Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; Explosive Materials and Blasting Units

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C.. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. 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.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before November 6, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records Management Division, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 709A, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Commenters are encouraged to send their comments on a computer disk, or via Internet E-mail to bteaster@msha.gov, along with an original printed copy. Ms. Teaster can be reached at (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brenda C. Teaster, Acting Chief, Records Management Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 709A, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203-1984. Ms. Teaster can be reached at bteaster@msha.gov (Internet E-mail), (703) 235-1470 (voice), or (703) 235-1563 (facsimile).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

MSHA evaluates and approved explosive materials and blasting units as permissible for use in the mining industry. However, since there are no permissible explosives or blasting units available that have adequate blasting capacity for some metal and nonmetal gassy mines, Standard 57.22606(a) was promulgated to provide procedures for mine operators to follow for the use of non-approved explosive materials and blasting units. Mine operators must notify MSHA in writing, of all non-approved explosive materials and blasting units to be used prior to their use. MSHA evaluates the non-approved explosive materials and determines if they are safe for blasting in a potentially gassy environment.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the information collection related to the Explosive Materials and Blasting Units. MSHA is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 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;
• 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, mechnical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page ( http://www.msha.gov) and selecting “Statutory and Regulatory Information” then “Paperwork Reduction Act submission ( http://www.msha.gov/regspwork.htm )” or by contacting the employee listed above in the For Further Information Contact section of this notice for a hard copy.

III. Current Actions

MSHA uses the information to determine that the explosives and procedures to be used are safe for blasting in a gassy underground mine. Federal inspectors use the notification to ensure that safe procedures are followed.

Type of Review: Extension.

Agency: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Explosive Materials and Blasting Units.

OMB Number: 1219-0095.

Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit.

Total Respondents: 7.

Frequency: On occasion.

Total Responses: 7.

Average Time per Response: 1 hour.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 7.

Estimated Total Burden Hour Cost: $321.

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.