83_FR_33389 83 FR 33252 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines

83 FR 33252 - Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 137 (July 17, 2018)

Page Range33252-33254
FR Document2018-15217

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 Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33252-33254]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15217]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0088]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plans, 
Tests, and Examinations in 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. 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 Ventilation 
Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before September 17, 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-2018-0025.
     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. 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information 
necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of 
miners. Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 
of 1977 (Mine Act), the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) may by rule in 
accordance with procedures set forth in this section and in accordance 
with section 553 of Title 5, United States Code (without regard to any 
reference in such section to sections 556 and 557 of such title), 
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. In addition, section 303 
requires that all underground coal mines be ventilated by mechanical 
ventilation equipment installed and operated in a manner approved by an 
authorized representative of the Secretary and such equipment be 
examined daily and a record be kept of such examination.
    Underground coal mines usually present harsh and hostile working 
environments. The ventilation system is the most vital life support 
system in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation 
system is essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working 
environment. Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has 
resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation and explosions.
    An underground mine is a maze of tunnels that must be adequately 
ventilated with fresh air to provide a safe environment for miners. 
Methane is liberated from the strata, and noxious gases and dusts from 
blasting and other mining activities may be present. The explosive and 
noxious gases and dusts must be diluted, rendered harmless, and carried 
to the surface by the ventilating currents. Sufficient air must be 
provided to maintain the level of respirable dust at or below specific 
exposure limits and air quality must be maintained in accordance with 
MSHA standards. Mechanical ventilation equipment of sufficient capacity 
must operate at all times while miners are in the mine. Ground 
conditions are subject to frequent changes, thus sufficient tests and 
examinations are necessary to ensure the integrity of the ventilation 
system and to detect any changes that may require adjustments in the 
system. Records of tests and examinations are necessary to ensure that 
the ventilation system is being maintained and that changes which could 
adversely affect the integrity of the system or the safety of the 
miners are not occurring. These examination, reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements of sections 75.310, 75.312, 75.342, 75.351, 
75.360 through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and 75.382 also incorporate 
examinations of other critical aspects of the underground work 
environment such as roof conditions and electrical equipment which have 
historically caused numerous fatalities when not properly maintained 
and operated.
    Section 75.362, On-shift Examinations, was revised at subsection 
75.362 (a)(2) and (g)(2)-(4) by MSHA's rule titled ``Lowering Miners' 
Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including

[[Page 33253]]

