Rules and Regulations. Request for public comments

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor
Action: Request for public comments
Citation: FR Doc. 2022-18776 · OMB Control No. 1219-00151

Summary

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 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 on the information collection for Cleanup Program for Accumulations of Coal and Float Coal Dusts, Loose Coal, and Other Combustibles.

Dates

All comments must be received on or before October 31, 2022.

Supplementary Information

I. Background Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes MSHA to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811, authorizes the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to develop, promulgate, and revise as may be appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal and metal and nonmetal mines. A program for regular cleanup and removal of accumulations of coal and float coal dusts, loose coal, and other combustibles is essential to protect miners from explosions. Effective and frequent rock dust application is necessary to protect miners from the potential of a float coal dust explosion or, if one occurs, to reduce its propagation. 30 CFR 75.400-2 requires that mine operators establish and maintain a “program for regular cleanup and removal of accumulations of coal and float coal dusts, loose coal, and other combustibles.” In addition, the cleanup program must be available to the Secretary or authorized representative. II. Desired Focus of Comments MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Cleanup Program for Accumulations of Coal and Float Coal Dusts, Loose Coal, and Other Combustibles. MSHA is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information has practical utility; • Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA's estimate of the burden of the 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 • 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. The information collection request will be available on http://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed. Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made available on www.regulations.gov and www.reginfo.gov. The public may also examine publicly available documents at DOL-Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the East elevator. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in keeping with the Department of Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health precautions may be required. Questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION section of this notice. III. Current Actions This request for collection of information contains provisions for Cleanup Program for Accumulations of Coal and Float Coal Dusts, Loose Coal, and Other Combustibles. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this information collection request. Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved collection. Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration. OMB Number: 1219-0151. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit. Number of Respondents: 195. Frequency: On occasion. Number of Responses: 176. Annual Burden Hours: 243 hours. Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $0. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and 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. Song-ae Aromie Noe, Certifying Officer. [FR Doc. 2022-18776 Filed 8-30-22; 8:45 am]