Proposed Extension of Information Collection; Fire Protection (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, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). 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 Fire Protection (Underground Coal Mines).

DATES:

All comments must be received on or before January 4, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

Comments concerning the information collection requirements of this notice may be sent by any of the methods listed below.

• Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments for docket number MSHA-2015-0032.
• 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, Acting 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

Fire protection standards for underground coal mines are based on section 311(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act).

30 CFR 75.1100 requires that each coal mine be provided with suitable firefighting equipment adapted for the size and conditions of the mine, and that the Secretary of Labor shall establish minimum requirements of the type, quality, and quantity of such equipment.

30 CFR 75.1100-3 requires that chemical fire extinguishers be examined every 6 months and that the date of the examination be recorded on a permanent tag attached to the extinguisher.

30 CFR 75.1103-5(a)(2)(ii) requires that a map or schematic be updated within 24 hours of any change in the locations of automatic fire warning sensors and the intended air flow direction at these locations. This map or schematic would be kept at a manned surface location where personnel have an assigned post of duty.

30 CFR 75.1103-8(a) requires that a qualified person examine the automatic fire sensor and warning device systems on a weekly basis and conduct a functional test of the complete system at least once every seven days.

Section 75.1103-8(b) requires that a record of the weekly automatic fire sensor functional tests be maintained by the mine operator and kept for a period of one year.

30 CFR 75.1103-8(c) requires that sensors be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's calibration instructions at intervals not to exceed 31 days. Records of the sensor calibrations must be maintained by the operator and kept for a period of one year.

30 CFR 75.1103-11 requires that each fire hydrant and hose be tested at least once a year and the records of those tests be maintained at an appropriate location.

30 CFR 75.1501(a)(3) requires the operator to certify that each responsible person is trained and that the certification is maintained at the mine for at least one year.

30 CFR 75.1502 requires each mine operator to adopt and follow a mine evacuation and firefighting program of instruction that addresses all mine emergencies created as a result of a fire, an explosion, or a gas or water inundation. In addition, this section requires mine operators to submit this program of instruction, and any revisions, to MSHA for its approval and to train miners regarding the use of the program of instruction, and any revisions to such program of instruction, after it is approved by MSHA.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Fire Protection (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 http://www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions the commenter against providing any information in the submission that should not be publicly disclosed. Full comments, including personal information provided, will be made available on www.regulations.gov and www.reginfo.gov.

The public may also examine publicly available documents at 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 Fire Protection (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: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

OMB Number: 1219-0054.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 237.

Frequency: On occasion.

Number of Responses: 144,427.

Annual Burden Hours: 24,916 hours.

Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $332.

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.