Continuous Personal Dust Monitors, '' published May 1, 2014. This rule 
also revised subsection 75.371(f) and (j).
    Subsection 75.362(a)(2) requires that a person designated by the 
operator conduct an examination and record the results and the 
corrective actions taken to assure compliance with the respirable dust 
control parameters specified in the approved mine ventilation plan.
    Under subsection 75.362(g)(2)(i), the certified person directing 
the on-shift examination must certify by initials, date, and time on a 
board maintained at the section load out or similar location showing 
that the examination was made prior to resuming production. No 
increased burden is estimated for section 75.362(g)(2)(i) in this 
Information Collection Request (ICR) because MSHA does not expect the 
burden to be different from the burden in existing section 
75.362(g)(2)).
    Under section 75.362(g)(2)(ii), the certified person directing the 
on-shift examination must verify, by initials, date and time, the 
record of the results of the examination required under section 
75.362(a)(2) to assure compliance with the respirable dust control 
parameters specified in the mine ventilation plan. Further, section 
75.362(g)(3) requires a mine foreman or equivalent mine official to 
countersign each examination record required under section 75.362(a)(2) 
after it is verified by the certified person under section 
75.362(g)(2)(ii), and no later than the end of the mine foreman's or 
equivalent mine official's next regularly scheduled working shift. 
Section 75.362(g)(2)(ii) and (g)(3) are additional burdens that are 
accounted for in this ICR and 75.362(g)(2)(ii)(4) requires the records 
be retained at a surface location at the mine for at least 1 year and 
shall be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of 
the Secretary and the representative of miners.
    Paragraph (a)(2) in section 75.370 (Mine ventilation plan; 
submission and approval) contains the burden for underground coal mine 
operators to submit mine ventilation plan revisions for District 
Manager approval. Each mine ventilation plan must include information 
that is specified by section 75.371 (Mine ventilation plan; contents).
    Section 75.371(f) adds the following information that a mine 
operator must include in the mine ventilation plan: the minimum 
quantity of air that will be delivered to the working section for each 
mechanized mining unit (MMU), and the identification by make and model, 
of each different dust suppression system used on equipment on each 
working section, including: (1) The number, types, location, 
orientation, operating pressure, and flow rate of operating water 
sprays; (2) the maximum distance that ventilation control devices will 
be installed from each working face when mining or installing roof 
bolts in entries and crosscuts; (3) procedures for maintaining the roof 
bolter dust collection system in approved condition; and (4) 
recommended best work practices for equipment operators to minimize 
dust exposure.
    Section 75.371(j) adds a requirement that for machine mounted dust 
collectors, the ventilation plan must include the type and size of dust 
collector screens used and a description of the procedures to be 
followed to properly maintain dust collectors used on the equipment.
    Section 75.370(a)(2) requires all underground coal mine operators 
to submit revisions for mine ventilation plans to MSHA. The burden to 
submit the additional information required by section 75.371(f) and (j) 
as proposed revisions to the plan is accounted for in this package 
under section 75.370(a)(2). In addition, section 75.370(a)(3)(i) 
requires underground coal mine operators to notify the miners' 
representative at least 5 days prior to submission of mine ventilation 
plan revisions and, if requested, provide a copy of the revisions to 
the miners' representative at the time of notification. Section 
75.370(a)(3)(iii) and (f)(3) require the operator to post a copy of the 
plan revisions, and section 75.370(f)(1) requires that the operator 
provide a copy of the revisions to the miners' representative, if 
requested. MSHA assumes that a copy of the revisions will be requested. 
The burdens for notification, providing requested copies, and posting 
associated with mine ventilation plan revisions resulting from section 
75.371(f) and (j) are accounted for in this package under section 
75.370(a)(3)(i), (f)(1), (a)(3)(iii), and (f)(3) respectively.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in 
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 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 CONTACT 
section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in 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: 1219-0088.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 255.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 1,164,908.
    Annual Burden Hours: 142,550 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $91,870.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the

[[Page 33254]]

information collection request; they will also become a matter of 
public record.

Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-15217 Filed 7-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P



