Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of...
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.
DATES:
Comments must be received no later than March 27, 2000.
ADDRESSES:
Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., N.W., Mail Stop 17, Washington, D.C. 20590, or Ms. Dian Deal, Office of Information Technology and Productivity Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., N.W., Mail Stop 35, Washington, D.C. 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, “Comments on OMB control number —. Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493-6265 or (202) 493-6170, or E-mail to Mr. Brogan at robert.brogan@fra.dot.gov, or to Ms. Deal at dian.deal@fra.dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., N.W., Mail Stop 17, Washington, D.C. 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6292) or Dian Deal, Office of Information Technology and Productivity Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., N.W., Mail Stop 35, Washington,
( printed page 4298)
D.C. 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6133). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Pub. L. 104-13, section 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. §§ 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR Part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for comment on information collection activities before seeking approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information collection activities regarding (i) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (
e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses).
See44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(i)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(i)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (i) reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a “user friendly” format to improve the use of such information; and (iii) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested.
See44 U.S.C. 3501.
Below are brief summaries of the three currently approved information collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA:
Title:
Identification of Cars Moved in Accordance with Order 13528.
OMB Control Number:
2130-0506.
Abstract:
This collection of information identifies a freight car being moved within the scope of Order 13528 (Order). See CFR Part 232, Appendix B. Otherwise, an exception will be taken, and the car will be set out of the train and not delivered. The information that must be recorded is specified at 49 CFR Part 232, Appendix B, requiring that a car be properly identified by a card attached to each side of the car and signed stating that such movement is being made under the authority of the order. The Order does not require retaining cards or tags. When a car bearing a tag for movement under the Order arrives at its destination, the tags are simply removed.
Form Number(s):
None.
Affected Public:
Businesses.
Respondent Universe:
685 railroads.
Frequency of Submission:
On occasion.
Total Responses:
800 tags.
Average Time Per Response:
5 minutes per tag.
Estimated Total Annual Burden:
67 hours.
Status:
Regular Review.
Title:
Railroad Police Officers.
OMB Control Number:
2130-0537.
Abstract:
Under 49 CFR Part 207, railroads are required to notify states of all designated railroad police officers who are discharging their duties outside of their respective jurisdictions. This requirement is necessary to verify proper police authority.
Form Number(s):
None.
Affected Public:
Businesses.
Respondent Universe:
30 railroads.
Frequency of Submission:
On occasion.
Total Responses:
330 (30 rpts. + 300 rcds.)
Average Time Per Response:
5 hrs. p/rpt. + 10 min. p/rcd.
Estimated Total Annual Burden:
200 hours.
Status:
Regular Review.
Title:
Control of Alcohol and Drug Use in Railroad Operations.
OMB Control Number:
2130-0526.
Abstract:
The information collection requirements contained in pre-employment and “for cause” testing regulations are intended to ensure a sense of fairness and accuracy for railroads and their employees. The principal information—evidence of unauthorized alcohol or drug use—is used to prevent accidents by screening personnel who perform safety-sensitive service. FRA uses the information to measure the level of compliance with regulations governing the use of alcohol or controlled substances. Elimination of this problem is necessary to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities of the nature already experienced and further reduce the risk of a truly catastrophic accident. Finally, FRA analyzes the data provided in the Management Information System annual report to monitor the effectiveness of a railroad's alcohol and drug testing program.
Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.73, 6180.74, 6180.94A, 61880.94B.
Affected Public:
Businesses
Reporting Burden:
( printed page 4299)
