SS_1218-0011-Shipyd_(07-29-2011)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

THE INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS OF

SUBPART A (“GENERAL PROVISIONS”) AND SUBPART B (“CONFINED

AND ENCLOSED SPACES AND OTHER DANGEROUS

ATMOSPHERES IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT”) (29 CFR PART 1915)¹

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)

CONTROL NO. 1218-0011 (May 2011)

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

The main purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSH Act”) is to “assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” (29 U.S.C. 651(b)). To achieve this objective, the OSH Act specifically authorizes “the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health standards” (29 U.S.C 651).

Section 6(b)(7) of the OSH Act states that “[a]ny standard promulgated under this subsection shall prescribe the use of labels or other appropriate forms of warning as are necessary to insure that employees are apprised of all hazards to which they are exposed, relevant symptoms and appropriate emergency treatment, and proper conditions and precautions of safe use or exposure” (29 U.S.C. 655). The OSH Act also specifies that “[e]ach employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the Secretary . . . such records . . . as the Secretary . . . may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of the Act. . . .” (29 U.S.C. 657).

Under the authority granted by the OSH Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA” or “the Agency”) adopted 29 CFR part 1915, subparts A (“General Provisions”) and B (“Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres”) for shipyard employment. One provision in subpart A contains paperwork requirements (§1915.7). Section 1915.7(b)(2) specifies that shipyard employers must maintain a roster of designated competent persons (for inspecting and testing spaces covered by subpart B), or a statement that a Marine Chemist will perform these inspections and tests. Section 1915.7(d) requires employers: ensure that competent persons, Marine Chemists, and certified industrial hygienists (CIHs) make a record of each inspection and test they conduct, post the record near the covered space while work is in progress, and file the record for a specified period. In addition, employers must make the roster or statement and the inspection and test records available to designated parties on request.

Subpart B consists of several standards governing entry into confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres in shipyard employment. These standards require that employers:

∙ Ensure that competent persons conduct inspections and atmospheric testing prior to workers entering a confined or enclosed space (§§1915.12(a)–(c));

∙ Warn workers not to enter hazardous spaces and other dangerous atmospheres (§1915.12 (a)-(c), 1915.16);

∙ Train workers who will be entering confined or enclosed spaces and certify that such training has been provided (§1915.12(d));

∙ Establish and train shipyard rescue teams or arrange for outside rescue teams and provide them with information (§1915.12(e));

∙ Ensure that one person on each rescue team maintains a current first aid training certificate (§1915.12(e));

∙ Exchange information regarding hazards, safety rules, and emergency procedures concerning these spaces and atmospheres with other employers whose workers may enter these spaces and atmospheres (§1915.12(f));

∙ Ensure testing of spaces having contained combustible or flammable liquids or gases, and toxic, corrosive, or irritating substances, and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries or pipelines before cleaning and other cold work is started and as necessary thereafter while the operations are ongoing (§1915.13(b)(2) and (4));

∙ Post signs prohibiting ignition sources within or near a space that contains bulk quantities of flammable or combustible liquids or gases (1915.13(b)(10));

∙ Ensure that confined and enclosed spaces are tested before workers perform hot work in these work areas (§1915.14(a));

∙ Post warnings of testing conducted by competent persons and certificates of testing conducted by a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard authorized person in the immediate vicinity of the hot-work operation while the operation is in progress (§1915.14(a) and (b)); and

∙ Retain certificates of testing on file for at least three months after completing the operation (§1915.14(a)(2)).

Items 2 and 12 below describe in detail the specific information collection requirements of the subparts A and B.

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.

GENERAL PROVISIONS (PART 1915 SUBPART A)

Competent Person (§ 1915.7)

Designation (§ 1915.7(b)); and Recordkeeping (§ 1915.7(d))

Description of the requirements. Paragraph (b)(2) states that employers must designate one or more competent persons to perform required inspections and tests, unless a Marine Chemist will do so. The paragraph also requires that employers maintain a roster of designated competent persons or a statement that a Marine Chemist will perform all required inspections and tests. In addition, employers are to ensure that the rosters contain, at a minimum, the employer’s name, the name of the designated competent persons, and the date the workers completed training as a competent person.² If requested, employers must make the roster or statement available to workers, their representatives, OSHA compliance officers, and representatives from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Paragraph (d)(1) specifies that employers ensure that competent persons, Marine Chemists, and Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) make a record of each inspection and test they conduct. The record of the inspection or test must contain the employer’s location; time, date, location of the inspected space; the operations performed; test results; and any instructions. Paragraph (d)(2) requires that employers post the record in the immediate vicinity of the inspected space while workers are working in the space. Employers must maintain the record for at least three months after work in the space is complete. In addition, paragraph (d)(3) requires that employers make inspection and test records available, upon request, to workers, their representatives, OSHA compliance officers, and NIOSH.

