1219-0088 Published Frn 4-14-15

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices

agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/about-us/
erisa-advisory-council.
Organizations or members of the
public wishing to submit a written
statement may do so by submitting 40
copies on or before August 7, 2018, to
Larry Good, Executive Secretary, ERISA
Advisory Council, U.S. Department of
Labor, Suite N–5623, 200 Constitution
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.
Statements also may be submitted as
email attachments in word processing or
pdf format transmitted to good.larry@
dol.gov. It is requested that statements
not be included in the body of the
email. Statements deemed relevant by
the Advisory Council and received on or
before August 7 will be included in the
record of the meeting and made
available through the EBSA Public
Disclosure Room, along with witness
statements. Do not include any
personally identifiable information
(such as name, address, or other contact
information) or confidential business
information that you do not want
publicly disclosed. Written statements
submitted by invited witnesses will be
posted on the Advisory Council page of
the EBSA website, without change, and
can be retrieved by most internet search
engines.
Individuals or representatives of
organizations wishing to address the
Advisory Council should forward their
requests to the Executive Secretary or
telephone (202) 693–8668. Oral
presentations will be limited to 10
minutes, time permitting, but an
extended statement may be submitted
for the record. Individuals with
disabilities who need special
accommodations should contact the
Executive Secretary by August 7.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 9th day of
July 2018.
Preston Rutledge,
Assistant Secretary, Employee Benefits
Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2018–15207 Filed 7–16–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–29–P

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

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[OMB Control No. 1219–0088]

Proposed Extension of Information
Collection; Ventilation Plans, Tests,
and Examinations in Underground
Coal Mines
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
AGENCY:

The Department of Labor, as
part of its continuing effort to reduce

SUMMARY:

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paperwork and respondent burden,
conducts a pre-clearance consultation
program to provide the general public
and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed
collections of information in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995. This program helps to ensure that
requested data can be provided in the
desired format, reporting burden (time
and financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly
understood, and the impact of collection
requirements on respondents can be
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine
Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the
information collection for Ventilation
Plans, Tests, and Examinations in
Underground Coal Mines.
DATES: All comments must be received
on or before September 17, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the
information collection requirements of
this notice may be sent by any of the
methods listed below.
• Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments for docket number MSHA–
2018–0025.
• Regular Mail: Send comments to
USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
VA 22202–5452.
• Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety
and Health Administration, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the
receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via
the East elevator.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
MSHA, at
[email protected]
(email); (202) 693–9440 (voice); or (202)
693–9441 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes
MSHA to collect information necessary
to carry out its duty in protecting the
safety and health of miners. Under
Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
Act), the Secretary of Labor (Secretary)
may by rule in accordance with
procedures set forth in this section and
in accordance with section 553 of Title
5, United States Code (without regard to
any reference in such section to sections
556 and 557 of such title), develop,
promulgate, and revise as may be

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appropriate, improved mandatory
health or safety standards for the
protection of life and prevention of
injuries in coal or other mines. In
addition, section 303 requires that all
underground coal mines be ventilated
by mechanical ventilation equipment
installed and operated in a manner
approved by an authorized
representative of the Secretary and such
equipment be examined daily and a
record be kept of such examination.
Underground coal mines usually
present harsh and hostile working
environments. The ventilation system is
the most vital life support system in
underground mining and a properly
operating ventilation system is essential
for maintaining a safe and healthful
working environment. Lack of adequate
ventilation in underground mines has
resulted in fatalities from asphyxiation
and explosions.
An underground mine is a maze of
tunnels that must be adequately
ventilated with fresh air to provide a
safe environment for miners. Methane is
liberated from the strata, and noxious
gases and dusts from blasting and other
mining activities may be present. The
explosive and noxious gases and dusts
must be diluted, rendered harmless, and
carried to the surface by the ventilating
currents. Sufficient air must be provided
to maintain the level of respirable dust
at or below specific exposure limits and
air quality must be maintained in
accordance with MSHA standards.
Mechanical ventilation equipment of
sufficient capacity must operate at all
times while miners are in the mine.
Ground conditions are subject to
frequent changes, thus sufficient tests
and examinations are necessary to
ensure the integrity of the ventilation
system and to detect any changes that
may require adjustments in the system.
Records of tests and examinations are
necessary to ensure that the ventilation
system is being maintained and that
changes which could adversely affect
the integrity of the system or the safety
of the miners are not occurring. These
examination, reporting and
recordkeeping requirements of sections
75.310, 75.312, 75.342, 75.351, 75.360
through 75.364, 75.370, 75.371, and
75.382 also incorporate examinations of
other critical aspects of the underground
work environment such as roof
conditions and electrical equipment
which have historically caused
numerous fatalities when not properly
maintained and operated.
Section 75.362, On-shift
Examinations, was revised at subsection
75.362 (a)(2) and (g)(2)-(4) by MSHA’s
rule titled ‘‘Lowering Miners’ Exposure
to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices
Continuous Personal Dust Monitors, ’’
published May 1, 2014. This rule also
revised subsection 75.371(f) and (j).
Subsection 75.362(a)(2) requires that a
person designated by the operator
conduct an examination and record the
results and the corrective actions taken
to assure compliance with the respirable
dust control parameters specified in the
approved mine ventilation plan.
Under subsection 75.362(g)(2)(i), the
certified person directing the on-shift
examination must certify by initials,
date, and time on a board maintained at
the section load out or similar location
showing that the examination was made
prior to resuming production. No
increased burden is estimated for
section 75.362(g)(2)(i) in this
Information Collection Request (ICR)
because MSHA does not expect the
burden to be different from the burden
in existing section 75.362(g)(2)).
Under section 75.362(g)(2)(ii), the
certified person directing the on-shift
examination must verify, by initials,
date and time, the record of the results
of the examination required under
section 75.362(a)(2) to assure
compliance with the respirable dust
control parameters specified in the mine
ventilation plan. Further, section
75.362(g)(3) requires a mine foreman or
equivalent mine official to countersign
each examination record required under
section 75.362(a)(2) after it is verified by
the certified person under section
75.362(g)(2)(ii), and no later than the
end of the mine foreman’s or equivalent
mine official’s next regularly scheduled
working shift. Section 75.362(g)(2)(ii)
and (g)(3) are additional burdens that
are accounted for in this ICR and
75.362(g)(2)(ii)(4) requires the records
be retained at a surface location at the
mine for at least 1 year and shall be
made available for inspection by
authorized representatives of the
Secretary and the representative of
miners.
Paragraph (a)(2) in section 75.370
(Mine ventilation plan; submission and
approval) contains the burden for
underground coal mine operators to
submit mine ventilation plan revisions
for District Manager approval. Each
mine ventilation plan must include
information that is specified by section
75.371 (Mine ventilation plan;
contents).
Section 75.371(f) adds the following
information that a mine operator must
include in the mine ventilation plan: the
minimum quantity of air that will be
delivered to the working section for
each mechanized mining unit (MMU),
and the identification by make and
model, of each different dust
suppression system used on equipment