CFR Section
Respondent universe
Total annual responses
Average time per response
Total annual burden hours
Total annual burden cost
219.7—Waivers
100,000 employees
2 letters
2 hours
4 hours
$116
219.9.(b)(2)—Responsibility for compliance
450 railroads
2 requests
1 hours
2 hours
$70
219.11(b)(2)—Gen'l conditions for chemical tests
450 Medical Fac.
1 document
15 minutes
15 minutes
$72
219.11 (g) & 219. 302 (c)(2)(ii)—Training-Alcohol and Drug
5 railroads
5 programs
3 hours
15 hours
$525
—Training
200 railroads
250 training class
3 hours
750 hours
$26,250
230.23 (d)—Notice of Educ'l Materials to employees
200 railroads
200 sets-material
1 hour
200 hours
$7,000
—Notice to Employee Organizations
15 railroads
15 notices
1 hour
15 hours
$525
219.104/219.107/40.47—Removal from cov. Service
200 railroads
20 letters
1 hour
20 hours
$700
219.201 (c) Good Faith Determination
200 railroads
10 reports
30 minutes
5 hours
$175
219.203/207/209—Notifications by Phone to FRA
200 railroads
104 phone calls
10 minutes
17 hours
$595
219.205—Sample Collection and Handling
450 railroads
400 forms
15 minutes
100 hours
$2,900
—Form covering accidents/incidents
450 railroads
100 forms
10 minutes
17 hours
$595
219.209 (b)—Narrative Response-refusal to provide sample
450 railroads
0 reports
0 min./hr.
0 hours
$0
219.209 (c)—Records-Tests promptly admin
450 railroads
40 records
30 minutes
20 hours
$700
219.211 (b)—Analysis and follow-up MRO
450 railroads
8 reports
15 minutes
2 hours
$70
219.211 (e)—Written response from employees to FRA re: results of toxicological analysis
219.211 (i)—Employees request for a retest of split blood and urine samples
450 railroads
0 letters
0 min./hr.
0 hours
$0
219.213 (b)—Notice of Disqualification
450 railroads
0 notices
0 min./hr.
0 hours
$0
219.302 (f)—Tests not promptly administered
450 railroads
200 records
30 minutes
100 hours
$3,500
219.401/403/405—Voluntary referral and Co-worker report policies
5 railroads
5 report policies
40 hours
200 hours
$7,000
219.405 (c) (1)—Report by Co-worker
200 railroads
200 reports
5 minutes
17 hours
$493
219.407—Alternate Policies
200 railroads
0 policy doc.
0 min./hr.
0 hours
$0
—Amendments/Revocations
200 railroads
0 amend/rev.
0 min./hr.
0 hour
$0
219.403/405—SAP Counselor Evaluation
450 railroads
700 reports
10 minutes
117 hours
$4,095
219.601 (a)—RR Random Drug Testing Programs
5 railroads
5 programs
1 hour
5 hours
$175
—Amendments
450 railroads
20 amendments
1 hour
20 hours
$700
219.601 (b)(4/; 219.601 (d)—Notices to Employees
450 railroads
4,000 notices
.5 minute
33 hours
$1,155
—New Railroads
5 railroads
5 notices
10 hours
50 hours
$1,750
—Employee Notices—Tests
450 railroads
25,000 notices
1 minute
417 hours
$14,595
219.601 (b) (1)—Random Selection Proc.—Drug
450 railroads
5,400 documents
4 hours
21,600 hours
$756,000
219.603 (a)—Specimen Security-Notice By Employee Asking to be Excused-Urine Testing
20,000 employees
200 excuse doc.
2 minutes
7 hours
$203
219.607—RR Random Alcohol Testing Programs
5 railroads
5 programs
1 hour
5 hours
$175
—Amendments to Approved Program
450 railroads
20 amendments
1 hour
20 hours
$700
219.607 (b) (1)—Random Selection Proc.—Alcohol
450 railroads
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
219.607 (c) (1)—Notice to Employees
450 railroads
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
—New Railroads
5 railroads
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
219.609—Notice by Employee to be Excused from Random Alcohol Testing
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
1
219.601
219.703 (a)&40.23-Specimen Security
450 railroads
40,000 forms
15 minutes
10,000 hours
$290,000
219.705 (c)—Approval to test for Additional Controlled Substances or alternative methods
200 railroads
0 Requests
0 hours
0 hours
$0
219.707 9(c) (d)&40.33—Review by MRO of Urine Drug Testing Results/ Employee Notification.