Use and purpose of the requirements. Maintaining the required roster or statement as specified by paragraph (b) assures workers and OSHA that competent persons are performing the inspections and tests. The recordkeeping requirement under paragraph (d) provides important information regarding the inspection and test results. The information allows employers to implement atmospheric controls and other safety procedures to furnish workers with a safe and healthful workplace. It also permits workers and OSHA to determine whether the required testing has been done and the appropriateness of instructions, controls and procedures to protect workers entering those spaces. The inspection and test records may be useful to NIOSH for research purposes.

CONFINED AND ENCLOSED SPACES AND OTHER DANGEROUS ATMOSPHERES IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (PART 1915 SUBPART B)

Precautions and the Order of Testing Before Entering Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres (§ 1915.12)

Oxygen Content (§ 1915.12(a)(1) and (a)(2)); Flammable Atmospheres (§ 1915.12(b)(1)) and (b)(2)); and Toxic, Corrosive, Irritant or Fumigated Atmospheres and Residues (§ 1915.12(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3))

Description of the requirements. Before a worker initially enters a space, paragraph (a)(1) requires employers to ensure that a competent person visually inspects and tests it to determine its atmospheric oxygen content. Spaces subject to this requirement include:

· Sealed spaces such as, but not limited to, coated and closed up spaces, and freshly painted, non-ventilated spaces;

· Spaces that contain materials or residues of material that can cause it to become oxygen deficient; spaces and adjacent spaces that contain or have contained combustible or flammable liquids or gases, or that contain or previously contained toxic, corrosive, or irritant liquids, gases, or solids; and

· Fumigated and adjacent spaces.

If the space has an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, paragraph (a)(2) specifies that employers must label the space “Not Safe for Workers.” For oxygen-enriched spaces, the label must read “Not Safe for Workers--Not Safe for Hot Work.” Employers must ventilate these spaces with a sufficient volume and flow rate to maintain the oxygen content at or above 19.5 percent and below 22.0 percent by volume, at which point they may remove the warning label.

Under paragraph (b)(1), employers must have a competent person visually inspect a space or adjacent space for combustible or flammable liquids or gases. If such liquids or gases are present, the competent person must test the atmospheric concentration prior to a worker’s entry. If the concentration is equal to or greater than 10 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL), paragraph (b)(2) specifies that the employer must label the space “Not Safe for Workers--Not Safe for Hot Work.” Employers must provide ventilation at a volume and flow rate that maintains the concentration of flammable vapors below 10 percent of the LEL; the employer may remove the warning label when the vapors reach this level.

Paragraph (c)(1) mandates that if a space or adjacent space contains or previously contained liquids, gases, or solids that are toxic, corrosive, or an irritant, employers must have a competent person visually inspect the space to determine whether these substances are present. If so, the competent person must test the atmospheric concentration before a worker may enter the space. Under paragraph (c)(2), employers must label the space “Not Safe for Workers” if the air concentration of these substances exceeds the permissible exposure level (PEL), specified by 29 CFR 1915, subpart Z (“Toxic and Hazardous Substances”), or is immediately dangerous to

life or health (IDLH).³ Employers must provide a sufficient ventilation volume and flow rate to maintain the atmospheric concentration at or below the PEL or below the IDLH if there is no PEL, after which they may remove the warning labels. Paragraph (c)(3) specified that if, after ventilation, the concentrations are not at or below the PEL or below the IDLH, employers must have a Marine Chemist or CIH retest the space until they can certify it as “Enter with Restrictions”⁴ or “Safe for Workers.”

Use and purpose of the requirements. The records of inspections and tests provide employers with important information on whether controls and other safety procedures are working effectively and adequately protecting workers who enter confined or enclosed spaces. The information also permits workers and OSHA to determine whether the required inspections and testing has been conducted and whether workers are protected. Employers use the labels to warn workers not to enter hazardous spaces or, in accordance with paragraph (c)(3), that a space is safe to enter with or without restrictions. In this regard, employers determine that a space is hazardous based on visual inspections and tests showing that the space or an adjacent space contains inadequate or excessive oxygen levels; combustible or flammable atmospheres; or toxic, corrosive, or irritant substances that can contaminate the atmosphere. Accordingly, the labels prevent death or serious injury and illness among workers by reducing their exposure to these atmospheric hazards.

Training of Employees Entering Confined and Enclosed Spaces or Other Dangerous Atmospheres (§ 1915.12(d))

Description of the requirements. Paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4) require employers to train workers who enter a confined and enclosed space or other dangerous atmospheres so they can perform their duties safely. Workers must receive the required training before they begin to work in a confined space, and if a change in operations or their duties results in a new hazard not previously addressed by the training. Employers must train workers to recognize the characteristics of the confined space; anticipate and be aware of the hazards that may be present in the space; recognize the adverse health effects exposure to these hazards may cause; understand the physical signs and reactions that may result from exposure to these hazards; know what personal protective equipment is needed for safe entry into and exit from the space; and be aware of and know the proper use of barriers that may be needed to protect workers from the hazards. In addition, paragraph (d)(3) specifies that workers be trained to exit the space if the employer or employer representative orders an evacuation, an evacuation signal or alarm is activated, or the worker perceives that a dangerous condition exits.

