Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)] 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.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before October 6, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 709A, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to bteaster@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Teaster can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 709A, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Teaster can be reached at bteaster@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

Section 77.1101(a) requires operators of surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines to establish and keep current a specific escape and evacuation plan to be followed in the event of a fire.

Section 77.1101(b) requires that all employees be instructed in current escape and evacuation plans, fire alarm signals, and applicable procedures to be followed in case of fire. The training and record keeping requirements associated with this standard are addressed under OMB No. 1219-0070 (Certificate of Training, MSHA Form 5000-23).

Section 77.1101(c) requires escape and evacuation plans to include the designation and proper maintenance of an adequate means for exiting areas where persons are required to work or travel including buildings, equipment, and areas where persons normally congregate during the work shift.

While escape and evacuation plans are not subject to approval by MSHA district managers, MSHA inspectors evaluate the adequacy of the plans during their inspections of surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to the Escape and Evacuation Plans. MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

• 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.

A copy of the proposed information collection request may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page ( http://www.msha.gov ) and selecting “Statutory and Regulatory Information” then “Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions (http://www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm),” or by contacting the employee listed above in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice for a hard copy.

III. Current Actions

MSHA proposes to continue the information collection requirement related to escape and evacuation plans for surface coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines for an additional 3 years. MSHA believes that eliminating this requirement would expose miners to unnecessary risk of injury or death should a fire occur at or near their work location.

Type of Review: Extension.

Title: Escape and Evacuation Plans.

Recordkeeping: Indefinite.

OMB Number: 1219-0051.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit institutions.

Cite/Reference/Form/etc.: 30 CFR 77.1101.

Total Respondents: 59.

Frequency: On occasion.

Total Responses: 59.

Average Time per Response: 4.45 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 263 hours.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $0.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or 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.