Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on (404) 498-1210 or send an e-mail to omb@cdc.gov.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Send comments to Sandi Gambescia, CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-E11, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 14 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval Program, 29 CFR 1910.1043, OMB No. 0920-0138—Extension—National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

NIOSH has the responsibility under the Cotton Dust Standard, 29 CFR 1920.1043, for approving courses to train technicians to perform pulmonary function testing in the Cotton Dust Industry. Successful completion of a NIOSH-approved course is mandatory under the Standard. To carry out its responsibility, NIOSH maintains a Pulmonary Function Testing Course Approval Program. The program consists of an application submitted by potential sponsors who seek NIOSH approval to conduct courses. The application form and added materials, including an agenda, vitae, and course materials are reviewed by NIOSH to determine if the applicant has developed a program which adheres to the criteria required in the Standard. Following approval, any subsequent changes to the course are submitted by course sponsors via letter or e-mail and reviewed by NIOSH staff to assure that the changes in faculty or course content continue to meet course requirements.

Course sponsors also voluntarily submit an annual report to inform NIOSH of their class activity level and if any faculty changes have occurred. Applications and materials to be a course sponsor and carry out training are submitted voluntarily by institutions and organizations throughout the country. This is required by NIOSH to evaluate a course to determine whether it meets the criteria in the Standard and whether technicians will be adequately trained as mandated under the Standard. There will be no cost to respondents.