Under paragraph (d)(5), employers must certify that each worker received the required training in accordance with paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(4). The certification is to contain the worker’s name, the name of the certifier, and the certification date, and be available for inspection by OSHA compliance officers, NIOSH, and workers and their representatives.

Use and purpose of the requirements. Establishing and maintaining written certification of the training provided to each worker affords employers and OSHA compliance officers with an efficient means to verify that workers received the required training. Workers and their representatives may use the certification to determine whether the employer has provided and accurately recorded the required training, while NIOSH may review the certifications for research purposes.

Rescue Teams (§ 1915.12(e))

Description of the requirements. Under paragraph (e), employers must establish a shipyard rescue team, or arrange for an outside rescue team that will respond promptly to a request for rescue service. For shipyard-based rescue teams, paragraph (e)(1) specifies that employers must provide and train team members to use personal protective equipment necessary to make a rescue, train each team member to perform his/her rescue functions, ensure that the team practices its skills at least annually,⁵ and have at least one person on a team maintain current first aid certificate.⁶ If employers use an outside rescue team, paragraph (e)(2) requires the employer to inform the members of the team of the hazards they may encounter when called to rescue workers from confined and enclosed spaces or other dangerous atmospheres at the shipyard facility.

Use and purpose of the requirements. Employers use the first aid certificates, required by paragraph (e)(1)(iv), to ensure that on-site rescue teams will be fully prepared to render first aid when needed. Members of the outside rescue team use the hazard information provided by employers to implement the training and identify the equipment necessary to prevent or control exposure to atmospheric hazards during rescue operations.

Exchanging Hazard Information Between Employers (§ 1915.12(f))

Description of the requirement. If an employer has workers who work in confined and enclosed spaces or other dangerous atmospheres, this paragraph requires the employer to inform other employers whose workers may enter the same space about the hazards, safety rules, and emergency procedures concerning those spaces and atmospheres.

Use and purpose of the requirement. Employers who receive the information use it to protect their workers from the specified hazards, comply with and inform their workers about the safety rules already established at the shipyard, and implement emergency procedures if necessary. Accordingly, the requirement prevents exposure of their workers to the hazards that are present in the space.

Cleaning and Other Cold Work (§ 1915.13)

Requirements for Performing Cleaning and Cold Work (§ 1915.13(b))

Description of the requirement. Paragraph (b)(2) requires that a competent person test the concentration of flammable, combustible, toxic, corrosive, or irritant vapors within the confined or enclosed space prior to workers beginning cleaning or cold work. Paragraph (b)(3) specifies that continuous ventilation must be provided at volumes and flow rates sufficient to ensure that the concentration of flammable vapor is maintained below 10 percent of the LEL, and toxic, corrosive, or irritant vapors are maintained within the PELs and below IDLH levels. Paragraph (b)(4) requires that the competent person conduct testing of the confined or enclosed space as often as necessary during cleaning or cold work to ensure that air concentrations remain at the levels specified in paragraph (b)(3).

Paragraph (b)(7) requires that the competent person test ventilation discharge areas and other areas where discharge vapors may collect to determine whether those vapors are accumulating in concentrations that are hazardous to workers. If accumulations are hazardous, all work in the contaminated areas must be stopped until the vapors have dissipated or been removed.

Paragraph (b)(10) requires that employers post signs in a prominent location that prohibit sources of ignition within or near a space that previously contained flammable or combustible liquids or gases in bulk quantities. Employers must post these signs at the entrance to the space, in adjacent spaces, and in the open area adjacent to those spaces.

Use and purpose of the requirement. The records of the periodic atmospheric testing provide employers with important information on whether the atmospheric controls and safety procedures are working effectively and adequately to protect workers during cleaning and cold work operations. The information also helps employers determine if more frequent testing is necessary. The information permits workers and OSHA to determine whether the required periodic testing has been performed and whether the employer’s controls and procedures are providing adequate protection. NIOSH may review the testing records for research purposes. Employers use the signs required by paragraph (b)(10) to prevent workers from bringing sources of ignition into areas that may contain the residues of flammable or combustible liquids or gases. Accordingly, the signs prevent inadvertent ignition of these residues, and death or serious injury among workers that could result from such ignition.

Hot Work (§ 1915.14)

Hot Work Requiring Testing by a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard Authorized Person

(§ 1915.14(a)(1) and (a)(2))

Description of the requirements. Under paragraph (a)(1), employers must have a Marine Chemist or a U.S. Coast Guard authorized person test and certify a work area as safe for hot work if the area is in or on any of the following confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, boundaries of spaces, or pipelines: within, on, or immediately adjacent to spaces that contain or previously contained combustible or flammable liquids or gases or fuel tanks that contain or previously contained fuel; or pipelines, heating coils, pump fittings, or other accessories connected to spaces that contain or previously contained fuel.⁷ Under paragraph (a)(2), employers must post the certificate in the immediate vicinity of the hot-work operation while the operation is in progress. On completion of the operation, they must file the certificate for at least three months.

Use and purpose of the requirements. Employers use the certificates as an efficient means of verifying that workers can perform hot work in work areas that are adjacent to spaces containing, or that previously contained, flammable liquids or gases. Posting the certificates allows employers to notify workers of work areas that are safe for performing hot work. Posting the certificates also allows workers and OSHA to verify whether the required testing has been conducted and whether the proper controls and procedures are in place to safely conduct hot work operations. Retaining the certificates for at least three months verifies that the employer performed the correct tests in the event that a worker show symptoms of exposure to hazardous materials.

Hot Work Requiring Testing by a Competent Person (§ 1915.14(b)(1) and (b)(2))

Description of the requirements. Paragraph (b)(1) specifies that before starting any hot work in or on the following spaces or adjacent spaces or other dangerous atmospheres, employers must have a competent person test and determine that the space does not contain concentrations of flammable vapors equal to or greater than 10 percent of the LEL: Dry cargo holds; bilges; engine rooms; boiler spaces; vessels and vessel sections; land-side confined and enclosed spaces; or other dangerous atmospheres not requiring certification by a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard authorized person. If the concentration of flammable vapors or gases is equal to or greater than 10 percent of the LEL in these or adjacent spaces, paragraph (b)(2) specifies that the employer must label the space “Not Safe for Hot Work.” Employers must provide ventilation in the space at a volume and flow rate that maintains the concentration of flammable vapors below 10 percent of the LEL, after which they may remove the warning label.

Use and purpose of the requirements. Employers use the test records as an efficient means of verifying that workers can perform hot work in the specific space. Posting the test results allows employers to notify workers of work areas that are safe for performing hot work. Posting the results also allows workers and OSHA to verify whether the required testing has been conducted and whether the proper controls and procedures are in place to safely conduct hot work operations. Employers use the labels to warn workers not to enter spaces containing hazardous levels of flammable vapors. Accordingly, the labels prevent death or serious injury and illness among workers by reducing their exposure to these atmospheric hazards.

Maintenance of Safe Conditions (§ 1915.15)

Alteration of Existing Conditions (§ 1915.15(b))

Description of the requirements. If a change occurs that may alter the atmospheric conditions within a previously tested confined or enclosed space or other dangerous atmosphere (e.g., opening a manhole or other closures, adjusting a valve that regulates the flow of hazardous materials), paragraph (b)(2) requires employers to stop work in the affected space or work area. Work may only resume after the affected space or area is visually inspected and retested and found to comply with the requirements of the subpart (1915.12, 1915.13, and 1915.14).

Use and purpose of the requirements. The discussions under §§ 1915.12, 1915.13, and 1915.14 above explain the use and purpose of the paperwork requirements specified by these paragraphs.

Tests to Maintain the Conditions of a Marine Chemist’s or Coast Guard Authorized Person’s Certificates (§ 1915.15(c))

Description of the requirements. This paragraph requires employers ensure that a competent person visually inspect and test each space certified as “Safe for Workers” or “Safe for Hot Work” as often as necessary to ensure that the atmospheric conditions in the space are maintained within the conditions established by the issued certificate.

Use and purpose of the requirements. See the discussions under §§ 1915.12(c)(3) and 1915.14(a)(1) above for an explanation for the certification requirements. In addition, the records of periodic inspections and testing allow employers to determine whether testing is being done at appropriate intervals and whether more frequent testing may be necessary.

Change in the Conditions of a Marine Chemist’s or Coast Guard Authorized Person’s Certificates (§ 1915.15(d))

Description of the requirement. If a competent person finds that the atmospheric conditions in a certified space fail to meet the applicable requirements of the subpart, employers must stop work in the space until a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard authorized person retests the space and issues a new certificate.

Use and purpose of the requirement. The discussion under § 1915.14(a) above describes the use and purpose of the certificates required by this provision.

Tests to Maintain a Competent Person’s Findings (§ 1915.15(e)); and Changes in the Conditions Determined by a Competent Person’s Findings (§ 1915.15(f))

Description of the requirements. Paragraph (e) specifies that after a competent person conducts the required initial visual inspection and tests and determines that a space is safe for worker entry, employers must ensure that the required atmospheric conditions are being maintained by having a competent person continue to test and visually inspect the space as often as necessary. Paragraph (f) specifies that if the atmospheric conditions do not meet the requirements of the subpart, employers must stop work in the space until conditions in the space are brought into compliance.

Use and purpose of the requirements. See the discussions of §§ 1915.12, 1915.13, and 1915.14 above for a description of the use and purpose of the paperwork requirements. In addition, the records of periodic inspections and testing allow employers to determine whether testing is being done at appropriate intervals and whether more frequent testing may be necessary.

Warning Signs and Labels (§ 1915.16)

This paragraph establishes protocols for preparing signs and labels required in this subpart. It does not impose burden hours.

3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

Employers may use automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology (e.g., electronic submission of responses), when establishing and maintaining the required records. The Agency wrote the paperwork requirements of subparts A and B in performance-oriented language (i.e., in terms of what data to collect, not how to record the data).

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item A.2 above.

The requirements to collect and maintain information are specific to each employer and worker involved, and no other source or agency duplicates these requirements or can make the required information available to OSHA (i.e., the required information is available only from employers).

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

The information collection requirements of subparts A and B do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

The Agency believes that the information collection frequencies required by subparts A and B are the minimum frequencies necessary to effectively monitor the exposure and health status of shipyard workers who work in confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres, and, thereby, fulfill its mandate “to assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” as specified by the OSH Act (29 U.S.C. 651). Accordingly, if employers do not perform the required information collections, or delay in providing this information, shipyard workers will have an increased probability of entering spaces containing hazardous atmospheres, resulting in illness, injury, and death.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

· Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

· Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30

days after receipt of it;

· Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

· Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-

aid, or tax records for more than three years;

· In connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that

can be generalized to the universe of study;

· Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

· That includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or

regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the

pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential

use; or

· Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the

agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to

the extent permitted by law.

No special circumstances exist that require employers to collect information in the manner or using the procedures specified by this item. The information collection requirements are consistent with the guidelines provided in 5 CFR 1320.5.

8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years, even if the collection-of-information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register on March 29, 2011 (76 FR 17448) requesting public comment on its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of the information collection requirements specified in subparts A and B of 29 CFR part 1915. This notice was part of a preclearance consultation program that provided the general public and government agencies with an opportunity to comment. The Agency did not receive any comments on its notice.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gift to respondents, other than reenumeration of contractors or grantees.

The Agency will not provide payments or gifts to the respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

The paperwork requirements in subparts A and B do not involve confidential information.

11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the Agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

None of the provisions in subparts A and B require sensitive information.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

· Show the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of

how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies should not conduct special surveys

to obtain information on which to base hour burden estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer

than 10) of potential respondents is desirable. If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary

widely because of differences in activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour

burdens, and explain the reasons for the variance. General estimates should not include burden hours

for customary and usual business practices.

· If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burdens estimates for

each form and aggregate the hour burden.

· Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of

information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost of contracting out or

paying outside parties for information collection activities should not be included here. Instead, this

cost should be included in Item 14.

Burden-Hour and Cost Determinations

OSHA estimates that there are 639 establishments in the shipyard industry employing 86,746 workers. This estimate is taken from the Executive Summary of the Preliminary Economic and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Screening Analysis contained in the preamble to the proposed rule on General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment (72 FR 72452, December 20, 2007). When the Agency published the final rule on Confined and Enclosed and Other Dangerous Atmospheres in 1994, the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) estimated that 1 percent of shipyard workers are qualified as competent persons and 75 percent enter hazardous spaces covered by Subpart B (i.e., “covered employees”) (59 FR 37816, July 25, 1994). For purposes of this supporting statement, the Agency still believes these percentages are accurate; thus, the Agency estimates that there are now 867 workers qualified as competent persons and that 65,060 workers enter hazardous spaces. In addition, the Agency used the following wage rates⁸ in making the cost determinations for this ICR:

         · Supervisory Production Worker       $41.25

· Shipyard Production Worker $27.44

· Competent Person (Marine Chemist) $47.03

              · Secretary                                                  $22.84

 

The following sections summarize the burden hour and cost determinations for the information collection requirements specified by subparts A and B.

GENERAL PROVISIONS (PART 1915 SUBPART A)

Competent Person (§ 1915.7)

Designation (§ 1915.7(b)); and Recordkeeping (§ 1915.7(d))⁹

The Agency estimates that a supervisory production worker spends 10 minutes (.17 hour) per year updating, maintaining, and posting¹⁰ either the required roster or statement at each shipyard. The estimated annual total burden hours and cost resulting from this paperwork requirement are:

Burden Hours: 639 establishments x 1 roster/statement per year x .17 hour = 109 hours

Cost: 109 hours x $41.25 = $4,496

CONFINED AND ENCLOSED SPACES AND OTHER DANGEROUS ATMOSPHERES IN SHIPYARD EMPLOYMENT (SUBPART B)

(A) Precautions and the Order of Testing Before Entering Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres (§ 1915.12)

Oxygen Content (§ 1915.12(a)(1) and (a)(2)); Flammable Atmospheres (§ 1915.12(b)(1) and (b)(2)); and Toxic, Corrosive, Irritant or Fumigated Atmospheres and Residues (§ 1915.12(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3))

OSHA assumes that, on average, each shipyard implements about 10 visual inspections and testing protocols per day under these provisions. The estimate includes initial inspection and testing, periodic retesting to maintain safe conditions, and retesting because a space has been found to be unsafe. For the entire industry this totals 1,591,110 protocols for a 249-day work year (i.e., 10 protocols x 639 establishments x 249 days). Because the inspections and testing are performed by trained and experienced competent persons who are familiar with the workplace and procedures, the Agency estimates that a competent person takes 10 minutes (.17 hour) to complete each protocol (i.e., to inspect and test a space), label the space as necessary,¹¹ and generate, post, file, and disclose the protocol record according to § 1915.7(d). Therefore, the total annual burden hours and cost of these provisions are:

Burden Hours: 1,591,110 protocols x .17 hour = 270,489 hours

Cost: 270,489 hours x $47.03 = $12,721,098

Training of Employees Entering Confined and Enclosed Spaces or Other Dangerous Atmospheres and Training Certification Records (§ 1915.12(d))

The training requirements are written in performance-oriented language and, therefore, the Agency does not regard the training requirements as a collection of information under PRA-95; thus, OSHA is taking no burden for the training activity. However, this provision requires that employers maintain training certification records and make them available for review by OSHA compliance officers (see (E) below), NIOSH, and workers and their representatives. The Agency estimates that 10% (65,060 x 10% = 6,506) of the covered workers or their representatives request access to the training certification records annually. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistic data,¹² it is estimated that there was a 3.2 percent turnover rate; thus, the Agency is using this rate to replace workers who may leave and require initial training (65,060 x 3.2% = 2,082). In addition, based on staff expertise, the Agency does not believe many workers would need training resulting from changes in operations duties. OSHA assumes 1% of covered workers require new assignment training annually (65,060 x 1% = 651). The Agency estimates that a supervisor takes two minutes (.03 hour) to disclose the certification records to a worker/representative. Additionally, employers must generate the certification records for new hires and those workers requiring new assignment training, which the Agency estimates will take a supervisor 2 minutes (.03 hour). Further, the Agency estimates that a secretary takes one minute (.02 hour) to maintain the training certification records for each covered worker, new hire, and those requiring new assignment training. Accordingly, the estimated total yearly burden hours and cost associated with this availability requirement are:

Burden Hours: 6,506 worker-related requests x .03 hour to disclose = 195

Cost: 195 hours x $41.25 = $8,044

Burden Hours: (2,082 + 651) = 2,733 new certifications x .03 hour to generate = 82

Cost: 82 hours x $41.25 = $3,383

Burden Hours: (65,060 existing certifications + 651 new certifications = 65,711 certifications

65,711 certifications x .02 hour to maintain = 1,314

Cost: 1,314 hours x $22.84 = $30,012

Rescue Teams (§ 1915.12(e))

OSHA believes that employers, as a usual and customary practice, establish a shipyard rescue team or arrange for an outside rescue team. Such usual and customary activities include employers knowing which workers have current certification in basic first aid as required by paragraph (e)(2). Employers are aware of current certification through usual and customary periodic discussions with workers concerning their job responsibilities. Accordingly, the paperwork requirements associated with this provision are not subject to the implementing rules and guidelines of PRA-95.

Exchanging Hazard Information Between Employers (§ 1915.12(f))

The Agency considers it a usual and customary practice for employers who have workers working in a space covered by this paragraph to inform other employers whose workers may enter the same space about the hazards, safety rules, and emergency procedures concerning those spaces and atmospheres. Therefore, OSHA is not taking burden hours or cost for this paperwork requirement.

(B) Cleaning and Other Cold Work (§ 1915.13)

­Testing Requirements for Cleaning and Cold Work Spaces and Ventilation Discharge Areas (§1915.13(b)(2), (b)(4) and (b)(7))

These provisions duplicate the requirements of § 1915.12(b)(1) and (b)(2); see “Oxygen Content, Flammable Atmospheres, and Toxic, Corrosive, Irritant or Fumigated Atmospheres and Residues (§ 1915.12(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3)” above for the estimated burden hours and cost associated with these requirements.

