Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation-Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed, 37282-37284 [2023-12146]
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37282
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 109 / Wednesday, June 7, 2023 / Notices
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected.
• 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
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.
Total
respondents
Form
95
3
10
20
Totals .........................................
128
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 also
will become a matter of public record.
Signed at Washington, DC, on June 2, 2023.
Leslie A. Bennett,
Chief, Division of Management Systems.
[FR Doc. 2023–12198 Filed 6–6–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–24–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control Number: 1219–0138]
Proposed Extension of Information
Collection; Safety Standards for
Underground Coal Mine Ventilation—
Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air
Course To Ventilate Working Sections
and Areas Where Mechanized Mining
Equipment Is Being Installed or
Removed
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
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:01 Jun 06, 2023
Jkt 259001
Total
responses
Frequency
NLSY .................................................
CFOI ..................................................
FSRDC Researcher ..........................
Onsite Researcher ............................
Once
Once
Once
Once
(on
(on
(on
(on
occasion)
occasion)
occasion)
occasion)
Average time
per response
(minutes)
Estimated
total
burden hours
..........................
..........................
..........................
..........................
95
3
10
20
15
15
15
25
23.75
0.75
2.5
8.33
...........................................................
128
........................
35.33
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine
Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the
information collection for Safety
Standards for Underground Coal Mine
Ventilation—Belt Entry Used as an
Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working
Sections and Areas Where Mechanized
Mining Equipment is Being Installed or
Removed.
DATES: All comments must be received
by the Office of Standards, Regulations
and Variances on or before August 7,
2023.
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–
2023–0013.
• Mail/Hand Delivery: DOL–MSHA,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202–5452.
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.
• MSHA will post all comments as
well as any attachments, except for
information submitted and marked as
confidential, in the docket at https://
www.regulations.gov.
ADDRESSES:
S.
Aromie Noe, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
MSHA, at
MSHA.information.collections@dol.gov
(email); (202) 693–9440 (voice); or (202)
693–9441 (facsimile). These are not tollfree numbers.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
PO 00000
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses.
Title of Collection: BLS Data Sharing
Program.
OMB Number: 1220–0180.
Type of Review: Revision.
Affected Public: Individuals.
Frm 00084
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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.
MSHA safety standards for ventilation
of underground coal mines establish
additional protective measures that
mine operators must follow if they want
to use belt air for ventilation purposes.
30 CFR 75.350, 75.351, 75.352, and
75.371 contain paperwork requirements
to ensure that mine operators are in
compliance with the ventilation
standards.
30 CFR 75.350(a)(2) requires that the
air velocity in the belt entry must be at
least 50 feet per minute. When
requested by the mine operator, the
district manager may approve lower
velocities in the ventilation plan based
on specific mine conditions.
30 CFR 75.350(b) requires that the use
of air from a belt air course to ventilate
a working section, or an area where
mechanized mining equipment is being
installed or removed, is permitted only
when evaluated and approved by the
district manager in the mine ventilation
plan. The mine operator must include in
a ventilation plan a justification that the
use of air from a belt entry would afford
at least the same measure of protection
as where belt haulage entries are not
used to ventilate working places.
30 CFR 75.350(b)(2) requires all
miners to be trained annually in the
E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM
07JNN1
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 109 / Wednesday, June 7, 2023 / Notices
basic operating principles of the AMS,
including the actions required in the
event of activation of any AMS alert or
alarm signal. It must be conducted as
part of a miner’s new miner training (30
CFR 48.5), experienced miner training
(30 CFR 48.6), or annual refresher
training (30 CFR 48.8).
30 CFR 75.350(b)(3)(iii) sets the
average concentration of respirable dust
in the belt air course and requires that
permanent designated areas for dust
measurement must be specified and
approved in the ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.350(b)(6) requires that the
ventilation plan must include the
locations for measuring air quantities.
30 CFR 75.350(b)(7) and (8) requires
that the air velocity in the belt entry
must be at least 100 feet per minute and
not exceed 1,000 feet per minute. When
requested by the mine operator, the
district manager may approve lower or
higher velocities in the ventilation plan
based on specific mine conditions.
