Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines, 33252-33254 [2018-15217]

Download as PDF 33252 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/about-us/ erisa-advisory-council. Organizations or members of the public wishing to submit a written statement may do so by submitting 40 copies on or before August 7, 2018, to Larry Good, Executive Secretary, ERISA Advisory Council, U.S. Department of Labor, Suite N–5623, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210. Statements also may be submitted as email attachments in word processing or pdf format transmitted to good.larry@ dol.gov. It is requested that statements not be included in the body of the email. Statements deemed relevant by the Advisory Council and received on or before August 7 will be included in the record of the meeting and made available through the EBSA Public Disclosure Room, along with witness statements. Do not include any personally identifiable information (such as name, address, or other contact information) or confidential business information that you do not want publicly disclosed. Written statements submitted by invited witnesses will be posted on the Advisory Council page of the EBSA website, without change, and can be retrieved by most internet search engines. Individuals or representatives of organizations wishing to address the Advisory Council should forward their requests to the Executive Secretary or telephone (202) 693–8668. Oral presentations will be limited to 10 minutes, time permitting, but an extended statement may be submitted for the record. Individuals with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact the Executive Secretary by August 7. Signed at Washington, DC, this 9th day of July 2018. Preston Rutledge, Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits Security Administration. [FR Doc. 2018–15207 Filed 7–16–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–29–P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Mine Safety and Health Administration daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES [OMB Control No. 1219–0088] Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal 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 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines. DATES: All comments must be received on or before September 17, 2018. 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– 2018–0025. • 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 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. Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) may by rule in accordance with procedures set forth in this section and in accordance with section 553 of Title 5, United States Code (without regard to any reference in such section to sections 556 and 557 of such title), develop, promulgate, and revise as may be PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 appropriate, improved mandatory health or safety standards for the protection of life and prevention of injuries in coal or other mines. In addition, section 303 requires that all underground coal mines be ventilated by mechanical ventilation equipment installed and operated in a manner approved by an authorized representative of the Secretary and such equipment be examined daily and a record be kept of such examination. Underground coal mines usually present harsh and hostile working environments. The ventilation system is the most vital life support system in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation system is essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working environment. Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation and explosions. An underground mine is a maze of tunnels that must be adequately ventilated with fresh air to provide a safe environment for miners. Methane is liberated from the strata, and noxious gases and dusts from blasting and other mining activities may be present. The explosive and noxious gases and dusts must be diluted, rendered harmless, and carried to the surface by the ventilating currents. Sufficient air must be provided to maintain the level of respirable dust at or below specific exposure limits and air quality must be maintained in accordance with MSHA standards. Mechanical ventilation equipment of sufficient capacity must operate at all times while miners are in the mine. Ground conditions are subject to frequent changes, thus sufficient tests and examinations are necessary to ensure the integrity of the ventilation system and to detect any changes that may require adjustments in the system. Records of tests and examinations are necessary to ensure that the ventilation system is being maintained and that changes which could adversely affect the integrity of the system or the safety of the miners are not occurring. These examination, reporting and recordkeeping requirements of sections 75.310, 75.312, 75.342, 75.351, 75.360 through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and 75.382 also incorporate examinations of other critical aspects of the underground work environment such as roof conditions and electrical equipment which have historically caused numerous fatalities when not properly maintained and operated. Section 75.362, On-shift Examinations, was revised at subsection 75.362 (a)(2) and (g)(2)-(4) by MSHA’s rule titled ‘‘Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1 daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices Continuous Personal Dust Monitors, ’’ published May 1, 2014. This rule also revised subsection 75.371(f) and (j). Subsection 75.362(a)(2) requires that a person designated by the operator conduct an examination and record the results and the corrective actions taken to assure compliance with the respirable dust control parameters specified in the approved mine ventilation plan. Under subsection 75.362(g)(2)(i), the certified person directing the on-shift examination must certify by initials, date, and time on a board maintained at the section load out or similar location showing that the examination was made prior to resuming production. No increased burden is estimated for section 75.362(g)(2)(i) in this Information Collection Request (ICR) because MSHA does not expect the burden to be different from the burden in existing section 75.362(g)(2)). Under section 75.362(g)(2)(ii), the certified person directing the on-shift examination must verify, by initials, date and time, the record of the results of the examination required under section 75.362(a)(2) to assure compliance with the respirable dust control parameters specified in the mine ventilation plan. Further, section 75.362(g)(3) requires a mine foreman or equivalent mine official to countersign each examination record required under section 75.362(a)(2) after it is verified by the certified person under section 75.362(g)(2)(ii), and no later than the end of the mine foreman’s or equivalent mine official’s next regularly scheduled working shift. Section 75.362(g)(2)(ii) and (g)(3) are additional burdens that are accounted for in this ICR and 75.362(g)(2)(ii)(4) requires the records be retained at a surface location at the mine for at least 1 year and shall be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and the representative of miners. Paragraph (a)(2) in section 75.370 (Mine ventilation plan; submission and approval) contains the burden for underground coal mine operators to submit mine ventilation plan revisions for District Manager approval. Each mine ventilation plan must include information that is specified by section 75.371 (Mine ventilation plan; contents). Section 75.371(f) adds the following information that a mine operator must include in the mine