SS-1218-0223-Slings_20180628

The Standard on Slings (29 CFR 1910.184)

1218-0223

June 2018

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

THE INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS OF

THE STANDARD ON SLINGS (29 CFR 1910.184)¹

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

(OMB) CONTROL NO. 1218-0223 (June 2018)

This ICR seeks to extend authorization for this collection without change.

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 objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (i.e., “the 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). To achieve this objective, the Act authorizes “the development and promulgation of occupational safety and health standards” (29 U.S.C. 651).

Section 6(b)(7) of the Act specifies 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 workers 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.” This provision goes on to state that “[t]he Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may by rule promulgated pursuant to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, make appropriate modifications in the foregoing requirements relating to the use of labels or other forms of warning . . . as may be warranted by experience, information, or medical or technological developments acquired subsequent to the promulgation of the relevant standard” (29 U.S.C. 655).

With regard to recordkeeping, the Act 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 this Act . . . .” (29 U.S.C.657). The Act states further that “[t]he Secretary . . . shall prescribe such rules and regulations as [he/she] may deem necessary to carry out [his/her] responsibilities under this Act, including rules and regulations dealing with the inspection of an employer’s establishment” (29 U.S.C. 657).

Under the authority granted by the Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (i.e., “OSHA” or “the Agency”) published at 29 CFR 1910.184 a safety standard for general industry regulating the use of slings (i.e., “the Standard"). The collection of information (paperwork) provisions of the Standard specify affixing identification tags or markings on slings, developing and maintaining inspection records, and retaining proof testing certificates.

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.

The Standard specifies several collections of information (paperwork) requirements, depending on the type of sling. The purpose of each of these requirements is to prevent workers from using defective or deteriorated slings; thereby, reducing their risk of death or serious injury caused by sling failure during material handling.

Paragraph (e) of the Standard covers alloy steel chain slings.

Paragraph (e)(1) requires that alloy steel chain slings have permanently affixed and durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach of the sling. The information, supplied by the manufacturer, is typically marked on a metal tag and affixed to the sling.

Paragraph (e)(3)(i) requires the employer to make a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use on a regular basis, but at least once a year. Paragraph (e)(3)(ii) requires the employer to make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and make this record available for examination.

Paragraph (e)(4) requires the employer to retain certificates of proof testing. Employers must ensure that before use, each new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly, has been proof tested by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity. The certificates of proof testing must be retained by the employer and made available for examination.

Paragraph (f) of the Standard covers wire rope slings.

Paragraph (f)(1) requires employers to use only wire-rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer, and indicates the recommended safe working load for the types of hitches used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one.

Paragraph (f)(4)(ii) requires that all welded end attachments of wire rope slings be proof tested by the manufacturer at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use, and that the employer retain a certificate of the proof test and make it available for examination.

Paragraph (g) of the Standard covers metal mesh slings.

Paragraph (g)(1) requires each metal mesh sling to have a durable marking permanently affixed that states the rated capacity for vertical basket hitch and choker hitch loadings.

Paragraph (g)(8)(ii) requires that once repaired, each metal mesh sling be permanently marked or tagged, or a written record maintained to indicate the date and type of the repairs made, and the person or organization that performed the repairs. Records of the repairs shall be made available for examination.

Paragraph (h) of the Standard covers natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings.

Paragraph (h)(1) requires each natural and synthetic fiber-rope sling to have permanently affixed and legible identification markings stating the rated capacity for the type of hitch used and angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.

Paragraph (i) of the Standard covers synthetic web slings.

Paragraph (i)(1) requires that synthetic web slings be marked or coded to show the rated capacities for each type of hitch and the type of synthetic web material used in the sling.

Paragraph (i)(8)(i) prohibits the use of repaired synthetic web slings until they have been proof tested by the manufacturer or an equivalent entity. Paragraph (i)(8)(ii) requires the employer to retain a certificate of the proof test and make it available for examination.

The information on the identification tags, markings, and codings assist the employer in determining whether the sling can be used for the lifting task. The sling inspections enable early detection of faulty slings. The inspection and repair records provide employers with information about when the last inspection was made and about the type of repairs made. This information provides some assurance about the condition of the slings. Proof-testing certificates give employers and workers assurance that slings are safe to use.