30 CFR 75.350(c) requires that the
mine ventilation plan must include the
location and use of point-feed
regulators, if additional intake air is
added to the belt air course through a
point-feed regulator.
30 CFR 75.350(d)(1) requires that the
ventilation plan must include the
district manager approval of a second
point monitored for carbon monoxide
(CO) or smoke at a distance less than
1,000 feet upwind of the point-feed
regulator, based on mine specific
conditions.
30 CFR 75.350(d)(5) requires that the
ventilation plan must include
information regarding the location(s)
and use of point-feed regulator(s) if the
air through the point-feed regulator
enters a belt air course. The location(s)
and use of point-feed regulator(s) must
be shown on the mine ventilation map.
30 CFR 75.351(b)(3) requires a mine
operator to post a map or schematic, at
a designated surface location, which
shows the locations and type of
Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS)
sensors at each location and the
intended air flow direction at these
locations. This map or schematic must
be updated within 24 hours of any
change in this information.
30 CFR 75.351(b)(4) requires that
contact information for AMS operator
and other appropriate personnel must
be provided at the designated surface
location.
30 CFR 75.351(e) requires that the
locations in any entry that is part of the
belt air course to be specified in the
mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(i)(2) establishes that
reduced alert and alarm setting
approved by the district manager may
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:01 Jun 06, 2023
Jkt 259001
be required for carbon monoxide
sensors identified in the mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(j) requires approved
carbon monoxide ambient levels and the
means to determine those levels in the
mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(m) permits a mine to
incorporate time delays into the AMS,
when a demonstrated need exists. These
time delays must only be used to
account for non-fire related carbon
monoxide alert and alarm sensor
signals. These time delays are limited to
no more than three minutes. The use
and length of any time delays, or other
techniques or methods which eliminate
or reduce the need for time delays, must
be specified and approved in the mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(n)(2) and 30 CFR
75.351(n)(3) require that alarms for AMS
be tested every 7 days and carbon
monoxide, smoke, or methane sensors
be calibrated every 31 days,
respectively.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(1)(i) requires that a
record be made if the AMS emits an
alert or alarm signal. The record would
consist of the date, time, location, and
type of sensor, and the reason for its
activation.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(1)(ii) requires that,
if an AMS malfunctions, a record be
made of the date, the extent and cause
of the malfunction, and the corrective
action taken to return the system to
proper operating condition.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(1)(iii) requires that
the persons doing the weekly test of
alert and alarm signals, the monthly
calibration, or maintenance of the
system make a record of these tests,
calibrations, or maintenance.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(2) requires the
recordkeeper entering the record must
include their name, date and signature
in the record.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(3) requires that all
records concerning the AMS be kept in
a book or electronically in a computer
system that is secure and not
susceptible to alteration.
30 CFR 75.351(p) requires the mine
operator to keep these records for at
least one year at a surface location and
to make them available for inspection by
authorized representatives of the
Secretary and representatives of miners.
30 CFR 75.351(q)(1) requires that all
AMS operators must be trained annually
in the proper operation of the AMS.
30 CFR 75.351(q)(3) requires that a
record of annual AMS operator training
be kept. The record includes the content
of training, the person conducting the
training, and the date the training was
conducted. The record needs to be
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
37283
maintained at the mine site by the mine
operator for at least one year.
30 CFR 75.352(a), (b), and (c) require
the designated AMS operator or other
appropriate personnel to notify,
investigate, or evacuate when
malfunction, alert, or alarm signals are
received.
30 CFR 75.352(e) requires that
immediate action must be taken to
return the system to proper operation if
any components of the AMS
malfunctions or are inoperative.
30 CFR 75.352(e)(7) allows
continuous operation of the belt when
the AMS components are made for those
AMSs using sensors other than carbon
monoxide sensors, when an alternative
detector and the alert and alarm levels
associated with that detector must be
specified the in the approved mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.371(hh) requires reporting
within the mine ventilation plan of the
‘‘ambient level in parts per million of
carbon monoxide, and the method for
determining the ambient level, in all
areas where carbon monoxide sensors
are installed.’’