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on each working section, including: (1)
The number, types, location,
orientation, operating pressure, and
flow rate of operating water sprays; (2)
the maximum distance that ventilation
control devices will be installed from
each working face when mining or
installing roof bolts in entries and
crosscuts; (3) procedures for
maintaining the roof bolter dust
collection system in approved
condition; and (4) recommended best
work practices for equipment operators
to minimize dust exposure.
Section 75.371(j) adds a requirement
that for machine mounted dust
collectors, the ventilation plan must
include the type and size of dust
collector screens used and a description
of the procedures to be followed to
properly maintain dust collectors used
on the equipment.
Section 75.370(a)(2) requires all
underground coal mine operators to
submit revisions for mine ventilation
plans to MSHA. The burden to submit
the additional information required by
section 75.371(f) and (j) as proposed
revisions to the plan is accounted for in
this package under section 75.370(a)(2).
In addition, section 75.370(a)(3)(i)
requires underground coal mine
operators to notify the miners’
representative at least 5 days prior to
submission of mine ventilation plan
revisions and, if requested, provide a
copy of the revisions to the miners’
representative at the time of
notification. Section 75.370(a)(3)(iii)
and (f)(3) require the operator to post a
copy of the plan revisions, and section
75.370(f)(1) requires that the operator
provide a copy of the revisions to the
miners’ representative, if requested.
MSHA assumes that a copy of the
revisions will be requested. The burdens
for notification, providing requested
copies, and posting associated with
mine ventilation plan revisions
resulting from section 75.371(f) and (j)
are accounted for in this package under
section 75.370(a)(3)(i), (f)(1), (a)(3)(iii),
and (f)(3) respectively.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments
concerning the proposed information
collection related to Ventilation Plans,
Tests, and Examinations in
Underground Coal Mines. MSHA is
particularly interested in comments
that:
• Evaluate whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Agency, including whether the
information has practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of MSHA’s
estimate of the burden of the collection

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33253

of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
• Suggest methods to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses.
The information collection request
will be available on http://
www.regulations.gov. MSHA cautions
the commenter against providing any
information in the submission that
should not be publicly disclosed. Full
comments, including personal
information provided, will be made
available on www.regulations.gov and
www.reginfo.gov.
The public may also examine publicly
available documents at USDOL-Mine
Safety and Health Administration, 201
12th South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, VA
22202–5452. Sign in at the receptionist’s
desk on the 4th floor via the East
elevator.
Questions about the information
collection requirements may be directed
to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this
notice.
III. Current Actions
This request for collection of
information contains provisions for
Ventilation Plans, Tests, and
Examinations in Underground Coal
Mines. MSHA has updated the data
with respect to the number of
respondents, responses, burden hours,
and burden costs supporting this
information collection request.
Type of Review: Extension, without
change, of a currently approved
collection.
Agency: Mine Safety and Health
Administration.
OMB Number: 1219–0088.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit.
Number of Respondents: 255.
Frequency: On occasion.
Number of Responses: 1,164,908.
Annual Burden Hours: 142,550 hours.
Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper
Cost: $91,870.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and
included in the request for Office of
Management and Budget approval of the

