82 FR 14752 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Escape and Evacuation Plans

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 54 (March 22, 2017)

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 Escape and Evacuation Plans.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 22, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14752-14753]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05636]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0046]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Escape and 
Evacuation Plans

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 Escape and 
Evacuation Plans.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before May 22, 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-2017-0005.
     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

    Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine

[[Page 14753]]

Act), 30 U.S.C. 813, authorizes MSHA to collect information necessary 
to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners.
    Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) 57.11053 
requires the development of an escape and evacuation plan specifically 
addressing the unique conditions of each underground metal and nonmetal 
mine. Section 57.11053 also requires that revisions be made as mining 
progresses. The plan must be available to representatives of MSHA and 
conspicuously posted at locations convenient to all persons on the 
surface and underground. The mine operator and MSHA are required to 
jointly review the plan at least once every six months.
    The following information is required with each escape and 
evacuation plan submission:
    (1) Mine maps or diagrams showing directions of principal air flow, 
location of escape routes, and locations of existing telephones, 
primary fans, primary fan controls, fire doors, ventilation doors, and 
refuge chambers;
    (2) Procedures to show how the miners will be notified of an 
emergency;
    (3) An escape plan for each working area in the mine, including 
instructions showing how each working area should be evacuated;
    (4) A firefighting plan;
    (5) Surface procedures to be followed in an emergency, including 
the notification of proper authorities and the preparation of rescue 
equipment and other equipment which may be used in rescue and recovery 
operations; and
    (6) A statement of the availability of emergency communication and 
transportation facilities, emergency power, and ventilation, and the 
location of rescue personnel and equipment.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Escape and Evacuation Plans. 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 
Escape and Evacuation Plans. 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: 1219-0046.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 231.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 462.
    Annual Burden Hours: 3,927 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $2,310.
    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. 2017-05636 Filed 3-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P