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 information 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 the Standard 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 purpose(s) described in 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 the methods used to reduce the burden.

The information collection requirements specified by the Standard 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 or is not conducted less frequently, and any technical or legal obstacles to reducing the burden.

The Agency believes that the information collection frequencies required by the Standard are the minimum frequencies necessary to effectively regulate slings, 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 Act at 29 U.S.C. 651. Accordingly, if employers do not perform the required information collections, or delay in providing this information, workers may inadvertently use defective or deteriorated slings; thereby, increasing their probability of death or serious injury caused by sling failure during material handling.

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 statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

· that includes a pledge of confidentially 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 prove that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentially to the extent permitted by law.

No special circumstances exist that require employers to collect information using the procedures specified by this item. The requirements are within the guidelines set forth 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 before submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to those comments specifically address comments received on cost and hour burdens.

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, revealed, 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 three years -- even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that mitigate against consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), OSHA published a notice in the Federal Register on January 17, 2018 (83 FR 2466) soliciting comments on its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of the information collection requirements specified by the Standard on Slings (29 CFR 1910.184). This notice is part of a preclearance consultation program that provided the general public and government with an opportunity to comment. The Agency did not receive any public comments in response to this notice.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payments or gift to respondents, other than remuneration 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 specified by the Standard 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 the Standard request sensitive information.

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

· 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.

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

· 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 13.

The Agency believes the use of permanently attached identification markings will eliminate duplicative, inconsistent, and outdated information; thus, minimizing confusion over the rated capacity of any type of sling used by workers. Furthermore, reliance on the information marked on the sling simplifies compliance for employers by eliminating the need to check tables or other sources of information.

OSHA amended its standards regulating slings at §1910.184 (general industry), as well as §§1915.112, 1915.113, and 1915.118 (shipyard employment), and §1926.251 (construction) on June 8, 2011 (76 FR 33590) in its Standards Improvement Project Phase III. OSHA removed outdated tables that specified safe working loads, and revised other provisions (e.g., §§1910.184(e)(6) and 1915.112) that reference the outdated tables. The load-capacity tables in OSHA’s standards were based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B30.9-1971 standard and were obsolete, and no longer conformed to the load-capacity tables of the updated ANSI B30.9-2010 standard. OSHA replaced the outdated tables with a requirement that prohibits employers from loading slings in excess of the recommended safe working load as prescribed on permanently affixed identification markings. In addition it prohibits the use of slings that do not have such markings.

Manufacturers produce slings with markings that indicate the sling’s rated capacity (i.e., safe working load), the name or trademark of the manufacturer, and other specifications (e.g., size, material used in manufacturing the sling); this information prevents misuse of slings; thereby, increasing worker safety and reducing costs.

Burden Hour and Cost Burden Determinations

The Agency estimates that the Standard covers approximately 1,525,000 slings, and that roughly 8% (122,000) are alloy steel chain slings, 60% (915,000) are wire rope slings, 2% (30,500) are metal-mesh slings,² and 27% (411,750) are synthetic-web slings, 3% (45,750) are nature and synthetic fiber rope slings. OSHA used a wage rate of $39.27for a crane operator in determining the cost of the paperwork requirements specified by the Standard.

The Agency determined the wage rate from mean hourly wage earnings to represent the cost of employee time. For the relevant standard occupational classification category, OSHA used the wage rates reported in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), May 2018[date accessed: June 22, 2018]. (OES data is available at https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm. To access a wage rate, select the year, “Occupation profiles,” and the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.)

To account for fringe benefits, the Agency used the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) (2017). Fringe markup is form the following BLS release: Employer Costs for Employee Compensation news release text; for release 10:00 AM (EDT), March 2018 (https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf). BLS reported that for civilian workers, fringe benefits accounted for 31.8 percent of total compensation and wages accounted for the remaining 68.2 percent. To calculate the loaded hourly wage for Crane and Tower Operator, the Agency divided the mean hourly wage by 68.2 percent.

WAGE HOUR ESTIMATES
Occupational Title	Standard Occupation Code	Mean Hour Wage Rate	Fringe Benefits Multiplier	Loaded hourly Wage Rate
Crane Operator	53-7021	$26.78	.682	$39.26

(A) Alloy Steel Chain Slings (§1910.184(e))

Paragraph 1910.184(e)(1) requires that alloy steel chain slings have permanently affixed and durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach of the sling. The information, supplied by the manufacturer, is typically marked on a metal tag and affixed to the sling. The manufacturer provides this information as a usual and customary practice at the time of sale. However, if the tag comes off, another tag or marking with the required information must be affixed to the sling. OSHA estimates that only a small percentage of slings would fall into this category, as low as .1% (122), and that it would take about 30 minutes (30/60 =.5 hour) to acquire the information, make a new tag, and affix it to the sling. A crane operator would perform this task.

Burden hours: 122 slings × 30/60 hour = 61 hours

Cost: 61 hours × $39.26 = $2,395

Paragraph (e)(3)(i) requires the employer to make a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use on a regular basis, but at least once a year. Paragraph 1910.184(e)(3)(ii) requires the employer to make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected. OSHA estimates that approximately 70% (85,400) of alloy steel chain slings are in use on a regular basis each year. It is also estimated that it takes 15 minutes (15/60 =.25 hour) for a crane operator to conduct the inspection and to generate and maintain the inspection record once a year.

Burden hours: 85,400 slings × 15/60 hour = 21,350 hours

Cost: 21,350 hours × $39.26 = $838.201

Paragraph 1910.184(e)(4) requires the employer to ensure that before use, each new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly, be proof tested by the sling manufacturer, and that the certificate of proof testing be maintained by the employer and made available for examination. The manufacturer normally performs the proof test and marks the equipment. OSHA estimates that 25% (30,500) of the alloy steel chain slings are replaced, repaired, or reconditioned each year. The manufacturer will prepare a certificate of the proof test as a usual and customary practice, so the employer has no burden for this activity. However, the employer will incur a burden to maintain the certificate, which the Agency estimates takes a crane operator 1 minute (1/60 = .02 hour) to perform for each sling.

Burden hours: 30,500 slings × 1/60 hour =508 hours

Cost: 508 hours × $39.26 = $19,944

(B) Wire Rope Slings (§1910.184(f))

Paragraph 1910.184(f)(1) requires each wire-rope sling to have permanently affixed and legible identification marking that indicates the safe working load for the type of hitch used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one. This information will be supplied by the manufacturer initially, and the only burden to the employer would be to replace the initial tag or marking. OSHA estimates that only a small percentage of slings would fall into this category, as low as .1% (915), and it would take about 30 minutes (30/60 = .50 hours) for a crane operator to acquire the information, make a new tag, and affix it to the sling.

Burden hours: 915 slings × 30/60 hour = 458 hours

Cost: 458 hours × $39.26 = $17,981

Paragraph 1910.184(f)(4)(ii) requires that all welded end attachments be proof tested by the manufacturer at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use, and that the employer maintain the certificate of proof test. OSHA estimates that 10% (91,500) of the wire rope slings have welded end attachments. The employer has no burden associated with the proof testing because the manufacturer, for liability reasons, and as a normal and customary practice, will test the equipment and provide a certificate to the employer. However, the employer must maintain the certificate. OSHA estimates that a crane operator spends 1 minute (1/60 = .02 hour) maintaining a certificate for each sling.

Burden hours: 91,500 slings × 1/60 hour = 1,525 hours

Cost: 1,525 hours × $39.26 = $59,872

(C) Metal Mesh Slings (§1910.184(g))

Paragraph 1910.184(g)(1) requires each metal mesh sling to have a durable marking permanently affixed to it that indicates the rated capacity for vertical basket hitch and choker hitch loadings. This information will be supplied by the manufacturer initially, and the only burden to the employer would be to replace the initial tag or marking. OSHA estimates that only a small percentage of slings would fall into this category, as low as .1% (31), and it would take about 30 minutes (30/60 = .50 hours) for a crane operator to acquire the information, make a new tag, and affix it to the sling.

