83 FR 27028 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Occupational Noise Exposure

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 112 (June 11, 2018)

Page Range		27028-27029
FR Document		2018-12461

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 ensure 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 Occupational Noise Exposure.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 112 (Monday, June 11, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 112 (Monday, June 11, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27028-27029]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12461]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0120]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Occupational Noise 
Exposure

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 ensure 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

[[Page 27029]]

requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the 
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on 
the information collection for Occupational Noise Exposure.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before August 10, 2018.

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-2018-0020.
     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 Act), 30 U.S.C. Section 813, 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 of Labor (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 or other mines.
    Noise is a harmful physical agent and one of the most pervasive 
health hazards in mining. Repeated exposure to high levels of sound 
over time causes occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a 
serious, often profound physical impairment in mining, with far-
reaching psychological and social effects. NIHL can be distinguished 
from aging and other factors that can contribute to hearing loss and it 
can be prevented. According to the National Institute for Occupational 
Safety and Health, NIHL is among the ``top ten'' leading occupational 
illnesses and injuries.
    For many years, NIHL was regarded as an inevitable consequence of 
working in a mine. Mining, an intensely mechanized industry, relies on 
drills, crushers, compressors, conveyors, trucks, loaders, and other 
heavy-duty equipment for the excavation, haulage, and processing of 
material. This equipment creates high sound levels, exposing machine 
operators as well as miners working nearby. MSHA, the Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration, the military, and other organizations 
around the world have established and enforced standards to reduce the 
loss of hearing. Quieter equipment, isolation of workers from noise 
sources, and limiting the time workers are exposed to noise are among 
the many well-accepted methods that will prevent the costly incidence 
of NIHL.
    Records of miner exposures to noise are necessary so that mine 
operators and MSHA can evaluate the need for and effectiveness of 
engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective 
equipment to protect miners from harmful levels of noise that can 
result in hearing loss. However, the Agency believes that extensive 
records for this purpose are not needed. These requirements are a 
performance-oriented approach to monitoring. Records of miner hearing 
examinations enable mine operators and MSHA to ensure that the controls 
are effective in preventing NIHL for individual miners. Records of 
training are needed to confirm that miners receive the information they 
need to become active participants in hearing conservation efforts.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Occupational Noise Exposure. 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 
Occupational Noise Exposure. 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: 1219-0120.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 12,953.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 184,435.
    Annual Burden Hours: 13,680 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $31,926.
    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. 2018-12461 Filed 6-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P

27028 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 112 / Monday, June 11, 2018 / Notices