30 CFR 75.371(ii) requires the
ventilation plan to include the locations
(designated areas) where dust
measurements would be made in the
belt entry when belt air is used to
ventilate working sections or areas
where mechanized mining equipment is
being installed or removed, in
accordance with 30 CFR 75.350(b)(3).
30 CFR 75.371(jj) requires the location
and approved velocities at dust
measurement locations where air
velocities in the belt entry are above or
below the limits in accordance with 30
CFR 75.350(a)(2) or 30 CFR 75.350(b)(7)
and 30 CFR 75.350(b)(8).
30 CFR 75.371(kk) requires the
locations where air quantities are
measured in accordance with 30 CFR
75.350(b)(6) be included in the mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR75.371(ll) requires the
locations and use of point feed
regulators, in accordance with 30 CFR
75.350(c) and (d)(5), to be in the mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.371(mm) requires the
location of any diesel-discriminating
sensor and additional carbon monoxide
or smoke sensors installed in the belt air
course to be included in the mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.371(nn) requires
modification of the mine ventilation
plan to show the length of the time
delay or any other method used for the
lower non-fire related alert and alarm
setting for carbon monoxide sensors.
30 CFR 75.371(oo) requires
modification of the mine ventilation
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37284
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 109 / Wednesday, June 7, 2023 / Notices
plan to show the lower alert and alarm
setting for carbon monoxide sensors, in
accordance with 30 CFR 75.351(i)(2).
30 CFR 75.371(pp) requires
modification of the mine ventilation
plan to show the alternate detector and
the alert and alarm levels associated
with the detector, in accordance with 30
CFR 75.352(e)(7).
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments
concerning the proposed information
collection related to Safety Standards
for Underground Coal Mine
Ventilation—Belt Entry Used as an
Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working
Sections and Areas Where Mechanized
Mining Equipment is Being Installed or
Removed. 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 DOL–MSHA,
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 CONTACT section of this
notice.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:01 Jun 06, 2023
Jkt 259001
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of
information contains provisions for
Safety Standards for Underground Coal
Mine Ventilation—Belt Entry Used as an
Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working
Sections and Areas Where Mechanized
Mining Equipment is Being Installed or
Removed. 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: 1219–0138.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit.
Number of Respondents: 14.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Responses: 157.
Annual Burden Hours: 656 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
Cost: $280.
Respondents or Recordkeeping Costs:
The estimated annual cost decreased
from $38,640 to $280 due to changes in
cost assumptions.
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, Mine Safety and Health
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023–12146 Filed 6–6–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control No. 1219–0042]
Proposed Extension of Information
Collection; Representative of Miners,
Notification of Legal Identity, and
Notification of Commencement of
Operations and Closing of 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
PO 00000
Frm 00086
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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–
2023–0019.
• Mail/Hand Delivery: DOL–MSHA,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite
4E401, Arlington, VA 22202–5452.
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.
• MSHA will post all comments as
well as any attachments, except for
information submitted and marked as
confidential, in the docket at https://
www.regulations.gov.
ADDRESSES:
S.
Aromie Noe, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
MSHA, at MSHA.information
.collections@dol.gov (email); (202) 693–
9440 (voice); or (202) 693–9441
(facsimile). This not a toll-free number.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
SUMMARY:
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: (1)
designation of miner representative; (2)
notification of mine operator’s legal
identity; and (3) notification of
commencement of operations and
closing of mines.
DATES: All comments must be received
by the Office of Standards, Regulations
and Variances on or before August 7,
2023.
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 or other mines. Below
are explained regulatory provisions
E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM
07JNN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 7, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37282-37284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12146]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
[OMB Control Number: 1219-0138]
Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Safety Standards
for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air
Course To Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining
Equipment Is Being Installed or Removed
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 Safety Standards
for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air
Course to Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining
Equipment is Being Installed or Removed.
DATES: All comments must be received by the Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances on or before August 7, 2023.
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-2023-0013.
Mail/Hand Delivery: DOL-MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401,
Arlington, VA 22202-5452. 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.