—Positive Drug Test Result
200 MROs
980 reports
2 hours
1,960 hours
$68,600
—Copies of Positive Test Results to Employees
450 railroads
980 tests
15 minutes
245 hours
$8,575
—Negative Test Results
450 railroads
48,020 letters
10 minutes
8,003 hours
$280,105
219.709—Retests-Written Request by Employee
450 railroads
10 letters
30 minutes
5 hours
$145
( printed page 4300)
219.711 (c)&40.25 (f) (22) (ii)—Employee Consent
100,000 employees
60 letters
5 minutes
5 hours
$145
—Employee Release Form
450 railroads
12,863 letters
5 minutes
1,072 hours
$31,088
219.715&40.57/59/61—Alcohol Testing Procedures
1
219.703
1
219.703
1
219.703
1
219.703
1
219.703
40.65—Admin. of Confirmatory Tests
40,000 employees
20 tests
30 minutes
10 hours
$290
—Notice to Employee—Confirmation Test
200 railroads
200 notices
1 hour
200 hours
$7,000
—Submission of Test Result to Employer
200 railroads
20 tests
15 minutes
5 hours
$175
40.69—Inability to provide an adequate breath amount
200 railroads
10 cases
12 minutes
2 hours
$70
—Evaluation from Licensed Physician
200 railroads
10 cases
1 hour
10 hours
$290
—Written Statement from Physician
200 railroads
10 cases
1 hour
10 hours
$350
40.81—Availability/Disclosure of Alcohol Testing Information about Individual Employees
200 railroads
60 letters
5 minutes
5 hours
$145
—Copies of Records—Breath Alcohol Test
40,000 employees
4 requests
30 minutes
2 hours
$64
40.83—Maintenance/Disclosure of Records concerning EBTs and BATs
450 railroads
1,500 records
5 minutes
125 hours
$4,375
219.801—Reporting Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program Results in a Management Info. System
—Alcohol Testing Management Info. System Data Collection Form
53 railroads
25 forms
4 hours
100 hours
$3,500
—Easy Data Collection Form—No Alcohol Misuse
53 railroads
25 forms
2 hours
50 hours
$1,750
219.803—Reporting Drug Misuse Prev. Results in a Management Info. System
—Drug Testing Management Info. Sys. Data Collection Form
53 railroads
25 forms
4 hours
100 hours
$3,500
—Drug Testing Management Info. Sys.-Zero Positives—Data Collection Form
53 railroads
25 forms
2 hours
50 hours
$1,750
219.901—Retention of Breath Alcohol Testing Records; Retention of Urine Drug Testing
450 railroads
100,500 records
5 minutes
8,375 hours
$293,125
—Summary Report of Breath Alcohol/Drug Test
450 railroads
200 reports
2 hours
400 hours
$14,000
40.23(d)(2)(ii)—Written Instructions on Specimen Col
0 railroads
0 instructions
0 minutes
0 hours
$0
40.29 (a)(2)&(b)—Lab. Chain of Custody Proc.
25 laboratories
58,212 forms
15 minutes
14,553 hours
$422,037
40.31 (c) (1)—RR Blind Performance Test Proc.
25 laboratories
1,176 tests
1 minute
20 hours
$580
40.29 (g) (1)&(5)—Lab Test Result Rpts to MRO
25 laboratories
52,920 reports
30 minutes
26,460 hours
$767,340
40.29 (g) (6)—Lab/Monthly Stat Summary of Urinalysis
25 laboratories
2,400 reports
2 hours
4,800 hours
$139,200
40.29 (g) (8)&(m)—Recordkeeping—Labs.
25 laboratories
25 document files
240 hours
6,000 hours
$174,000
40.31(d) (6) Unsatisfactory Perf. Test Results
25 laboratories
2 reports
10 hours
20 hours
$580
40. 31(d) (7)&(8)—False Positive Error/Retesting
25 laboratories
1 report
50 hours
50 hours
$1,450
—False Positive on Blind Test Performance
25 laboratories
1 report
50 hours
50 hours
$1,450
40.33—Reporting/Review—Split Sample Test Results
200 railroads
18 letters
30 minutes
9 hours
$315
—Split Sample Failure to Reconfirm Drug Presence
200 railroads
2 reports
30 minutes
1 hour
$35
40.37—Employee's Request for Access to Test Records
100,000 employees
30 requests
30 minutes
15 hours
$435
1
Incl. under.
( printed page 4301)
Respondent Universe:
450 railroads.
Frequency of Submission:
On occasion.
Total Responses:
357,251.
Estimated Total Annual Burden:
106,470 hours.
Status:
Regular Review.
Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 C.F.R. 1320.5(b), 1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.