ventilation plan: the minimum quantity of air that will be delivered to the working section for each mechanized mining unit (MMU), and the identification by make and model, of each different dust suppression system used on equipment VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 on each working section, including: (1) The number, types, location, orientation, operating pressure, and flow rate of operating water sprays; (2) the maximum distance that ventilation control devices will be installed from each working face when mining or installing roof bolts in entries and crosscuts; (3) procedures for maintaining the roof bolter dust collection system in approved condition; and (4) recommended best work practices for equipment operators to minimize dust exposure. Section 75.371(j) adds a requirement that for machine mounted dust collectors, the ventilation plan must include the type and size of dust collector screens used and a description of the procedures to be followed to properly maintain dust collectors used on the equipment. Section 75.370(a)(2) requires all underground coal mine operators to submit revisions for mine ventilation plans to MSHA. The burden to submit the additional information required by section 75.371(f) and (j) as proposed revisions to the plan is accounted for in this package under section 75.370(a)(2). In addition, section 75.370(a)(3)(i) requires underground coal mine operators to notify the miners’ representative at least 5 days prior to submission of mine ventilation plan revisions and, if requested, provide a copy of the revisions to the miners’ representative at the time of notification. Section 75.370(a)(3)(iii) and (f)(3) require the operator to post a copy of the plan revisions, and section 75.370(f)(1) requires that the operator provide a copy of the revisions to the miners’ representative, if requested. MSHA assumes that a copy of the revisions will be requested. The burdens for notification, providing requested copies, and posting associated with mine ventilation plan revisions resulting from section 75.371(f) and (j) are accounted for in this package under section 75.370(a)(3)(i), (f)(1), (a)(3)(iii), and (f)(3) respectively. II. Desired Focus of Comments MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal 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 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 33253 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 CONTACT section of this notice. III. Current Actions This request for collection of information contains provisions for Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal 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: 1219–0088. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit. Number of Respondents: 255. Frequency: On occasion. Number of Responses: 1,164,908. Annual Burden Hours: 142,550 hours. Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $91,870. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1 33254 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Sheila McConnell, Certifying Officer. [FR Doc. 2018–15217 Filed 7–16–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–43–P 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 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. Accidents involving falls of roof, face, and rib in underground mines or falls of highwall in surface mines, historically, have been among the leading causes of injuries and deaths. Prevention or control of falls of roof, face, and rib is uniquely difficult because of the variety of conditions encountered in mines that can affect the stability of various types of strata and the changing nature of the forces affecting ground stability at any given operation and time. Roof and rock bolts and accessories are an integral part of ground control systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib. Advancements in technology of roof and rock bolts and accessories have aided in reducing the hazards associated with falls of roof, face, and rib. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publication ‘‘Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories’’ is a consensus standard used throughout the United States. It contains specifications for the chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements for roof and rock bolts and accessories used for ground support systems. The ASTM standard for roof and rock bolts and accessories is updated periodically to reflect advances in technology. Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 56 and 57 Subpart B-Ground Control, section 56.3203 and section 57.3203, and Part 75 Subpart C-Roof Support, section 75.204, address the quality of roof and rock bolts and accessories and their installation. MSHA’s objective in these regulations is to ensure the quality and effectiveness of roof and rock bolts and accessories and, as technology evolves, to allow for the use of new materials which are [OMB Control No. 1219–0121] Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal 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 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 Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines. DATES: All comments must be received on or before September 17, 2018. 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– 2018–0027. • 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. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Jul 16, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 proven to be reliable and effective in controlling the mine roof, face, and rib. Title 30 CFR 56.3203(a), 57.3203(a), and 75.204(a) require: (1) That mine operators obtain a certification from the manufacturer that roof and rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable ASTM specifications, and (2) that the manufacturer’s certification is made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary. Title 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h) require that if the mine operator uses other tensioned and nontensioned fixtures and accessories for ground control that are not addressed by the applicable ASTM standard listed in sections 56.3203(a) and 57.3203(a), test methods must be established by the mine operator and used to verify their ground control effectiveness. Title 30 CFR 56.3203(i) and 57.3203(i) require that the mine operator certify that the tests developed under sections 56.3203(h) and 57.3203(h) were conducted and such certifications be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary. Title 30 CFR 75.204(f)(6) requires that the mine operator or a person designated by the operator certify by signature and date the measurements required by paragraph (f)(5) of this section have been made. Paragraph (f)(5) requires that in working places from which coal is produced during any portion of a 24-hour period, the actual torque or tension on at least one out of every ten previously installed mechanically anchored tensioned roof bolts is measured from the outby corner of the last open crosscut to the face in each advancing section. This certification shall be maintained for at least one year and shall be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and representatives of the miners. MSHA has found that the certification requirements have been successful in maintaining compliance with requirements for roof and rock bolts and accessories. II. Desired Focus of Comments MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal 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; E:\FR\FM\17JYN1.SGM 17JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33252-33254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-15217]