MSHA will post all comments as well as any attachments,
except for information submitted and marked as confidential, in the
docket at https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Aromie Noe, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at
[email protected] (email); (202) 693-9440 (voice);
or (202) 693-9441 (facsimile). These are not toll-free numbers.
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.
MSHA safety standards for ventilation of underground coal mines
establish additional protective measures that mine operators must
follow if they want to use belt air for ventilation purposes. 30 CFR
75.350, 75.351, 75.352, and 75.371 contain paperwork requirements to
ensure that mine operators are in compliance with the ventilation
standards.
30 CFR 75.350(a)(2) requires that the air velocity in the belt
entry must be at least 50 feet per minute. When requested by the mine
operator, the district manager may approve lower velocities in the
ventilation plan based on specific mine conditions.
30 CFR 75.350(b) requires that the use of air from a belt air
course to ventilate a working section, or an area where mechanized
mining equipment is being installed or removed, is permitted only when
evaluated and approved by the district manager in the mine ventilation
plan. The mine operator must include in a ventilation plan a
justification that the use of air from a belt entry would afford at
least the same measure of protection as where belt haulage entries are
not used to ventilate working places.
30 CFR 75.350(b)(2) requires all miners to be trained annually in
the
[[Page 37283]]
basic operating principles of the AMS, including the actions required
in the event of activation of any AMS alert or alarm signal. It must be
conducted as part of a miner's new miner training (30 CFR 48.5),
experienced miner training (30 CFR 48.6), or annual refresher training
(30 CFR 48.8).
30 CFR 75.350(b)(3)(iii) sets the average concentration of
respirable dust in the belt air course and requires that permanent
designated areas for dust measurement must be specified and approved in
the ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.350(b)(6) requires that the ventilation plan must include
the locations for measuring air quantities.
30 CFR 75.350(b)(7) and (8) requires that the air velocity in the
belt entry must be at least 100 feet per minute and not exceed 1,000
feet per minute. When requested by the mine operator, the district
manager may approve lower or higher velocities in the ventilation plan
based on specific mine conditions.
30 CFR 75.350(c) requires that the mine ventilation plan must
include the location and use of point-feed regulators, if additional
intake air is added to the belt air course through a point-feed
regulator.
30 CFR 75.350(d)(1) requires that the ventilation plan must include
the district manager approval of a second point monitored for carbon
monoxide (CO) or smoke at a distance less than 1,000 feet upwind of the
point-feed regulator, based on mine specific conditions.
30 CFR 75.350(d)(5) requires that the ventilation plan must include
information regarding the location(s) and use of point-feed
regulator(s) if the air through the point-feed regulator enters a belt
air course. The location(s) and use of point-feed regulator(s) must be
shown on the mine ventilation map.
30 CFR 75.351(b)(3) requires a mine operator to post a map or
schematic, at a designated surface location, which shows the locations
and type of Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS) sensors at each
location and the intended air flow direction at these locations. This
map or schematic must be updated within 24 hours of any change in this
information.
30 CFR 75.351(b)(4) requires that contact information for AMS
operator and other appropriate personnel must be provided at the
designated surface location.
30 CFR 75.351(e) requires that the locations in any entry that is
part of the belt air course to be specified in the mine ventilation
plan.
30 CFR 75.351(i)(2) establishes that reduced alert and alarm
setting approved by the district manager may be required for carbon
monoxide sensors identified in the mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(j) requires approved carbon monoxide ambient levels
and the means to determine those levels in the mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(m) permits a mine to incorporate time delays into the
AMS, when a demonstrated need exists. These time delays must only be
used to account for non-fire related carbon monoxide alert and alarm
sensor signals. These time delays are limited to no more than three
minutes. The use and length of any time delays, or other techniques or
methods which eliminate or reduce the need for time delays, must be
specified and approved in the mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.351(n)(2) and 30 CFR 75.351(n)(3) require that alarms for
AMS be tested every 7 days and carbon monoxide, smoke, or methane
sensors be calibrated every 31 days, respectively.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(1)(i) requires that a record be made if the AMS
emits an alert or alarm signal. The record would consist of the date,
time, location, and type of sensor, and the reason for its activation.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(1)(ii) requires that, if an AMS malfunctions, a
record be made of the date, the extent and cause of the malfunction,
and the corrective action taken to return the system to proper
operating condition.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(1)(iii) requires that the persons doing the weekly
test of alert and alarm signals, the monthly calibration, or
maintenance of the system make a record of these tests, calibrations,
or maintenance.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(2) requires the recordkeeper entering the record
must include their name, date and signature in the record.