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2018 / Notices

information collection request; they will
also become a matter of public record.
Sheila McConnell,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018–15217 Filed 7–16–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P

Sheila McConnell, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
MSHA, at
[email protected]
(email); (202) 693–9440 (voice); or (202)
693–9441 (facsimile).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

I. Background

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
Act), 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes
MSHA to collect information necessary
to carry out its duty in protecting the
safety and health of miners. Further,
section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C.
811, authorizes the Secretary of Labor
(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.
Accidents involving falls of roof, face,
and rib in underground mines or falls of
highwall in surface mines, historically,
have been among the leading causes of
injuries and deaths. Prevention or
control of falls of roof, face, and rib is
uniquely difficult because of the variety
of conditions encountered in mines that
can affect the stability of various types
of strata and the changing nature of the
forces affecting ground stability at any
given operation and time. Roof and rock
bolts and accessories are an integral part
of ground control systems and are used
to prevent the fall of roof, face, and rib.
Advancements in technology of roof and
rock bolts and accessories have aided in
reducing the hazards associated with
falls of roof, face, and rib.
The American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) publication
‘‘Standard Specification for Roof and
Rock Bolts and Accessories’’ is a
consensus standard used throughout the
United States. It contains specifications
for the chemical, mechanical, and
dimensional requirements for roof and
rock bolts and accessories used for
ground support systems. The ASTM
standard for roof and rock bolts and
accessories is updated periodically to
reflect advances in technology.
Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations,
Parts 56 and 57 Subpart B-Ground
Control, section 56.3203 and section
57.3203, and Part 75 Subpart C-Roof
Support, section 75.204, address the
quality of roof and rock bolts and
accessories and their installation.
MSHA’s objective in these regulations is
to ensure the quality and effectiveness
of roof and rock bolts and accessories
and, as technology evolves, to allow for
the use of new materials which are

[OMB Control No. 1219–0121]

Proposed Extension of Information
Collection; Safety Standards for Roof
Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and
Underground Coal Mines
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
AGENCY:

The Department of Labor, as
part of its continuing effort to reduce
paperwork and respondent burden,
conducts a pre-clearance consultation
program to provide the general public
and Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on proposed
collections of information in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995. This program helps to ensure that
requested data can be provided in the
desired format, reporting burden (time
and financial resources) is minimized,
collection instruments are clearly
understood, and the impact of collection
requirements on respondents can be
properly assessed. Currently, the Mine
Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) is soliciting comments on the
information collection for Safety
Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and
Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal
Mines.
DATES: All comments must be received
on or before September 17, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning the
information collection requirements of
this notice may be sent by any of the
methods listed below.
• Federal E-Rulemaking Portal:
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
on-line instructions for submitting
comments for docket number MSHA–
2018–0027.
• Regular Mail: Send comments to
USDOL–MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
VA 22202–5452.
• Hand Delivery: USDOL-Mine Safety
and Health Administration, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
VA 22202–5452. Sign in at the
receptionist’s desk on the 4th floor via
the East elevator.
SUMMARY:

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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proven to be reliable and effective in
controlling the mine roof, face, and rib.
Title 30 CFR 56.3203(a), 57.3203(a),
and 75.204(a) require: (1) That mine
operators obtain a certification from the
manufacturer that roof and rock bolts
and accessories are manufactured and
tested in accordance with the applicable
ASTM specifications, and (2) that the
manufacturer’s certification is made
available to an authorized representative
of the Secretary.
Title 30 CFR 56.3203(h) and
57.3203(h) require that if the mine
operator uses other tensioned and
nontensioned fixtures and accessories
for ground control that are not
addressed by the applicable ASTM
standard listed in sections 56.3203(a)
and 57.3203(a), test methods must be
established by the mine operator and
used to verify their ground control
effectiveness. Title 30 CFR 56.3203(i)
and 57.3203(i) require that the mine
operator certify that the tests developed
under sections 56.3203(h) and
57.3203(h) were conducted and such
certifications be made available to an
authorized representative of the
Secretary.
Title 30 CFR 75.204(f)(6) requires that
the mine operator or a person
designated by the operator certify by
signature and date the measurements
required by paragraph (f)(5) of this
section have been made. Paragraph (f)(5)
requires that in working places from
which coal is produced during any
portion of a 24-hour period, the actual
torque or tension on at least one out of
every ten previously installed
mechanically anchored tensioned roof
bolts is measured from the outby corner
of the last open crosscut to the face in
each advancing section. This
certification shall be maintained for at
least one year and shall be made
available to an authorized representative
of the Secretary and representatives of
the miners.
MSHA has found that the certification
requirements have been successful in
maintaining compliance with
requirements for roof and rock bolts and
accessories.
II. Desired Focus of Comments
MSHA is soliciting comments
concerning the proposed information
collection related to Safety Standards
for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal
Mines and Underground Coal Mines.
MSHA is particularly interested in
comments that:
• Evaluate whether the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Agency, including whether the
information has practical utility;

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