[Federal Register: September 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 185)] [Notices] [Page 51793] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr24se99-114] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Approval, Exhaust Gas Monitoring, and Safety Requirements for the Use of Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal 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. Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the extension of the information collection related to the Approval, Exhaust Gas Monitoring, and Safety Requirements for the Use of Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground coal. 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 submissions of responses. A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the employee listed below in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. DATES: Submit comments on or before November 23, 1999. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 715, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to tomalley@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. O'Malley can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa M. O'Malley, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 719, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Mrs. O'Malley can be reached at TOMalley@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The rule addresses three major areas: Diesel engine design and testing requirements; safety standards for the maintenance and use of this equipment; and exhaust gas sampling provisions to protect miners' health. First, the rule requires that diesel engines and their critical components meet design specifications and tests to show that they are explosion-proof and will not cause a fire in a mine. Second, the safety requirements for diesel equipment include many proven features required in existing standards for electric-powered equipment. The rule also sets safety requirements for fuel handling and storage and fire suppression. Finally, the rule requires sampling of diesel exhaust emissions to protect miners from overexposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide contained in diesel exhaust. II. Current Actions The recordkeeping requirements contained in the rule are the minimum necessary to ensure the safe and healthful operation of diesel- powered equipment in underground coal mines; to verify compliance with the regulations, and provide important information to mine operators and miners' representatives about safety and health conditions in miners' workplaces. Reduction of these recordkeeping requirements increase the likelihood that unsafe and unhealthy conditions would go undetected and uncorrected in underground coal mines. Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Title: Approval, Exhaust Gas Monitoring, and Safety Requirements for the Use of Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground coal. OMB Number: 1219-0119. Recordkeeping: Indefinitely. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. Total Respondents: 199. Frequency: On occasion. Total Responses: 234,308. Average Time per Response: 0.24 hours. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 56,339. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $45,094. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $617,238. 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. Dated: September 20, 1999. Theresa M. O'Malley, Chief, Records Management Group. [FR Doc. 99-24957 Filed 9-23-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-43-M