                                               33252                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices

                                               agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/about-us/                       paperwork and respondent burden,                      appropriate, improved mandatory
                                               erisa-advisory-council.                                  conducts a pre-clearance consultation                 health or safety standards for the
                                                  Organizations or members of the                       program to provide the general public                 protection of life and prevention of
                                               public wishing to submit a written                       and Federal agencies with an                          injuries in coal or other mines. In
                                               statement may do so by submitting 40                     opportunity to comment on proposed                    addition, section 303 requires that all
                                               copies on or before August 7, 2018, to                   collections of information in accordance              underground coal mines be ventilated
                                               Larry Good, Executive Secretary, ERISA                   with the Paperwork Reduction Act of                   by mechanical ventilation equipment
                                               Advisory Council, U.S. Department of                     1995. This program helps to ensure that               installed and operated in a manner
                                               Labor, Suite N–5623, 200 Constitution                    requested data can be provided in the                 approved by an authorized
                                               Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.                         desired format, reporting burden (time                representative of the Secretary and such
                                               Statements also may be submitted as                      and financial resources) is minimized,                equipment be examined daily and a
                                               email attachments in word processing or                  collection instruments are clearly                    record be kept of such examination.
                                               pdf format transmitted to good.larry@                    understood, and the impact of collection                 Underground coal mines usually
                                               dol.gov. It is requested that statements                 requirements on respondents can be                    present harsh and hostile working
                                               not be included in the body of the                       properly assessed. Currently, the Mine                environments. The ventilation system is
                                               email. Statements deemed relevant by                     Safety and Health Administration                      the most vital life support system in
                                               the Advisory Council and received on or                  (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the                  underground mining and a properly
                                               before August 7 will be included in the                  information collection for Ventilation                operating ventilation system is essential
                                               record of the meeting and made                           Plans, Tests, and Examinations in                     for maintaining a safe and healthful
                                               available through the EBSA Public                        Underground Coal Mines.                               working environment. Lack of adequate
                                               Disclosure Room, along with witness                      DATES: All comments must be received
                                                                                                                                                              ventilation in underground mines has
                                               statements. Do not include any                           on or before September 17, 2018.                      resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation
                                               personally identifiable information                                                                            and explosions.
                                                                                                        ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the                       An underground mine is a maze of
                                               (such as name, address, or other contact
                                                                                                        information collection requirements of                tunnels that must be adequately
                                               information) or confidential business
                                                                                                        this notice may be sent by any of the                 ventilated with fresh air to provide a
                                               information that you do not want
                                                                                                        methods listed below.                                 safe environment for miners. Methane is
                                               publicly disclosed. Written statements                     • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:
                                               submitted by invited witnesses will be                                                                         liberated from the strata, and noxious
                                                                                                        http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                gases and dusts from blasting and other
                                               posted on the Advisory Council page of                   on-line instructions for submitting
                                               the EBSA website, without change, and                                                                          mining activities may be present. The
                                                                                                        comments for docket number MSHA–                      explosive and noxious gases and dusts
                                               can be retrieved by most internet search                 2018–0025.
                                               engines.                                                                                                       must be diluted, rendered harmless, and
                                                                                                          • Regular Mail: Send comments to                    carried to the surface by the ventilating
                                                  Individuals or representatives of                     USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards,
                                               organizations wishing to address the                                                                           currents. Sufficient air must be provided
                                                                                                        Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th                  to maintain the level of respirable dust
                                               Advisory Council should forward their                    Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
                                               requests to the Executive Secretary or                                                                         at or below specific exposure limits and
                                                                                                        VA 22202–5452.                                        air quality must be maintained in
                                               telephone (202) 693–8668. Oral                             • Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety
                                               presentations will be limited to 10                                                                            accordance with MSHA standards.
                                                                                                        and Health Administration, 201 12th                   Mechanical ventilation equipment of
                                               minutes, time permitting, but an                         Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
                                               extended statement may be submitted                                                                            sufficient capacity must operate at all
                                                                                                        VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the                         times while miners are in the mine.
                                               for the record. Individuals with                         receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via
                                               disabilities who need special                                                                                  Ground conditions are subject to
                                                                                                        the East elevator.                                    frequent changes, thus sufficient tests
                                               accommodations should contact the
                                                                                                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      and examinations are necessary to
                                               Executive Secretary by August 7.
                                                                                                        Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of                 ensure the integrity of the ventilation
                                                 Signed at Washington, DC, this 9th day of              Standards, Regulations, and Variances,                system and to detect any changes that
                                               July 2018.                                               MSHA, at                                              may require adjustments in the system.
                                               Preston Rutledge,                                        MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov                  Records of tests and examinations are
                                               Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits                   (email); (202) 693–9440 (voice); or (202)             necessary to ensure that the ventilation
                                               Security Administration.                                 693–9441 (facsimile).                                 system is being maintained and that
                                               [FR Doc. 2018–15207 Filed 7–16–18; 8:45 am]              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            changes which could adversely affect
                                               BILLING CODE 4510–29–P                                                                                         the integrity of the system or the safety
                                                                                                        I. Background
                                                                                                                                                              of the miners are not occurring. These
                                                                                                           Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine                 examination, reporting and
                                               DEPARTMENT OF LABOR                                      Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine                   recordkeeping requirements of sections
                                                                                                        Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes                    75.310, 75.312, 75.342, 75.351, 75.360
                                               Mine Safety and Health Administration
                                                                                                        MSHA to collect information necessary                 through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and
                                               [OMB Control No. 1219–0088]                              to carry out its duty in protecting the               75.382 also incorporate examinations of
                                                                                                        safety and health of miners. Under                    other critical aspects of the underground
                                               Proposed Extension of Information                        Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine                    work environment such as roof
                                               Collection; Ventilation Plans, Tests,                    Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine                   conditions and electrical equipment
                                               and Examinations in Underground                          Act), the Secretary of Labor (Secretary)              which have historically caused
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                                               Coal Mines                                               may by rule in accordance with                        numerous fatalities when not properly
                                               AGENCY:  Mine Safety and Health                          procedures set forth in this section and              maintained and operated.
                                               Administration, Labor.                                   in accordance with section 553 of Title                  Section 75.362, On-shift
                                               ACTION: Request for public comments.                     5, United States Code (without regard to              Examinations, was revised at subsection
                                                                                                        any reference in such section to sections             75.362 (a)(2) and (g)(2)-(4) by MSHA’s
                                               SUMMARY:    The Department of Labor, as                  556 and 557 of such title), develop,                  rule titled ‘‘Lowering Miners’ Exposure
                                               part of its continuing effort to reduce                  promulgate, and revise as may be                      to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices                                          33253