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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

[OMB Control No. 1219-0088]


Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Ventilation Plans, 
Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal 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 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 Ventilation 
Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines.

DATES: All comments must be received on or before September 17, 2018.

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-2018-0025.
     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 
[email protected] (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice); 
or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile).

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. Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 
of 1977 (Mine Act), the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) may by rule in 
accordance with procedures set forth in this section and in accordance 
with section 553 of Title 5, United States Code (without regard to any 
reference in such section to sections 556 and 557 of such title), 
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 or other mines. In addition, section 303 
requires that all underground coal mines be ventilated by mechanical 
ventilation equipment installed and operated in a manner approved by an 
authorized representative of the Secretary and such equipment be 
examined daily and a record be kept of such examination.
    Underground coal mines usually present harsh and hostile working 
environments. The ventilation system is the most vital life support 
system in underground mining and a properly operating ventilation 
system is essential for maintaining a safe and healthful working 
environment. Lack of adequate ventilation in underground mines has 
resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation and explosions.
    An underground mine is a maze of tunnels that must be adequately 
ventilated with fresh air to provide a safe environment for miners. 
Methane is liberated from the strata, and noxious gases and dusts from 
blasting and other mining activities may be present. The explosive and 
noxious gases and dusts must be diluted, rendered harmless, and carried 
to the surface by the ventilating currents. Sufficient air must be 
provided to maintain the level of respirable dust at or below specific 
exposure limits and air quality must be maintained in accordance with 
MSHA standards. Mechanical ventilation equipment of sufficient capacity 
must operate at all times while miners are in the mine. Ground 
conditions are subject to frequent changes, thus sufficient tests and 
examinations are necessary to ensure the integrity of the ventilation 
system and to detect any changes that may require adjustments in the 
system. Records of tests and examinations are necessary to ensure that 
the ventilation system is being maintained and that changes which could 
adversely affect the integrity of the system or the safety of the 
miners are not occurring. These examination, reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements of sections 75.310, 75.312, 75.342, 75.351, 
75.360 through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and 75.382 also incorporate 
examinations of other critical aspects of the underground work 
environment such as roof conditions and electrical equipment which have 
historically caused numerous fatalities when not properly maintained 
and operated.
    Section 75.362, On-shift Examinations, was revised at subsection 
75.362 (a)(2) and (g)(2)-(4) by MSHA's rule titled ``Lowering Miners' 
Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including

[[Page 33253]]