Burden hours: 31 slings × 30/60 hour = 16 hours

Cost: 16 hours × $39.26 = $628

Paragraph 1910.184(g)(8)(ii) requires that once repaired, each sling shall be permanently marked or tagged, or a written record prepared for the employer, that contains the information specified in the Standard. The employer must maintain this record. Accordingly, OSHA estimates that the manufacturer, as a usual and customary practice, will affix markings stating the rated capacity for vertical basket hitch and choker hitch loadings as required under paragraph 1910.184(g)(1). OSHA also estimates that manufacturers will provide written records for about 10% (3,050) of the repaired slings. The remaining slings are either tagged or marked permanently as specified in the Standard. The manufacturer will prepare the certificate for the employer, and will provide tags or markings, as a usual and customary practice; hence, the employer has no burden for this activity. However, the employer must maintain the written records as required by paragraph 1910.184(g)(8)(ii). The Agency estimates that it takes a crane operator 1 minute (1/60 = .02 hour) to complete this task.

Burden hours: 3,050 slings × 1/60 hour = 51 hours

Cost: 51 hours × $39.26 = $ 2,002

(D) Natural and Synthetic Fiber Rope Slings (§1910.184(h)(1))

Paragraph (h)(1) requires each natural and synthetic fiber-rope sling to have permanently affixed and legible identification markings stating the rated capacity for the types of hitch’s used and angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one. This information will be supplied by the manufacturer initially, and the only burden to the employer would be to replace the initial tag or marking. OSHA estimates that only a small percentage of slings would fall into this category, as low as .1% (46), and it would take about 30 minutes (30/60 hours) for a crane operator to acquire the information, make a new tag, and affix it to the sling.

Burden hours: 46 slings × 30/60 hour = 23 hours

Cost: 23 hours × $39.26 =903

(E) Synthetic Web Slings (§1910.184(i))

Paragraph (i)(1) requires that synthetic web slings be marked or coded to show the rated capacities for each type of hitch, and the synthetic web material used in the sling. This information will be provided by the manufacturer as a usual and customary practice at the time of sale. However, if the mark or code needs to be replaced, OSHA estimates that it will take a crane operator about 30 minutes (30/60 = .50 hour) to acquire the information and attach the marking or coding to the sling. OSHA estimates that only a few slings, about .1% (412), fall into this category.

Burden hours: 412 slings × 30/60 hour = 206 hours

Cost: 206 hours × $39.26 = $8,088

Paragraph 1910.184(i)(8)(ii) prohibits the use of repaired synthetic web slings that have not been proof tested by the manufacturer. The employer shall maintain a certificate of the proof test. The manufacturer will prepare a certificate of the proof test as a usual and customary practice, so the employer has no burden for this activity. However, the employer will incur a burden to maintain the certificate. The Agency estimates that a crane operator spends 1 minute (1/60 = .02 hour) performing this activity. OSHA estimates that, in any given year, 25% (102,938) of the synthetic web slings are repaired.

Burden hours: 102,938 slings × 1/60 hour = 1,716 hours

Cost: 1,716 hours × $39.26 = $67,370

Table 1 - Estimated Annualized Burden hours and Costs

Information Collection Requirements (across Top of Rows)	Type of Respondent	Number of Respondents	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Number of Responses	Average Burden per Response (in hrs.)	Total Burden Hours	Average Hourly Wage Rate*	Total Burden Cost
(A) Alloy Steel Chain Slings (§1910.184(e))	Crane Operator	122	1	122	30/60	61	$39.26	2,395
		85,400	1	85,400	15/60	21,350		$838,201
		30,500	1	30,500	1/60	508		$19,944
(B) Wire Rope Slings 1910.184(f))	Crane Operator	915	1	915	30/60	458	$39.26	$17,981
		91,500	1	91,500	1/60	1,525		$59,872
(C) Metal Mesh Slings §1910.184(g))	Crane Operator	31	1	31	30/60	16	$39.26	$628
		3,050	1	3,050	1/60	51		$2,002
(D) Natural and Synthetic Fiber Rope Slings (§1910.184(h))	Crane Operator	46	1	46	30/60	23	$39.26	$903
(E) Synthetic Web Slings §1910.184(i))	Crane Operator	412	1	412	30/60	206	$39.26	$8,088
		102,938	1	102,938	1/60	1,716		$67,370
Unduplicated Total		315,914	--	314,914	--	25,914		$1,017,384

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 14.)

• 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 service 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.

• 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 respondent (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.

• 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.

Item 12 above provides the total cost of the information collection requirements specified by the Standard. There are no costs to the respondent other than their time.

14. Provide estimates of the 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 into a single table. OSHA would only review records in the context of an open investigation of a particular employer to determine compliance with the Standard.

There is no cost to the Federal Government associated with this information collection request. The disclosure of records during an inspection is not subject to the PRA under 5 CFR 1320.4(a)(2).  OSHA would only review records in the context of an open investigation of a particular employer to determine compliance with the Standard.  Therefore, OSHA takes no burden or cost in this Supporting Statement for disclosing information during an inspection.

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

OSHA is proposing to increase of the existing burden hour estimate specified by the Standard from 23,614 to 25,914 a difference of 2,300 hours. The increase occurred because of the rise in the number of Slings.

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 the Standard.

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.

"Yes. These citations contain references to all the currently valid OMB control numbers (e.g., 1910.8: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9705). The expiration dates related to those control numbers is published in the Federal Register, as has been OSHA's tradition."

OSHA lists current valid control numbers in §§1910.8, 1915.8, 1917.4, 1918.4, and 1926.5 and publishes the expiration date in the Federal Register notice announcing OMB approval of the information collection requirement (see 5 CFR 1320.3(f)(3)). OSHA believes that this is the most appropriate and accurate mechanism to inform interested parties of these expiration dates.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

OSHA is not seeking an exception.

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

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

Table 2--Proposed Burden Hour Adjustments

Information Collection Requirement	Current Burden Hours	Proposed Burden Hours	Adjustment (Hours)	Cost Under Item 12	Responses	Explanation of Adjustment
(A) Alloy Steel Chain
§1910.184 (e)(1)	54	61	+7	$2,396	122	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of alloy steel chain slings from 108,000 to 122,000.
§1910.184(e)(3)(i)	18,900	21,350	+2,450	$838,201	85,400	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of alloy steel chain slings from 108,000 to 122,000.
§1910.184(e)(4)	540	508	-32	$19,944	30,500	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of alloy steel chain slings from 108,000 to 122,000.
(B) Wire Rope Slings
§1910.184(f)(1)	405	458	+53	$17,981	915	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of wire rope slings from 810,000 to 915,000.
§1910.184(f)(4)(ii)	1,620	1,525	-95	$59,872	91,500	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of wire rope slings from 810,000 to 915,000.
(C) Metal Mesh Slings
§1910.184(g)(1)	14	16	+2	$628	31	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of metal mesh slings from 27,000 to 30,500.
§1910.184(g)(8)(ii)	54	51	-3	$2,002	3,050	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of metal mesh slings from 27,000 to 30,500.
(D) Natural and Synthetic Fiber Rope Slings
§1910.184(h)(1)	21	23	+2	$903	46	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of natural and synthetic fiber slings from 40,500 to 45,750.
(E) Synthetic Web Slings
§1910.184(i)(1)	183	206	+23	$8,088	412	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of synthetic web slings from 364,500 to 411,750.
§1910.184(i)(8)(ii)	1,823	1,715	-107	$67,370	102,938	Assumptions for burden estimates indicates an increase in the number of synthetic web slings from 364,500 to 411,750.
TOTALS	23,614	25,914	2,300	$1,017,384	314,914

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

2OSHA contacted two chain and wire companies to obtain information on the number of chain slings in use. The Agency was not able to obtain data from industry representatives on the number of slings in use; therefore, for this ICR, OSHA extrapolated from the change in the number of slings from 2008 (1,000,000) to 2010 (1,116,667) and estimated the 2017 value, based on the assumption that the number of slings has increased at the same average annual rate since 2008.

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