumerated in recent Sampling and Exposure Records daughters to which most miners can be
handgun solicitations by the Federal (pertains to underground metal and exposed with no adverse effects have
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and nonmetal mines). been established and are expressed as
Immigration and Customs Enforcement DATES: All comments must be received working levels (WL). The current MSHA
(ICE), which are publicly available on on or before January 17, 2017. standard is a maximum personal
FedBizOpps (http://www.fbo.gov) under ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the exposure of 4 working level months
solicitation numbers RFP–OSCU– information collection requirements of (WLM) per year.
DSU1503 and HSCEMS–16–R–00003, this notice may be sent by any of the Excess lung cancer in uranium
respectively. methods listed below. miners, just as coal workers’

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 220 / Tuesday, November 15, 2016 / Notices 80089

pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and other www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
debilitating occupational diseases, has the commenter against providing any
been recognized for many years. Thus, information in the submission that Occupational Safety and Health
an adequate base of accurate exposure should not be publicly disclosed. Full Administration
level data is essential to control miners’ comments, including personal [Docket No. OSHA–2006–0028]
exposures and permit an evaluation of information provided, will be made
the effectiveness of existing regulations. available on www.regulations.gov and MET Laboratories, Inc.: Application for
The standard at 30 CFR 57.5037 www.reginfo.gov. Expansion of Recognition and
established the procedures to be used by Proposed Modification to the NRTL
the mine operator in sampling mine air The public may also examine publicly
available documents at USDOL-Mine Program’s List of Appropriate Test
for the presence and concentrations of Standards
radon daughters. Operators are required Safety and Health Administration, 201
to conduct weekly sampling where 12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health
concentrations of radon daughters 22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s Administration (OSHA), Labor.
exceed 0.3 WL. Sampling is required bi- desk on the 4th floor via the East ACTION: Notice.
weekly where uranium mines have elevator.
readings of 0.1 WL to 0.3 WL and every Questions about the information SUMMARY: In this notice, OSHA
3 months in non-uranium underground collection requirements may be directed announces the application of MET
mines where the readings are 0.1 WL to to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER Laboratories, Inc. for expansion of its
0.3 WL. Mine operators are required to recognition as a Nationally Recognized
INFORMATION section of this notice.
keep records of all mandatory Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and presents
samplings. Records must include the III. Current Actions the Agency’s preliminary finding to
sample date, location, and results, and grant the application. Additionally,
must be retained at the mine site or This request for collection of OSHA proposed to add a new test
nearest mine office for at least 2 years. information contains provisions for standing to the NRTL Program’s List of
The standard at 30 CFR 57.5040 Radiation Sampling and Exposure Appropriate Test Standards.
requires mine operators to calculate and Records (pertains to underground metal DATES: Submit comments, information,
record individual exposures to radon and nonmetal mines). MSHA has and documents in response to this
daughters on MSHA Form 4000–9 updated the data with respect to the notice, or requests for an extension of
‘‘Record of Individual Exposure to number of respondents, responses, time to make a submission, on or before
Radon Daughters.’’ The calculations are burden hours, and burden costs November 30, 2016.
based on the results of the weekly supporting this information collection ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of
sampling required by 30 CFR 57.5037. request. the following methods:
Records must be maintained by the Type of Review: Extension, without 1. Electronically: Submit comments
operator and submitted to MSHA and attachments electronically at http://
change, of a currently approved
annually. www.regulations.gov, which is the
collection.
II. Desired Focus of Comments Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the
Agency: Mine Safety and Health
instructions online for making
MSHA is soliciting comments Administration.
electronic submissions.
concerning the proposed information OMB Number: 1219–0003. 2. Facsimile: If submissions,
collection related to Radiation Sampling
Affected Public: Business or other for- including attachments, are not longer
and Exposure Records (pertains to
profit. than 10 pages, commenters may fax
underground metal and nonmetal
them to the OSHA Docket Office at (202)
mines). Number of Respondents: 5.
• MSHA is particularly interested in 693–1648.
Frequency: Weekly. 3. Regular or express mail, hand
comments that:
• Evaluate whether the collection of Number of Responses: 505. delivery, or messenger (courier) service:
information is necessary for the proper Submit comments, requests, and any
Annual Burden Hours: 502 hours.
performance of the functions of the attachments to the OSHA Docket Office,
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Docket No. OSHA–2006–0028,
agency, including whether the
Cost: $17,433. Technical Data Center, U.S. Department
information has practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s MSHA Forms: MSHA Form 4000–9, of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW.,
estimate of the burden of the collection Record of Individual Exposure to Radon Room N–3653, Washington, DC 20210;
of information, including the validity of Daughters. telephone: (202) 693–2350 (TTY
the methodology and assumptions used; number: (877) 889–5627). Note that
Comments submitted in response to
• Suggest methods to enhance the security procedures may result in
this notice will be summarized and significant delays in receiving
quality, utility, and clarity of the
included in the request for Office of comments and other written materials
information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the Management and Budget approval of the by regular mail. Contact the OSHA
collection of information on those who information collection request; they will Docket Office for information about
are to respond, including through the also become a matter of public record. security procedures concerning delivery
use of appropriate automated, of materials by express mail, hand
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Sheila McConnell,
electronic, mechanical, or other delivery, or messenger service. The
Certifying Officer.
technological collection techniques or hours of operation for the OSHA Docket
[FR Doc. 2016–27343 Filed 11–14–16; 8:45 am]
other forms of information technology, Office are 8:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m., e.t.
e.g., permitting electronic submission of BILLING CODE 4510–43–P 4. Instructions: All submissions must
responses. include the Agency name and the OSHA
The information collection request docket number (OSHA–2006–0028).
will be available on http:// OSHA places comments and other

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Document Created: 2016-11-15 00:48:01
Document Modified: 2016-11-15 00:48:01

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 January 17, 2017.
Contact		Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [email protected] (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-9441 (facsimile).
FR Citation		81 FR 80088

81 FR 80088 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines)

DEPARTMENT OF LABORMine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 220 (November 15, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration