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 Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), MSHA has requirements that address hoists and appurtenances, including wire rope, used for hoisting persons. The requirements address both metal and nonmetal surface and underground mines (30 CFR parts 56 and 57); and underground coal and surface work areas of underground coal mines (30 CFR parts 75 and 77).

Title 30 CFR 56/57.19022 and 30 CFR 75/77.1432 requires the diameter of newly installed wire rope to be measured at least once in every third interval of the rope's active length to establish a baseline for subsequent semiannual measurements. A record of the measurements is required to be made and retained until the rope is retired from service.

Title 30 CFR 56/57.19023 and 30 CFR 75/77.1433 require the wire rope to be visually examined at least every fourteen days for visible structural damage, corrosion, and improper lubrication or dressing. If the examination reveals weakening portions of the rope, the weakened portions must be monitored daily for further deterioration until retirement criteria require that the rope be removed from service. The person conducting the examination must certify that the examination was made and the record must be retained for one year.

Title 30 CFR 56/57.19121 requires the person conducting the inspection, test or examination of hoisting equipment certify that these activities have been done. Any unsafe conditions must be noted in a record and dated. All certifications and records must be retained for one year.

Title 30 CFR 75.1400-2 requires a record to be made of tests conducted on safety catches. Safety catches are the last means to safely stop a falling conveyance in the event of rope or equipment failure.

Title 30 CFR 75.1400-4 and 77.1404 require a record to be made of each daily examination. If any unsafe condition is found during the examination, the person conducting the examination must make a record of the condition. All certifications and records must be retained for one year.

Title 30 CFR 77.1906 requires a daily examination of hoists used for shaft sinking. If any unsafe condition is found ( printed page 12853) during the examination, the person conducting the examination must make a record of the condition. All certifications and records must be retained for one year.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

MSHA is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Records of Tests and of Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment. 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 Records of Tests and of Examinations of Personnel Hoisting Equipment. 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: 1219-0034.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 225.

Frequency: On occasion.

Number of Responses: 61,366.

Annual Burden Hours: 5,133 hours.

Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $270,000.

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.