SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This ICR seeks to extend PRA authority for the Occupational Noise Exposure Standard information collection requirements specified in regulations 29 CFR 1910.95 that require an Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) covered employer to monitor worker exposure to noise when it is likely such exposures may equal or exceed 85 decibels measured on the A scale (dBA) on an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) (action level); to take action to reduce noise exposures to the 90 dBA permissible exposure limit; and to provide an effective hearing conservation program (HCP) for all workers exposed to noise at a level greater than, or equal to, a TWA of 85 dBA. The HCP contains annual audiometric testing for workers; a provision for providing hearing protection devices to exposed workers; education and training of exposed workers; and maintenance of records pertaining to noise exposure-monitoring and audiometric testing. OSH Act sections 2(b), 6, and 8 authorize the information collection provisions. See29 U.S.C. 651(b), 655, and 657. See29 U.S.C. 651(b), 29 U.S.C. 655 and 29 U.S.C. 657.

This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by the OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number. See5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL obtains OMB approval for this information collection under Control Number 1218-0048.

OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than three (3) years without renewal, and the current approval for this collection is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2017. The DOL seeks to extend PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) more years, without any change to existing requirements. The DOL notes that existing information collection requirements submitted to the OMB receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. For additional substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2016 (81 FR 68457).

Interested parties are encouraged to send comments to the OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the address shown in the ADDRESSES section within thirty (30) days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register . In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB Control Number 1218-0048. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
• 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.

Agency: DOL-OSHA.

Title of Collection: Occupational Noise Exposure Standard.

OMB Control Number: 1218-0048.

Affected Public: Private Sector—businesses or other for-profits.

Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 216,055.

Total Estimated Number of Responses: 15,356,111.

Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 2,184,591 hours.

Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $31,242,929.

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).

82 FR 9230