1219-0095
10/2015
Supporting Statement for
Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions
OMB Control Number: 1219 - 0095
Title: Explosive Materials and Blasting Units (pertains only to metal and nonmetal underground mines deemed to be gassy)
Authority: 30 CFR Section 57.22606(a)
General Instructions
A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(1)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When Item 17 or the OMB Form 83-I is checked “Yes”, Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.
Specific Instructions
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.
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), 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 authorizes the 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 and metal and nonmetal mines.
Under Title 30 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Parts 7 and 15, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) evaluates and approves 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, 30 CFR Section 57.22606(a) outlines the procedures for mine operators to follow when using non-approved explosive materials and blasting units. The standard requires mine operators of Class III metal or nonmetal mines (gassy mines) to notify MSHA in writing prior to their use of non-approved explosive materials and blasting units. MSHA then evaluates the non-approved explosive materials and determines whether they are safe for use in a potentially gassy environment.
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.
MSHA uses the information provided by the mine operator to determine whether non-approved blasting materials and explosives and procedures are safe for use in a Class III gassy underground metal or nonmetal mine. Without such determinations, miners may be exposed to significant safety risks.
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.
No improved information technology has been identified that would reduce the burden; however, in order to comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act mine operators may transmit the records in whatever method they choose, which includes utilizing computer technology transmission.
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 2 above.
MSHA knows of no other Federal or State requirement that would duplicate this requirement.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities describe any methods used to minimize burden.
This information does not have a significant impact on small businesses or other 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 underground metal and nonmetal mine operator notifies the appropriate MSHA District Manager of all non-approved explosive materials and blasting units to be used prior to their actual use. Failure to enforce these requirements could result in the use of unsafe explosives by mine operators and create unsafe conditions, jeopardizing the safety of miners.
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.
(b) 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.
(f) Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not
been reviewed and approved by OMB.
(g) 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.
(h) 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.
This information collection is not expected to involve any special circumstances contained in item 7 of the supporting statement that would lead to any of the listed results.
8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the data and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR Section 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.
MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on August 3rd, 2015 (80 FR 46056). MSHA received no comments.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payments or gifts are provided to the respondents identified by this collection.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
No assurance of confidentiality is provided to respondents.
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 form whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
There are no questions of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:
a. Indicate 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 burden, and explain the reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for customary and usual business practices.
b. If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.
c. 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 under Item 13.
There are currently four Class III metal and nonmetal underground mines (mines deemed to be gassy). MSHA estimates that only one underground metal and nonmetal mine operator will change explosive materials or blasting units during the year. Therefore, only one operator would need to prepare a notice each year to the appropriate MSHA District Manager stating that they are seeking to use non-approved explosive materials or blasting units.
MSHA estimates that a mine management official, earning $76.70 per hour1, takes approximately one hour to prepare and submit the notice.
Responses
1 notice = 1 notice
Burden hours
1 notice x 1 hour/notice = 1 hour
Burden cost
1 hour x $76.70 per hour = $77
Estimated Annualized Burden Hours and Costs |
|||||||||
Type of Respondent |
Form Name/Form Number/ Standard |
No. of Respond-ents |
No. of Responses per Respond-ent |
Total No. of Responses (rounded to whole numbers) |
Avg. Burden per Response (in hours)
|
Total Annual Burden (in hours/ rounded to whole numbers) |
Avg. Hourly Wage Rate |
Total Annual Respondent Cost |
|
Business or other for-profit |
30 CFR Section 57.22606(a) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 hour |
1 hour |
$76.70 |
$77 |
|
Total |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
$77 |
|
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected on the burden worksheet.)
a. The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.
b. If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
c. Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or (4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.
Respondents have typically used certified mail to submit the information. MSHA estimates the cost for mailing to be $6.
1 notice x $6 mailing cost per notice = $6
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.
MSHA estimates that it will take approximately one hour to review a notice of the proposed use of non-approved blasting materials. The average grade and salary (including benefits) of an MSHA safety specialist is GS 12, at $51.52 per hour.2
1 notice x 1 hour/notice x $51.87 per hour = $52
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported on the burden worksheet.
Respondents: There was no change in the number of respondents, which remained at 1.
Responses: There was no change in the number of responses, which remained at 1.
Hours: There was no change in the number of hours, which remained at 1.
Costs: There was no change in the estimated cost, which remained at $6.
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 of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
The results from the information gathered from this collection will not be published.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
MSHA associates no forms with this collection.
18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."
There are no certification exceptions identified with this information collection.
B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
This information collection employs no statistical methods.
1The wage rate (including benefits) was developed from tabulations in the U.S. Metal and Industrial Mineral Mines Salaries, Wages, and Benefits - 2012 Survey Results, compiled by Krista Noyes Salzer, InfoMine USA, Inc., 2012 <http://costs.infomine.com/laborcompensationreports/>; adjusted to 2014 using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2014 Employment Cost Index (ECI) for “Private industry workers in Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations” http://www.bls.gov/ect/.
2December 2014 OPM FedScope employment data cube, Mine Safety and Health Inspection Series, GS-12 <http://www.fedscope.opm.gov/>; benefit loading factor from U.S. Department of Labor, FY 2016 Detailed Budget Documentation, Volume II, Mine Safety and Health Administration, “Budget Authority By Object Class” <http://www.dol.gov/dol/budget/>.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Supporting Statement |
| File Modified | 2015-10-19 |
| File Created | 2015-07-17 |