[Federal Register: November 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 216)]
[Notices]
[Page 64978-64979]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09no04-83]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public
Comment and Recommendations; Hoist Operators Physical Fitness
ACTION: Notice.
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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
ensure that requested data is 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 January 10, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Melissa Stoehr, Acting Chief, Records
Management Branch, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2134, Arlington, VA
22209-3939. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on
computer disk, or via e-mail to stoehr.melissa@dol.gov. Ms. Stoehr can
be reached at (202) 693-9837 (voice), or (202) 693-9801 (facsimile).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact the employee listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Title 30 CFR 56.19057 and 57.19057 require the annual examination
and certification of a hoist operator's fitness. The safety of all
metal and nonmetallic miners riding hoist conveyances is dependent upon
the attentiveness and physical capabilities of the hoist operator, in
routine and emergency evacuations. Improper movement, overspeed, and
overtravel of a hoisting conveyance can result in serious physical harm
or death to all passengers. While small mine operators are likely to
have fewer hoists and hoist operators, Congress intended that the Mine
Act be enforced at all mining operations within its jurisdiction
regardless of size and that information collection and record keeping
requirements be consistent with efficient and effective enforcement of
the Mine Act. However, Congress did
[[Page 64979]]
recognize that small operations may face problems in complying with
some Mine Act provisions. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act directs the
Secretary of Labor not to impose an unreasonable burden on small
businesses when obtaining any information under the Mine Act. This
information collection does not have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is
soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the
information collection requirement related to the Hoist Operators'
Physical Fitness. MSHA is particularly interested in comments that:
Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of MSHA's functions, including
whether the information has practical utility;
Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; and
Address 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) to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond.
A copy of the proposed information collection request can be
obtained by contacting the employee listed in the ADDRESSES section of
this notice or viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA home page
(http://www.msha.gov) and then choosing ``Statutory and Regulatory
Information'' and ``Federal Register Documents.''
III. Current Actions
Title 30 CFR Sections 56.19057 and 57.19057 require the annual
examination and certification of a hoist operator's fitness. The safety
of all metal and nonmetallic miners riding hoist conveyances is
dependent upon the attentiveness and physical capabilities of the hoist
operators, in routine and emergency evacuations. Improper movements,
overspeed, and overtravel of a hoisting conveyance can result in
serious physical harm or death to all passengers. Small mine operators
are likely to have fewer hoists and hoist operators.
Type of Review: Extension.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Title: Hoist Operator's Physical Fitness.
OMB Number: 1219-0049.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Frequency: Annually.
Recordkeeping: At least one year from the time that certification
is obtained.
Total Respondents: 58.
Total Responses: 290.
Average Time per Response: .0333 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 9.7.
Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.
Total Operating and Maintenance Costs: $89,320.
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 in Arlington, Virginia, this 22nd day of October 2004.
David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Administration and Management.
[FR Doc. 04-24899 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am]
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