Agency: DOL–OSHA. application of a mandatory safety Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700
Title of Collection: Acrylonitrile standard to that mine if the Secretary (Oil and gas wells).
Standard. determines that: (1) An alternative • Docket Number: M–2017–020–C.
OMB Control Number: 1218–0126. method exists that will guarantee no FR Notice: 82 FR 49685 (10/26/2017).
Affected Public: Private Sector— less protection for the miners affected Petitioner: Spartan Mining Company,
businesses or other for-profits. than that provided by the standard; or 500 Lee Street, East, Suite 701 (25301),
Total Estimated Number of (2) the application of the standard will Post Office Box 2548, Charleston, West
Respondents: 20. result in a diminution of safety to the Virginia 25329.
Total Estimated Number of affected miners. Mine: Road Fork #52 Mine, MSHA
Responses: 6,792. MSHA bases the final decision on the I.D. No. 46–09522, located in Wyoming
Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: petitioner’s statements, any comments County, West Virginia.
2,754 hours. and information submitted by interested Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700
Total Estimated Annual Other Costs persons, and a field investigation of the (Oil and gas wells).
Burden: $216,416. conditions at the mine. In some • Docket Number: M–2016–037–C.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D). instances, MSHA may approve a FR Notice: 82 FR 16070 (3/31/2017).
Dated: June 5, 2018. petition for modification on the Petitioner: San Juan Coal Company,
condition that the mine operator P.O. Box 561, Waterflow, New Mexico
Michel Smyth,
complies with other requirements noted 87421.
Departmental Clearance Officer.
in the decision. Mine: San Juan Mine 1, MSHA I.D.
[FR Doc. 2018–12472 Filed 6–8–18; 8:45 am]
II. Granted Petitions for Modification No. 29–02170, located in San Juan
BILLING CODE 4510–26–P
County, New Mexico.
On the basis of the findings of Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
MSHA’s investigation, and as designee 75.1506(c)(1) (Refuge alternatives).
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR of the Secretary, MSHA has granted or
• Docket Number: M–2016–009–M.
partially granted the following petitions FR Notice: 82 FR 9234 (2/3/2017).
Mine Safety and Health Administration for modification: Petitioner: Coeur Alaska, Inc. 1700
Affirmative Decisions on Petitions for • Docket Number: M–2016–015–C. Lincoln Street, Suite 4700, Denver,
Modification Granted in Whole or in FR Notice: 81 FR 47423 (7/21/2016). Colorado 80203.
Part Petitioner: Canyon Fuel Company, Mine: Kensington Mine, MSHA I.D.
LLC, HC 35, Box 380, Helper, Utah No. 50–01544, located in Juneau
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health 84526. County, Alaska.
Administration (MSHA), Labor. Mine: Skyline Mine #3, MSHA I.D. Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
ACTION: Notice. No. 42–01566, located in Carbon 57.11052(d) (Refuge areas).
County, Utah.
SUMMARY: The Federal Mine Safety and Regulation Affected: 30 CFR Sheila McConnell,
Health Act of 1977 and the Code of 75.380(d)(4) (Escapeways; bituminous Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
Federal Regulations govern the and lignite mines). and Variances.
application, processing, and disposition • Docket Number: M–2017–006–C. [FR Doc. 2018–12460 Filed 6–8–18; 8:45 am]
of petitions for modification. This FR Notice: 82 FR 16072 (3/31/2017). BILLING CODE 4520–43–P
Federal Register notice notifies the Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596
public that MSHA has investigated and Battle Run Road, Triadelphia, West
issued a final decision on certain mine Virginia 26059. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
operator petitions to modify a safety Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D.
standard. No. 46–08864, located in Ohio County, Mine Safety and Health Administration
ADDRESSES: Copies of the final decisions West Virginia. [OMB Control No. 1219–0120]
are posted on MSHA’s website at Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
https://www.msha.gov/regulations/ 75.1002(a) (Installation of electric Proposed Extension of Information
rulemaking/petitions-modification. The equipment and conductors; Collection; Occupational Noise
public may inspect the petitions and permissibility). Exposure
final decisions during normal business • Docket Number: M–2017–012–C. AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health
hours in MSHA’s Office of Standards, FR Notice: 82 FR 34702 (7/26/2017). Administration, Labor.
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Petitioner: The Marion County Coal ACTION: Request for public comments.
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, Company, 151 Johnny Cake Road, Metz,
Virginia 22202. All visitors are required West Virginia 26585. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as
to check in at the receptionist’s desk in Mine: Marion County Mine, MSHA part of its continuing effort to reduce
Suite 4E401. I.D. No. 46–01433, located in Marion paperwork and respondent burden,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: County, West Virginia. conducts a pre-clearance consultation
Barbara Barron at 202–693–9447 Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1700 program to provide the general public
(phone), barron.barbara@dol.gov (Oil and gas wells). and Federal agencies with an
(email), or 202–693–9441 (fax). [These • Docket Number: M–2017–017–C. opportunity to comment on proposed
are not toll-free numbers]. FR Notice: 82 FR 48115 (10/16/2017). collections of information in accordance
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Petitioner: Paramont Contura, LLC, with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
Three Gateway Center, 401 Liberty 1995. This program helps to ensure that
I. Introduction Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania requested data can be provided in the
Under section 101 of the Federal Mine 15222–1000. desired format, reporting burden (time
Safety and Health Act of 1977, a mine Mine: Deep Mine 44, MSHA I.D. No. and financial resources) is minimized,
operator may petition and the Secretary 44–07308, located in Dickenson County, collection instruments are clearly
of Labor (Secretary) may modify the Virginia. understood, and the impact of collection

VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:19 Jun 08, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11JNN1.SGM 11JNN1

Document Created: 2018-11-02 11:59:21
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 11:59:21

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 10, 2018.
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		83 FR 27028

83 FR 27028 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Occupational Noise Exposure

DEPARTMENT OF LABORMine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 112 (June 11, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration