[Federal Register: December 13, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 238)] [Notices] [Page 69551-69552] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr13de99-101] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Hearing Conservation Plans 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 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 and 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 proposed extension of the information collection related to Hearing Conservation Plans. [[Page 69552]] DATES: Submit comments on or before February 11, 2000. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Diane B. Hill, Program Analysis Officer, Office of Program Evaluation and Information Resources, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via E-mail to dhill@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Hill can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice) or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting Diane B. Hill, 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. Ms. Hill can be reached at dhill@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Section 206 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 authorize the recordkeeping and reporting requirements implemented under 30 CFR 70.510 and 71.805--Noise Standards. Each operator of a coal mine who has received a notice of violation for noise levels in excess of the permissible standard, is required to submit to MSHA for approval, a continuing, effective hearing conservation plan. This plan must contain methods of reducing environmental noise levels; provisions for personal protective devices to be available to affected miners; and provisions for pre-employment and periodic audiograms. II. Desired Focus of Comments 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. III. Current Actions MSHA seeks to continue the frequency of collection in order for the Agency to properly assess the effectiveness of the plan, and monitor the safety and health conditions in today's mining environment. Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Title: Hearing Conservation Plan. OMB Number: 1219-0017. Affected Public: Business or other. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average time Cite/reference Total Frequency Total per response Burden hours respondents responses (hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70.510(b) (Plans)............ 11 Annually......... 11 6 66 82 Annually......... 82 4 328 70.510(b)(iii) (audio tests). 11 Annually......... 55 1 55 74 Biennially....... 185 1 185 71.805(b) (Plans)............ 12 Annually......... 12 6 72 153 Annually......... 153 4 612 71.805(b)(iii) (audio tests). 12 Annually......... 60 1 60 138 Biennially....... 345 1 345 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals................... 235 ................. 903 1.91 1,723 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $29,670. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of this information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: December 6, 1999. George M. Fesak, Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources. [FR Doc. 99-32196 Filed 12-10-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-43-M