                                               Continuous Personal Dust Monitors, ’’                    on each working section, including: (1)               of information, including the validity of
                                               published May 1, 2014. This rule also                    The number, types, location,                          the methodology and assumptions used;
                                               revised subsection 75.371(f) and (j).                    orientation, operating pressure, and                    • Suggest methods to enhance the
                                                 Subsection 75.362(a)(2) requires that a                flow rate of operating water sprays; (2)              quality, utility, and clarity of the
                                               person designated by the operator                        the maximum distance that ventilation                 information to be collected; and
                                               conduct an examination and record the                    control devices will be installed from
                                                                                                                                                                • Minimize the burden of the
                                               results and the corrective actions taken                 each working face when mining or
                                               to assure compliance with the respirable                                                                       collection of information on those who
                                                                                                        installing roof bolts in entries and
                                               dust control parameters specified in the                                                                       are to respond, including through the
                                                                                                        crosscuts; (3) procedures for
                                               approved mine ventilation plan.                                                                                use of appropriate automated,
                                                                                                        maintaining the roof bolter dust
                                                 Under subsection 75.362(g)(2)(i), the                                                                        electronic, mechanical, or other
                                                                                                        collection system in approved
                                               certified person directing the on-shift                                                                        technological collection techniques or
                                                                                                        condition; and (4) recommended best
                                               examination must certify by initials,                                                                          other forms of information technology,
                                                                                                        work practices for equipment operators
                                               date, and time on a board maintained at                                                                        e.g., permitting electronic submission of
                                                                                                        to minimize dust exposure.
                                               the section load out or similar location                    Section 75.371(j) adds a requirement               responses.
                                               showing that the examination was made                    that for machine mounted dust                           The information collection request
                                               prior to resuming production. No                         collectors, the ventilation plan must                 will be available on http://
                                               increased burden is estimated for                        include the type and size of dust                     www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions
                                               section 75.362(g)(2)(i) in this                          collector screens used and a description              the commenter against providing any
                                               Information Collection Request (ICR)                     of the procedures to be followed to                   information in the submission that
                                               because MSHA does not expect the                         properly maintain dust collectors used                should not be publicly disclosed. Full
                                               burden to be different from the burden                   on the equipment.                                     comments, including personal
                                               in existing section 75.362(g)(2)).                          Section 75.370(a)(2) requires all                  information provided, will be made
                                                 Under section 75.362(g)(2)(ii), the                    underground coal mine operators to                    available on www.regulations.gov and
                                               certified person directing the on-shift                  submit revisions for mine ventilation                 www.reginfo.gov.
                                               examination must verify, by initials,                    plans to MSHA. The burden to submit                     The public may also examine publicly
                                               date and time, the record of the results                 the additional information required by                available documents at USDOL-Mine
                                               of the examination required under                        section 75.371(f) and (j) as proposed                 Safety and Health Administration, 201
                                               section 75.362(a)(2) to assure                           revisions to the plan is accounted for in             12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA
                                               compliance with the respirable dust                      this package under section 75.370(a)(2).              22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s
                                               control parameters specified in the mine                 In addition, section 75.370(a)(3)(i)                  desk on the 4th floor via the East
                                               ventilation plan. Further, section                       requires underground coal mine                        elevator.
                                               75.362(g)(3) requires a mine foreman or                  operators to notify the miners’
                                               equivalent mine official to countersign                                                                          Questions about the information