30 CFR 75.351(o)(3) requires that all records concerning the AMS be
kept in a book or electronically in a computer system that is secure
and not susceptible to alteration.
30 CFR 75.351(p) requires the mine operator to keep these records
for at least one year at a surface location and to make them available
for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and
representatives of miners.
30 CFR 75.351(q)(1) requires that all AMS operators must be trained
annually in the proper operation of the AMS.
30 CFR 75.351(q)(3) requires that a record of annual AMS operator
training be kept. The record includes the content of training, the
person conducting the training, and the date the training was
conducted. The record needs to be maintained at the mine site by the
mine operator for at least one year.
30 CFR 75.352(a), (b), and (c) require the designated AMS operator
or other appropriate personnel to notify, investigate, or evacuate when
malfunction, alert, or alarm signals are received.
30 CFR 75.352(e) requires that immediate action must be taken to
return the system to proper operation if any components of the AMS
malfunctions or are inoperative.
30 CFR 75.352(e)(7) allows continuous operation of the belt when
the AMS components are made for those AMSs using sensors other than
carbon monoxide sensors, when an alternative detector and the alert and
alarm levels associated with that detector must be specified the in the
approved mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.371(hh) requires reporting within the mine ventilation
plan of the ``ambient level in parts per million of carbon monoxide,
and the method for determining the ambient level, in all areas where
carbon monoxide sensors are installed.''
30 CFR 75.371(ii) requires the ventilation plan to include the
locations (designated areas) where dust measurements would be made in
the belt entry when belt air is used to ventilate working sections or
areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed,
in accordance with 30 CFR 75.350(b)(3).
30 CFR 75.371(jj) requires the location and approved velocities at
dust measurement locations where air velocities in the belt entry are
above or below the limits in accordance with 30 CFR 75.350(a)(2) or 30
CFR 75.350(b)(7) and 30 CFR 75.350(b)(8).
30 CFR 75.371(kk) requires the locations where air quantities are
measured in accordance with 30 CFR 75.350(b)(6) be included in the mine
ventilation plan.
30 CFR75.371(ll) requires the locations and use of point feed
regulators, in accordance with 30 CFR 75.350(c) and (d)(5), to be in
the mine ventilation plan.
30 CFR 75.371(mm) requires the location of any diesel-
discriminating sensor and additional carbon monoxide or smoke sensors
installed in the belt air course to be included in the mine ventilation
plan.
30 CFR 75.371(nn) requires modification of the mine ventilation
plan to show the length of the time delay or any other method used for
the lower non-fire related alert and alarm setting for carbon monoxide
sensors.
30 CFR 75.371(oo) requires modification of the mine ventilation
[[Page 37284]]
plan to show the lower alert and alarm setting for carbon monoxide
sensors, in accordance with 30 CFR 75.351(i)(2).
30 CFR 75.371(pp) requires modification of the mine ventilation
plan to show the alternate detector and the alert and alarm levels
associated with the detector, in accordance with 30 CFR 75.352(e)(7).
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information
collection related to Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine
Ventilation--Belt Entry Used as an Intake Air Course to Ventilate
Working Sections and Areas Where Mechanized Mining Equipment is Being
Installed or Removed. 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 DOL-
MSHA, 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 CONTACT
section of this notice.
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of information contains provisions for
Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation--Belt Entry Used
as an Intake Air Course to Ventilate Working Sections and Areas Where
Mechanized Mining Equipment is Being Installed or Removed. 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: 1219-0138.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 14.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Responses: 157.
Annual Burden Hours: 656 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $280.
Respondents or Recordkeeping Costs: The estimated annual cost
decreased from $38,640 to $280 due to changes in cost assumptions.
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, Mine Safety and Health Administration.
[FR Doc. 2023-12146 Filed 6-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
