Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines), 80088-80089 [2016-27343]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 80088 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 220 / Tuesday, November 15, 2016 / Notices www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ docs/final_report-smart_gun_report.pdf. The report was published in response to Presidential Memorandum, Promoting Smart Gun Technology, found here: https:// www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/ 2016/01/05/memorandum-promotingsmart-gun-technology. The report described the potential benefits of advanced gun safety technology, but noted that additional work was required before this technology is ready for widespread adoption by law enforcement agencies. In particular, the report stressed the importance of integrating this technology into a firearm’s design without compromising the reliability, durability, and accuracy that officers expect from their service weapons. To address these issues, the report called on law enforcement agencies to develop ‘‘baseline specifications,’’ which would outline the agencies’ operational requirements for any firearms equipped with gun safety technology. By developing baseline specifications, federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies can make clear to private manufacturers what they expect from this technology. DOJ and DHS recently assembled a working group of experts in firearms technology to identify operational needs and prepare a draft document that defines generic baseline specifications for law enforcement service pistols with additional technology to enhance the security of firearms. The additional security specifications that may be addressed by smart gun technology are distinguished from more familiar firearm safety mechanisms. The distinction between safety and security can be nuanced, and the additional security specifications may also function as safety features under certain circumstances. However, this distinction forms the basis of the use of the different terminology. The working group was led by NIJ and was comprised of subject matter experts from various federal law enforcement agencies. The pistols defined by this document are semi-automatic, recoiloperated, magazine-fed, striker-fired, and fire 9 mm Luger or .40 S&W ammunition. The information detailed in this document is informed in part by specifications enumerated in recent handgun solicitations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which are publicly available on FedBizOpps (https://www.fbo.gov) under solicitation numbers RFP–OSCU– DSU1503 and HSCEMS–16–R–00003, respectively. VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:00 Nov 11, 2016 Jkt 241001 NIJ published a Federal Register notice (https://www.federalregister.gov/ d/2016-16759) on July 15, 2016, seeking feedback from the public on the draft document that defined generic baseline specifications for law enforcement service pistols with additional technology to enhance the security of the firearms. The 60-day public comment period closed on September 13, 2016. The working group made revisions to the draft document, and the final version of the document, Baseline Specifications for Law Enforcement Service Pistols with Security Technology, is published here: https:// nij.gov/topics/technology/firearms/ pages/welcome.aspx. Nancy Rodriguez, Director, National Institute of Justice. [FR Doc. 2016–27387 Filed 11–14–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–18–P • Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket number MSHA– 2016–0038. • Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202–5452. • Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via the East elevator. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov (email); 202–693–9440 (voice); or 202– 693–9441 (facsimile). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR I. Background Mine Safety and Health Administration Under the authority of Section 103 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, MSHA is required to issue regulations requiring operators to maintain accurate records of employee exposures to potentially toxic materials or harmful physical agents which are required to be monitored or measured under any applicable mandatory health or safety standard promulgated under this Act. Airborne radon and radon daughters exist in every uranium mine and in several other underground mining commodities. Radon is radioactive gas. It diffuses into the underground mine atmosphere through the rock and the ground water. Radon decays in a series of steps into other radioactive elements, which are solids, called radon daughters. Radon and radon daughters are invisible and odorless. Decay of radon and its daughters results in emissions of alpha energy. Medical doctors and scientists have associated high radon daughter exposures with lung cancer. The health hazard arises from breathing air contaminated with radon daughters which are in turn deposited in the lungs. The lung tissues are sensitive to alpha radioactivity. The amounts of airborne radon daughters to which most miners can be exposed with no adverse effects have been established and are expressed as working levels (WL). The current MSHA standard is a maximum personal exposure of 4 working level months (WLM) per year. Excess lung cancer in uranium miners, just as coal workers’ [OMB Control No. 1219–0003] Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines) Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor. ACTION: Request for public comments. AGENCY: 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 assure 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 Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal and nonmetal mines). DATES: All comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 220 / Tuesday, November 15, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and other debilitating occupational diseases, has been recognized for many years. Thus, an adequate base of accurate exposure level data is essential to control miners’ exposures and permit an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing regulations. The standard at 30 CFR 57.5037 established the procedures to be used by the mine operator in sampling mine air for the presence and concentrations of radon daughters. Operators are required to conduct weekly sampling where concentrations of radon daughters exceed 0.3 WL. Sampling is required biweekly where uranium mines have readings of 0.1 WL to 0.3 WL and every 3 months in non-uranium underground mines where the readings are 0.1 WL to 0.3 WL. Mine operators are required to keep records of all mandatory samplings. Records must include the sample date, location, and results, and must be retained at the mine site or nearest mine office for at least 2 years. The standard at 30 CFR 57.5040 requires mine operators to calculate and record individual exposures to radon daughters on MSHA Form 4000–9 ‘‘Record of Individual Exposure to Radon Daughters.’’ The calculations are based on the results of the weekly sampling required by 30 CFR 57.5037. Records must be maintained by the operator and submitted to MSHA annually. II. Desired Focus of Comments MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal and nonmetal mines). • 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 https:// VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:00 Nov 11, 2016 Jkt 241001 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 USDOL-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. 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 Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal and nonmetal mines). 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: 1219–0003. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit. Number of Respondents: 5. Frequency: Weekly. Number of Responses: 505. Annual Burden Hours: 502 hours. Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $17,433. MSHA Forms: MSHA Form 4000–9, Record of Individual Exposure to Radon Daughters. 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. Sheila McConnell, Certifying Officer. [FR Doc. 2016–27343 Filed 11–14–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–43–P PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 80089 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety and Health Administration [Docket No. OSHA–2006–0028] MET Laboratories, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition and Proposed Modification to the NRTL Program’s List of Appropriate Test Standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In this notice, OSHA announces the application of MET Laboratories, Inc. for expansion of its recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and presents the Agency’s preliminary finding to grant the application. Additionally, OSHA proposed to add a new test standing to the NRTL Program’s List of Appropriate Test Standards. DATES: Submit comments, information, and documents in response to this notice, or requests for an extension of time to make a submission, on or before November 30, 2016. ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of the following methods: 1. Electronically: Submit comments and attachments electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. 2. Facsimile: If submissions, including attachments, are not longer than 10 pages, commenters may fax them to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693–1648. 3. Regular or express mail, hand delivery, or messenger (courier) service: Submit comments, requests, and any attachments to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA–2006–0028, Technical Data Center, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N–3653, Washington, DC 20210; telephone: (202) 693–2350 (TTY number: (877) 889–5627). Note that security procedures may result in significant delays in receiving comments and other written materials by regular mail. Contact the OSHA Docket Office for information about security procedures concerning delivery of materials by express mail, hand delivery, or messenger service. The hours of operation for the OSHA Docket Office are 8:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m., e.t. 4. Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and the OSHA docket number (OSHA–2006–0028). OSHA places comments and other SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 220 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80088-80089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27343]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0003]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Radiation Sampling 
and Exposure Records (Pertains to Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines)

