Document
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans, 30 CFR 77.1900 (Pertains to Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines)
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 ...
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. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811, authorizes the Secretary of Labor 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 and metal and nonmetal mines.
30 CFR 77.1900 (Slopes and Shafts; approval of plans) requires underground coal mine operators to submit for approval a plan that will provide for the safety of workers in each slope or shaft that is commenced or extended from the surface to the underground coal mine. Each slope or shaft sinking operation is unique in that each operator uses different methods and equipment and encounters different geological strata which make it impossible for a single set of regulations to ensure the safety of the miners under all circumstances. This makes an individual slope or shaft sinking plan necessary. The plan must be consistent with prudent engineering design. Plans include the name and location of the mine; name and address of the mine operator; a description of the construction work and methods to be used in construction of the slope or shaft, and whether all or part of the work will be performed by a contractor; the elevation, depth and dimensions of the slope or shaft; the location and elevation of the coalbed; the general characteristics of the strata through which the slope or shaft will be developed; the type of equipment which the operator proposes to use; the system of ventilation to be used; and safeguards for the prevention of caving during excavation.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans, 30 CFR 77.1900 (pertains to surface work areas of 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 DOL-MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 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. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in keeping with the Department of Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health precautions may be required.
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 Slope and Shaft Sinking Plans, 30 CFR 77.1900 (pertains to surface work areas of 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:
1219-0019.
Affected Public:
Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents:
24.
Frequency:
On occasion.
Number of Responses:
55.
Annual Burden Hours:
1,100 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost:
$35.
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.
Song-Ae Aromie Noe,
Certifying Officer.