Requirements for Performing Cleaning and Cold Work (§ 1915.13(b)(10))

Based on staff expertise, OSHA estimates that employers will post the required signs during 5 percent of the 1,591,110 protocols (79,556) conducted annually and that a competent person spends 10 minutes (.17 hour) in determining concentrations of flammable, combustible, toxic, corrosive or irritant vapors and to post a sign at each of the designated locations. Thus, the total annual burden hours and cost estimated for this posting requirement are:

Burden hours: 79,556 spaces x .17 hour = 13,525 hours

Cost: 13,525 hours x $27.44 = $371,126

(C) Hot Work (§ 1915.14)

Hot Work Requiring Testing by a Marine Chemist or Coast Guard Authorized Person

(§ 1915.14(a)(1) and (a)(2))

For over 30 years, the shipyard industry has been complying with National Fire Protection Association Standard 306 (“Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels”), which contains hot-work testing and certification requirements at least as burdensome as paragraphs 1915.14(a)(1) and (a)(2) of subpart B. Accordingly, OSHA believes that it is a usual and customary practice among employers in the shipyard industry to have a Marine Chemist or a U.S. Coast Guard authorized person test and certify the specified work areas as safe for hot work, post the certificates in the immediate vicinity of the hot-work operation while the operation is in progress, and then file the certificates for at least three months. Therefore, the Agency is taking no burden hours or costs for these provisions.

Hot Work Requiring Testing by a Competent Person (§ 1915.14(b)(1) and (b)(2))

These provisions duplicate the requirements of § 1915.12(b)(1) and (b)(2); see “Oxygen Content, Flammable Atmospheres, and Toxic, Corrosive, Irritant or Fumigated Atmospheres and Residues (§ 1915.12(a)(1), (a)(2), (b)(1), (b)(2), (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3))” above for the estimated burden hours and cost associated with these requirements.

(D) Maintenance of Safe Conditions (§ 1915.15)

Alteration of Existing Conditions (§ 1915.15(b)); Tests to Maintain the Conditions of a Marine Chemist’s or Coast Guard Authorized Person’s Certificates (§ 1915.15(c)); Change in the Conditions of a Marine Chemist’s or Coast Guard Authorized Person’s Certificates

(§ 1915.15(d)); Tests to Maintain a Competent Person’s Findings (§ 1915.15(e)); and Changes in the Conditions Determined by a Competent Person’s Findings (§ 1915.15(f))

These provisions require employers, under specific conditions, to have a competent person reinspect and retest spaces according to the requirements of §§ 1915.12, 1915.13, and 1915.14. OSHA estimates that employers must repeat about 10 percent (159,111) of the 1,591,110 protocols conducted annually, and that it takes a competent person 10 minutes (.17 hour) to repeat each protocol. Therefore, the estimated total yearly burden hours and cost associated with these requirements are:

Burden hours: 159,111 protocols x .17 hour = 27,049 hours

Cost: 27,049 hours x $47.03 = $1,272,114

(E) Warning Signs and Labels (§ 1915.16)

This paragraph establishes protocols for preparing signs

and labels required in previous paragraphs. It does not impose burden hours.

(F) Disclosure of Inspection, Testing and Training Certification Records

OSHA believes that approximately 10 establishments covered by the Standard¹³ may be subject to an OSHA inspection and the employer may be required to disclose training certification records annually (see Item 14 below). OSHA estimates that it will take a supervisory shipyard production worker 2 minutes (.03 hour) to disclose inspection and testing records and 2 minutes (.03) to disclose training certification records, for a total of 4 (0.07 hour) minutes.

Burden hours: 9 inspections x .07 hour = 1 hour (rounded)

Cost: 1 burden hour x $41.25 = $41

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and

The cost determinations made under Item 12 account for the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from these collection of information requirements.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.

OSHA estimates that a compliance officer (GS-12, step 5), with an hourly wage rate of $37.37,¹⁴ spends about 5 minutes (.08 hour) during an inspection reviewing the documents required by the Standard. The Agency determines that its compliance officers will conduct an estimated 10 inspections during each year covered by this ICR (see (E)) above. OSHA considers other expenses, such as equipment, overhead, and support staff salaries, to be normal operating expenses that would occur without the paperwork requirements specified by the Standard. Therefore, the total cost of these paperwork requirements to the Federal government is:

Cost: 9 inspections x .08 hour x $37.37 = $27

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

OSHA is requesting an adjustment decrease of 10 burden hours (from 312,774 to 312,764 burden hours). This adjustment decrease is a result of the turnover rate for workers dropping from 3.7% to 3.2% (see Table 1 below.)

16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.

OSHA will not publish the information collected under subparts A and B.

17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be appropriate.

No forms are available for the Agency to display the expiration date.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

OSHA is not seeking an exception to the certification statement.

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

The supporting statement does not contain any collection of information requirements that employ statistical methods.

