[Federal Register: December 10, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 237)] [Notices] [Page 69296-69297] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr10de99-92] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Qualification and Certification Program 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 February 8, 2000. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Dianne B. Hill, 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 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: 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 Persons performing tasks and certain required examinations at coal mines which are related to miner safety and health, and which require specialized experience, are required to be either ``certified'' or ``qualified''. The regulations recognize State certification and qualification programs. However, where state programs are not available, under the Mine Act and MSHA standards, the Secretary may certify and qualify persons for as long as they continue to satisfy the requirements needed to obtain the certification or qualification, fulfill any applicable retraining requirements, and remain employed at the same mine or by the same independent contractor. Applications for Secretarial certification must be submitted to the MSHA Qualification and Certification Unit in Denver, Colorado. MSHA Forms 5000-4 and 5000-7 provide the coal mining industry with a standardized reporting format which expedites the certification process while ensuring compliance with the regulations. The information provided on the forms enables the Secretary of Labor's delegate--MSHA, Qualification and Certification Unit--to determine if the applicants satisfy the requirements to obtain the certification or qualification. Persons must meet certain minimum experience requirements depending on the type of certification or qualification applied for. II. Desired Focus on Comments Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to the Qualification and Certification Program. 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 above in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice. III. Current Actions This request for collection of information contains provisions whereby persons may be temporarily qualified or certified to perform tests and examinations; requiring specialized expertise; related to miner safety and health at coal mines. Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. Title: Qualification and Certification Program. Agency Number: MSHA Forms 5000-4 and 5000-7. OMB Number: 1219-0069. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Total Total time per Burden Cite/reference respondents Frequency responses response hours* (hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75.100(c)(1) and 77.100(b)(2).... 578 On occasion.............. 2,428 0.0833 202 75.155(a)(2) and 77.105(a)(2).... 33 On occasion.............. 133 0.0833 11 Total........................ 611 ......................... 2,561 0.0831 213 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Discrepancies due to rounding. [[Page 69297]] Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $202. 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: December 3, 1999. George M. Fesak, Director, Program Evaluation and Information Resources. [FR Doc. 99-32056 Filed 12-9-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-43-M