Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Escape and Evacuation Plans for Surface Coal Mines, Surface Facilities and Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

A. Legal Authority

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended, 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (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(a), 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, metal, and nonmetal mines.

B. Information Collection

In order to fulfill the statutory mandates to promote miners' health and safety, MSHA requires the collection of information under the information collection request entitled Escape and Evacuation Plans for Surface Coal Mines, Surface Facilities and Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines. The information collection is intended to train persons working at surface installations on how to safely escape and evacuate these sites in case of a fire hazard.

Individuals working at surface installations are at risk if a fire breaks out at a mine. To protect workers' safety and health in mines or at surface installations at mines, mine operators must keep escape, and evacuation plans up to date. Under 30 CFR 77.1101(a), each operator of a mine must establish and keep current a specific escape and evacuation plan to be followed in the event of a fire. Under 30 CFR 77.1101(b), each operator must instruct all their employees in current escape and evacuation plans, fire alarm signals, and applicable procedures to be followed in case of fire. Under 30 CFR 77.1101(c), plans for escape and evacuation plans must include the designation and proper maintenance of adequate means for exit from all areas where persons are required to work or travel, including buildings, equipment, and areas where persons normally congregate during the work shift.

Fire protection requirements for underground coal mines is covered by OMB Control Number 1219-0054.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Escape and Evacuation Plans for Surface Coal Mines, Surface Facilities and Surface Work Areas of 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 https://www.regulations.gov and https://www.reginfo.gov.

The public may also examine publicly available documents at DOL-MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, 201 12th Street South, 4th Floor West, Arlington, VA 22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th Floor via the West elevator. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment.

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 information collection request concerns provisions for Escape and Evacuation Plans for Surface Coal Mines, Surface Facilities and Surface Work Areas of Underground Coal Mines. MSHA has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, time burden, and burden costs supporting this information collection request from the previous information collection request.

Type of Review: Extension, without change, of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

OMB Number: 1219-0051.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Annual Respondents: 31.

Frequency: On occasion.

Number of Annual Responses: 62.

Annual Time Burden: 130 hours.

Annual Other Burden Costs: $0.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the proposed information collection request; they will become a matter of public record and be available at https://www.reginfo.gov.

[FR Doc. 2024-25235 Filed 10-30-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-43-P