                                                                                                        representative at least 5 days prior to
                                               each examination record required under                                                                         collection requirements may be directed
                                                                                                        submission of mine ventilation plan
                                               section 75.362(a)(2) after it is verified by                                                                   to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
                                                                                                        revisions and, if requested, provide a
                                                                                                                                                              INFORMATION CONTACT section of this
                                               the certified person under section                       copy of the revisions to the miners’
                                               75.362(g)(2)(ii), and no later than the                                                                        notice.
                                                                                                        representative at the time of
                                               end of the mine foreman’s or equivalent                  notification. Section 75.370(a)(3)(iii)               III. Current Actions
                                               mine official’s next regularly scheduled                 and (f)(3) require the operator to post a
                                               working shift. Section 75.362(g)(2)(ii)                  copy of the plan revisions, and section                 This request for collection of
                                               and (g)(3) are additional burdens that                   75.370(f)(1) requires that the operator               information contains provisions for
                                               are accounted for in this ICR and                        provide a copy of the revisions to the                Ventilation Plans, Tests, and
                                               75.362(g)(2)(ii)(4) requires the records                 miners’ representative, if requested.                 Examinations in Underground Coal
                                               be retained at a surface location at the                 MSHA assumes that a copy of the                       Mines. MSHA has updated the data
                                               mine for at least 1 year and shall be                    revisions will be requested. The burdens              with respect to the number of
                                               made available for inspection by                         for notification, providing requested                 respondents, responses, burden hours,
                                               authorized representatives of the                        copies, and posting associated with                   and burden costs supporting this
                                               Secretary and the representative of                      mine ventilation plan revisions                       information collection request.
                                               miners.                                                  resulting from section 75.371(f) and (j)                Type of Review: Extension, without
                                                 Paragraph (a)(2) in section 75.370                     are accounted for in this package under               change, of a currently approved
                                               (Mine ventilation plan; submission and                   section 75.370(a)(3)(i), (f)(1), (a)(3)(iii),         collection.
                                               approval) contains the burden for                        and (f)(3) respectively.                                Agency: Mine Safety and Health
                                               underground coal mine operators to                                                                             Administration.
                                               submit mine ventilation plan revisions                   II. Desired Focus of Comments
                                                                                                                                                                OMB Number: 1219–0088.
                                               for District Manager approval. Each                         MSHA is soliciting comments
                                               mine ventilation plan must include                       concerning the proposed information                     Affected Public: Business or other for-
                                               information that is specified by section                 collection related to Ventilation Plans,              profit.
                                               75.371 (Mine ventilation plan;                           Tests, and Examinations in                              Number of Respondents: 255.
                                               contents).                                               Underground Coal Mines. MSHA is                         Frequency: On occasion.
                                                 Section 75.371(f) adds the following                   particularly interested in comments                     Number of Responses: 1,164,908.
                                               information that a mine operator must                    that:
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                                                                                                                                                                Annual Burden Hours: 142,550 hours.
                                               include in the mine ventilation plan: the                   • Evaluate whether the collection of
                                               minimum quantity of air that will be                     information is necessary for the proper                 Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
                                               delivered to the working section for                     performance of the functions of the                   Cost: $91,870.
                                               each mechanized mining unit (MMU),                       Agency, including whether the                           Comments submitted in response to
                                               and the identification by make and                       information has practical utility;                    this notice will be summarized and
                                               model, of each different dust                               • Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s                  included in the request for Office of
                                               suppression system used on equipment                     estimate of the burden of the collection              Management and Budget approval of the