Table 1: Requested Burden our Adjustments

Information Collection Requirement	Current Burden Hours	Requested Burden Hours	Adjustment	Cost Under Item 12	Responses	Explanation of Adjustment
(SUBPART A) Competent Person (§ 1915.7) Designation (§ 1915.7(b)); and Recordkeeping	109	109	0	$4,496	639	No change.
(SUBPART B) (A) Precautions and the Order of Testing Before Entering Confined and Enclosed Spaces and Other Dangerous Atmospheres (§ 1915.12) Oxygen Content (§ 1915.12(a)(1) and (a)(2)); Flammable Atmospheres (§ 1915.12(b)(1) and (b)(2)); and Toxic, Corrosive, Irritant or Fumigated Atmospheres and Residues (§ 1915.12(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3))	270,489	270,489	0	$12,721,098	1,591,110	No change.
Training of Employees Entering Confined and Enclosed Spaces or Other Dangerous Atmospheres and Training Certification Records (§ 1915.12(d))	195	195	0	$8,044	6,506	No change. The job opening and labor turnover rate has decreased from 3.7% to 3.2%. This explains the difference in the requested burden hours from 92 to 82.
	92	82	-10	$3,383	2,733
	1,314	1,314	0	$30,012	65,711
Rescue Teams (§ 1915.12(e))	0	0	0	0	0	No change.
Exchanging Hazard Information Between Employers (§ 1915.12(f))	0	0	0	0	0	No change.
(B) Cleaning and Other Cold Work (§1915.13) ­Testing Requirements for Cleaning and Cold Work Spaces and Ventilation Discharge Areas (§1915.13(b)(2), (b)(4) and (b)(7))	0	0	0	0	0	No change.
Requirements for Performing Cleaning and Cold Work (§ 1915.13(b)(10))	13,525	13,525	0	$371,126	79,556	No change.
Hot Work Requiring Testing by a Competent Person (§ 1915.14(b)(1) and (b)(2))	0	0	0	0	0	No change.
(D) Maintenance of Safe Conditions (§ 1915.15) Alteration of Existing Conditions (§ 1915.15(b)); Tests to Maintain the Conditions of a Marine Chemist’s or Coast Guard Authorized Person’s Certificates (§ 1915.15(c)); Change in the Conditions of a Marine Chemist’s or Coast Guard Authorized Person’s Certificates (§ 1915.15(d)); Tests to Maintain a Competent Person’s Findings (§ 1915.15(e)); and Changes in the Conditions Determined by a Competent Person’s Findings (§ 1915.15(f))	27,049	27,049	0	$1,272,114	159,111	No change.
(E) Warning Signs and Labels (§ 1915.16)	0	0	0	0	0	No change.
(F) Disclosure of Inspection, Testing Records and Training Certification Records	1	1	0	$41	9	No change.
TOTALS	312,774	312,764	-10	$14,410,314	1,905,375

1The purpose of this Supporting Statement is to analyze and describe the burden hours and costs associated with provisions of these subparts that contain paperwork requirements; this Supporting Statement does not provide information or guidance on how to comply with, or how to enforce, these provisions.

2Subpart A contains no training requirements for competent persons.

3Paragraph (b) of § 1915.11 (“Scope, application and definitions applicable to this subpart”) defines IDLH as “an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life or that is likely to result in acute or immediate severe health effects.”

4As defined under § 1915.11(b), the term “enter with restrictions” means “[denoting] a space where entry for work is permitted only if engineering controls, personal protective equipment, clothing, and time limitations are as specified by the Marine Chemist, Certified Industrial Hygienist, or the shipyard competent person.”

5During practice drills, team members must do rescue simulations using mannequins and rescue equipment involving physical facilities that closely approximate the facilities from which they may make a rescue.

6Including maintenance of an airway, control of bleeding, maintenance of circulation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

7The provision specifies an exception for hot work performed on dry cargo, miscellaneous, or passenger vessels and land-side operations in spaces that meet the requirements for oxygen, flammability, and toxicity specified in §1915.12, but only if the flammable gases or liquids in the adjacent spaces have a flash point below 150 F (65.6 C) and the distance between these spaces and the hot work is at least 25 feet (7.62 m).

8Source: May 2009 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Employer Costs, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Wage rates include fringe benefits of 34.5 percent.

9OSHA provides the estimated burden hours and cost for § 1915.7(d) under the inspection and testing requirements of subpart B.

10Posting is the most cost-effective method of making the information available to the parties designated under § 1915.7(b)(2)(ii).

11The Agency is taking no burden for developing these labels because OSHA provides the information that must be on the labels. (See “Controlling Paperwork Burden on the Public,” 5 CFR 1320.3(c)(2).)

12 ^?Job Openings and Labor Turnover, December 2010, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.

13¹³OSHA estimated the number of inspections by multiplying OSHA’s inspection rate (1.4%) by the number of establishments covered by this ICR (i.e., 639 establishments 1.4% = 9 inspections).

14 Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management; 2011 General Schedule (GS) Locality Pay Tables; Salary Table 2011-RUS, http://www.opm.gov/oca/11tables/pdf/rus_h.pdf.

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