Continuous Personal Dust Monitors, '' published May 1, 2014. This rule 
also revised subsection 75.371(f) and (j).
    Subsection 75.362(a)(2) requires that a person designated by the 
operator conduct an examination and record the results and the 
corrective actions taken to assure compliance with the respirable dust 
control parameters specified in the approved mine ventilation plan.
    Under subsection 75.362(g)(2)(i), the certified person directing 
the on-shift examination must certify by initials, date, and time on a 
board maintained at the section load out or similar location showing 
that the examination was made prior to resuming production. No 
increased burden is estimated for section 75.362(g)(2)(i) in this 
Information Collection Request (ICR) because MSHA does not expect the 
burden to be different from the burden in existing section 
75.362(g)(2)).
    Under section 75.362(g)(2)(ii), the certified person directing the 
on-shift examination must verify, by initials, date and time, the 
record of the results of the examination required under section 
75.362(a)(2) to assure compliance with the respirable dust control 
parameters specified in the mine ventilation plan. Further, section 
75.362(g)(3) requires a mine foreman or equivalent mine official to 
countersign each examination record required under section 75.362(a)(2) 
after it is verified by the certified person under section 
75.362(g)(2)(ii), and no later than the end of the mine foreman's or 
equivalent mine official's next regularly scheduled working shift. 
Section 75.362(g)(2)(ii) and (g)(3) are additional burdens that are 
accounted for in this ICR and 75.362(g)(2)(ii)(4) requires the records 
be retained at a surface location at the mine for at least 1 year and 
shall be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of 
the Secretary and the representative of miners.
    Paragraph (a)(2) in section 75.370 (Mine ventilation plan; 
submission and approval) contains the burden for underground coal mine 
operators to submit mine ventilation plan revisions for District 
Manager approval. Each mine ventilation plan must include information 
that is specified by section 75.371 (Mine ventilation plan; contents).
    Section 75.371(f) adds the following information that a mine 
operator must include in the mine ventilation plan: the minimum 
quantity of air that will be delivered to the working section for each 
mechanized mining unit (MMU), and the identification by make and model, 
of each different dust suppression system used on equipment on each 
working section, including: (1) The number, types, location, 
orientation, operating pressure, and flow rate of operating water 
sprays; (2) the maximum distance that ventilation control devices will 
be installed from each working face when mining or installing roof 
bolts in entries and crosscuts; (3) procedures for maintaining the roof 
bolter dust collection system in approved condition; and (4) 
recommended best work practices for equipment operators to minimize 
dust exposure.
    Section 75.371(j) adds a requirement that for machine mounted dust 
collectors, the ventilation plan must include the type and size of dust 
collector screens used and a description of the procedures to be 
followed to properly maintain dust collectors used on the equipment.
    Section 75.370(a)(2) requires all underground coal mine operators 
to submit revisions for mine ventilation plans to MSHA. The burden to 
submit the additional information required by section 75.371(f) and (j) 
as proposed revisions to the plan is accounted for in this package 
under section 75.370(a)(2). In addition, section 75.370(a)(3)(i) 
requires underground coal mine operators to notify the miners' 
representative at least 5 days prior to submission of mine ventilation 
plan revisions and, if requested, provide a copy of the revisions to 
the miners' representative at the time of notification. Section 
75.370(a)(3)(iii) and (f)(3) require the operator to post a copy of the 
plan revisions, and section 75.370(f)(1) requires that the operator 
provide a copy of the revisions to the miners' representative, if 
requested. MSHA assumes that a copy of the revisions will be requested. 
The burdens for notification, providing requested copies, and posting 
associated with mine ventilation plan revisions resulting from section 
75.371(f) and (j) are accounted for in this package under section 
75.370(a)(3)(i), (f)(1), (a)(3)(iii), and (f)(3) respectively.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information 
collection related to Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in 
Underground Coal 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 CONTACT 
section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    This request for collection of information contains provisions for 
Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal 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: 1219-0088.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 255.
    Frequency: On occasion.
    Number of Responses: 1,164,908.
    Annual Burden Hours: 142,550 hours.
    Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $91,870.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the

[[Page 33254]]

information collection request; they will also become a matter of 
public record.

Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018-15217 Filed 7-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4510-43-P


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