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                                               33254                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices

                                               information collection request; they will                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      proven to be reliable and effective in
                                               also become a matter of public record.                   Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of                 controlling the mine roof, face, and rib.
                                                                                                        Standards, Regulations, and Variances,                   Title 30 CFR 56.3203(a), 57.3203(a),
                                               Sheila McConnell,                                                                                              and 75.204(a) require: (1) That mine
                                                                                                        MSHA, at
                                               Certifying Officer.                                      MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov                  operators obtain a certification from the
                                               [FR Doc. 2018–15217 Filed 7–16–18; 8:45 am]              (email); (202) 693–9440 (voice); or (202)             manufacturer that roof and rock bolts
                                               BILLING CODE 4510–43–P                                   693–9441 (facsimile).                                 and accessories are manufactured and
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            tested in accordance with the applicable
                                                                                                                                                              ASTM specifications, and (2) that the
                                               DEPARTMENT OF LABOR                                      I. Background                                         manufacturer’s certification is made
                                                                                                           Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine                 available to an authorized representative
                                               Mine Safety and Health Administration                                                                          of the Secretary.
                                                                                                        Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
                                                                                                        Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes                       Title 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and
                                               [OMB Control No. 1219–0121]                                                                                    57.3203(h) require that if the mine
                                                                                                        MSHA to collect information necessary
                                                                                                        to carry out its duty in protecting the               operator uses other tensioned and
                                               Proposed Extension of Information                                                                              nontensioned fixtures and accessories
                                               Collection; Safety Standards for Roof                    safety and health of miners. Further,
                                                                                                        section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C.             for ground control that are not
                                               Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and                                                                          addressed by the applicable ASTM
                                               Underground Coal Mines                                   811, authorizes the Secretary of Labor
                                                                                                                                                              standard listed in sections 56.3203(a)
                                                                                                        (Secretary) to develop, promulgate, and
                                               AGENCY:  Mine Safety and Health                                                                                and 57.3203(a), test methods must be
                                                                                                        revise as may be appropriate, improved
                                               Administration, Labor.                                                                                         established by the mine operator and
                                                                                                        mandatory health or safety standards for
                                               ACTION: Request for public comments.
                                                                                                                                                              used to verify their ground control
                                                                                                        the protection of life and prevention of
                                                                                                                                                              effectiveness. Title 30 CFR 56.3203(i)
                                                                                                        injuries in coal and metal and nonmetal
                                               SUMMARY:    The Department of Labor, as                                                                        and 57.3203(i) require that the mine
                                                                                                        mines.
                                               part of its continuing effort to reduce                                                                        operator certify that the tests developed
                                                                                                           Accidents involving falls of roof, face,
                                               paperwork and respondent burden,                                                                               under sections 56.3203(h) and
                                                                                                        and rib in underground mines or falls of
                                               conducts a pre-clearance consultation                                                                          57.3203(h) were conducted and such
                                                                                                        highwall in surface mines, historically,
                                               program to provide the general public                                                                          certifications be made available to an
                                                                                                        have been among the leading causes of
                                               and Federal agencies with an                                                                                   authorized representative of the
                                                                                                        injuries and deaths. Prevention or
                                               opportunity to comment on proposed                                                                             Secretary.
                                                                                                        control of falls of roof, face, and rib is               Title 30 CFR 75.204(f)(6) requires that
                                               collections of information in accordance                 uniquely difficult because of the variety
                                               with the Paperwork Reduction Act of                                                                            the mine operator or a person