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 assure 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 Radiation 
Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal and 
nonmetal mines).

DATES: All comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the information collection requirements 
of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket 
number MSHA-2016-0038.
     Regular Mail: Send comments to USDOL-MSHA, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA 
22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor via the 
East elevator.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of 
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 
MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov (email); 202-693-9440 (voice); or 
202-693-9441 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under the authority of Section 103 of the Federal Mine Safety and 
Health Act of 1977, MSHA is required to issue regulations requiring 
operators to maintain accurate records of employee exposures to 
potentially toxic materials or harmful physical agents which are 
required to be monitored or measured under any applicable mandatory 
health or safety standard promulgated under this Act.
    Airborne radon and radon daughters exist in every uranium mine and 
in several other underground mining commodities. Radon is radioactive 
gas. It diffuses into the underground mine atmosphere through the rock 
and the ground water. Radon decays in a series of steps into other 
radioactive elements, which are solids, called radon daughters. Radon 
and radon daughters are invisible and odorless. Decay of radon and its 
daughters results in emissions of alpha energy.
    Medical doctors and scientists have associated high radon daughter 
exposures with lung cancer. The health hazard arises from breathing air 
contaminated with radon daughters which are in turn deposited in the 
lungs. The lung tissues are sensitive to alpha radioactivity.
    The amounts of airborne radon daughters to which most miners can be 
exposed with no adverse effects have been established and are expressed 
as working levels (WL). The current MSHA standard is a maximum personal 
exposure of 4 working level months (WLM) per year.
    Excess lung cancer in uranium miners, just as coal workers'

[[Page 80089]]

pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and other debilitating occupational 
diseases, has been recognized for many years. Thus, an adequate base of 
accurate exposure level data is essential to control miners' exposures 
and permit an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing regulations.
    The standard at 30 CFR 57.5037 established the procedures to be 
used by the mine operator in sampling mine air for the presence and 
concentrations of radon daughters. Operators are required to conduct 
weekly sampling where concentrations of radon daughters exceed 0.3 WL. 
Sampling is required bi-weekly where uranium mines have readings of 0.1 
WL to 0.3 WL and every 3 months in non-uranium underground mines where 
the readings are 0.1 WL to 0.3 WL. Mine operators are required to keep 
records of all mandatory samplings. Records must include the sample 
date, location, and results, and must be retained at the mine site or 
nearest mine office for at least 2 years.
    The standard at 30 CFR 57.5040 requires mine operators to calculate 
and record individual exposures to radon daughters on MSHA Form 4000-9 
``Record of Individual Exposure to Radon Daughters.'' The calculations 
are based on the results of the weekly sampling required by 30 CFR 
57.5037. Records must be maintained by the operator and submitted to 
MSHA annually.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains 
to underground metal and nonmetal mines).
     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 https://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 USDOL-
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.
    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 
Radiation Sampling and Exposure Records (pertains to underground metal 
and nonmetal mines). 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: 1219-0003.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 5.
    Frequency: Weekly.
    Number of Responses: 505.
    Annual Burden Hours: 502 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $17,433.
    MSHA Forms: MSHA Form 4000-9, Record of Individual Exposure to 
Radon Daughters.
    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.

Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-27343 Filed 11-14-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
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