                                                                                                        of conditions encountered in mines that               designated by the operator certify by
                                               1995. This program helps to ensure that                  can affect the stability of various types
                                               requested data can be provided in the                                                                          signature and date the measurements
                                                                                                        of strata and the changing nature of the              required by paragraph (f)(5) of this
                                               desired format, reporting burden (time                   forces affecting ground stability at any
                                               and financial resources) is minimized,                                                                         section have been made. Paragraph (f)(5)
                                                                                                        given operation and time. Roof and rock               requires that in working places from
                                               collection instruments are clearly                       bolts and accessories are an integral part
                                               understood, and the impact of collection                                                                       which coal is produced during any
                                                                                                        of ground control systems and are used                portion of a 24-hour period, the actual
                                               requirements on respondents can be                       to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib.
                                               properly assessed. Currently, the Mine                                                                         torque or tension on at least one out of
                                                                                                        Advancements in technology of roof and                every ten previously installed
                                               Safety and Health Administration                         rock bolts and accessories have aided in
                                               (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the                                                                           mechanically anchored tensioned roof
                                                                                                        reducing the hazards associated with                  bolts is measured from the outby corner
                                               information collection for Safety                        falls of roof, face, and rib.
                                               Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and                                                                          of the last open crosscut to the face in
                                                                                                           The American Society for Testing and               each advancing section. This
                                               Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal                      Materials (ASTM) publication
                                               Mines.                                                                                                         certification shall be maintained for at
                                                                                                        ‘‘Standard Specification for Roof and                 least one year and shall be made
                                               DATES: All comments must be received                     Rock Bolts and Accessories’’ is a
                                               on or before September 17, 2018.                                                                               available to an authorized representative
                                                                                                        consensus standard used throughout the                of the Secretary and representatives of
                                               ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the                       United States. It contains specifications             the miners.
                                               information collection requirements of                   for the chemical, mechanical, and                        MSHA has found that the certification
                                               this notice may be sent by any of the                    dimensional requirements for roof and                 requirements have been successful in
                                               methods listed below.                                    rock bolts and accessories used for                   maintaining compliance with
                                                 • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:                         ground support systems. The ASTM                      requirements for roof and rock bolts and
                                               http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                   standard for roof and rock bolts and                  accessories.
                                               on-line instructions for submitting                      accessories is updated periodically to
                                               comments for docket number MSHA–                         reflect advances in technology.                       II. Desired Focus of Comments
                                               2018–0027.                                                  Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations,                 MSHA is soliciting comments
                                                 • Regular Mail: Send comments to                       Parts 56 and 57 Subpart B-Ground                      concerning the proposed information
                                               USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards,                         Control, section 56.3203 and section                  collection related to Safety Standards
                                               Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th                     57.3203, and Part 75 Subpart C-Roof                   for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal
                                               Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,                    Support, section 75.204, address the                  Mines and Underground Coal Mines.
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES




                                               VA 22202–5452.                                           quality of roof and rock bolts and                    MSHA is particularly interested in
                                                 • Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety                     accessories and their installation.                   comments that:
                                               and Health Administration, 201 12th                      MSHA’s objective in these regulations is                 • Evaluate whether the collection of
                                               Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,                    to ensure the quality and effectiveness               information is necessary for the proper
                                               VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the                            of roof and rock bolts and accessories                performance of the functions of the
                                               receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via                 and, as technology evolves, to allow for              Agency, including whether the
                                               the East elevator.                                       the use of new materials which are                    information has practical utility;


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Document Created: 2018-07-17 01:38:39
Document Modified: 2018-07-17 01:38:39
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 September 17, 2018.
ContactSheila McConnell, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at [email protected] (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice); or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile).
FR Citation83 FR 33252 

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