1218-0233 Supporting Statement (202001002) Final

The Standard on Rigging Equipment (29 CFR 1926.251)

Final Supporting Statement--1218-0233

October 31, 2020

SUPPORTING STATEMENT FOR

THE INFORMATION COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS OF

THE STANDARD ON RIGGING EQUIPMENT

FOR MATERIAL HANDLING (29 CFR 1926.251)¹

OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB)

CONTROL NO. 1218-0233 (September 2020)

This ICR is requesting the extension of a currently approved data collection.

1. 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(b)).

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 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.” 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(b)(7)).

With regard to recordkeeping, the Act specifies that “[e]ach employer shall make, keep and preserve, and make available to the Secretary [of Labor] or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, such records . . . activities relating to this chapter as the Secretary [of Labor] . . . may prescribe by regulation as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of this [Act]. (29 U.S.C. 657(c)(1)). The Act states further that “[t]he Secretary [of Labor] . . . 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(g)(2)).

Under the authority granted by the Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (i.e., “OSHA” or “the Agency”) published at 29 CFR 1926.251 a safety standard for construction regulating rigging equipment for material handling (i.e., “the Standard”). The collection of

information (paperwork) provisions of the Standard specify affixing identification tags or markings on rigging equipment, marking special custom design lifting accessories, shift inspections, periodic inspections, developing and maintaining inspection records, and maintaining dates and results of certain shackle/hook load tests. Items 2 and 12 below describe in detail the specific information collection requirements of the Standard.

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 rigging equipment. The purpose of each of these requirements is to prevent workers from using defective or deteriorated equipment, thereby, reducing their risk of death or serious injury caused by equipment failure during material handling.

Paragraph (a) of the Standard applies generally to all rigging used in construction.

Paragraph (a)(2)(i) requires all employers to ensure in part that the rigging equipment: “Has permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load…”

This information, according to longstanding consensus standard requirements and industry practice, is affixed by the manufacturer before sale of the equipment.

Paragraph (b) of the Standard covers alloy steel chains.

Paragraph (b)(1) requires that “[w]elded alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and sling manufacturer.

Paragraph (b)(6)(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 (b)(6)(ii) requires the employer to make a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, then maintain and make the inspection record available for examination. (Paragraph (b)(6)(i) requires employers to make a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings depending on use at intervals in no event longer than 12 months).

Paragraph (c) of the Standard regulates use of wire rope.

Paragraph (c)(15)(i) regulates end attachments, in particular that the “[w]elding of end attachments, except covers to thimbles, [ ] be performed prior to the assembly of the sling.”

Paragraph (c)(15)(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. This document is, by industry practice, provided by the manufacturer/vendor of the end attachment and is maintained by the employer for examination.

Paragraph (16) Wire rope slings shall have permanently affixed, legible identification markings stating size, rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one.

It is industry practice for manufacturers to permanently mark or tag all wire rope with the requisite information. Thus, the Agency concludes that paragraph (c)(16) will not impose any new cost burden on affected employers. Having the safe working loads information marked on slings (instead of located in tables) provides employers with readily available and up-to-date sling information. Even if the Agency has no information to quantify this effect to employers, OSHA believes that it will provide benefits to employers by permitting readily available and up-to date sling information.

Paragraph (d) of the standard regulates use of natural rope and synthetic fiber.

Paragraph (d)(7) Employers must use natural- and synthetic-fiber rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings that state the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.

It is industry practice for manufacturers to permanently mark or tag all natural rope and fiber slings with the requisite information. Thus, the Agency concludes that paragraph (d) will not impose any new cost burden on affected employers. Having the safe working loads information marked on slings (instead of located in tables) provides employers with readily available and up-to-date sling information. Even if the Agency has no information to quantify this effect to employers, OSHA believes that it will provide benefits to employers by permitting readily available and up-to date sling information.

Paragraph (e) of the Standard regulates use of synthetic webbing (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene) in construction.

Paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (ii), (iii) requires that synthetic web slings be marked or coded to show the manufacturer’s trademark or name, rated capacities for type of hitch, and type of synthetic web material. By industry practice this is done by the manufacturer before sale and may be stitched into the webbing or affixed in another permanent manner.

Paragraph (f) of the Standard regulates shackles and hooks.

Paragraph (f)(2) requires that all hooks for which no applicable manufacturer’s recommendations are available be tested to twice the intended safe working load before they are put into use. The employer shall maintain a record of the dates and results of the tests. (Industry practice is for shackles and hooks to have the manufacturer’s recommendation [safe working load] stamped on the device itself.)

The information on the identification tags, markings or codings, provide employers with the safe working load of each piece of rigging and therefor the riggings appropriateness for a lifting task. The rigging inspections enable early detection of faulty equipment. The inspection records provide employers with information about the interval between inspections made and facilitate gauging deterioration of the inspected equipment. This information provides some assurance about the condition of the rigging equipment and its continued use. These records also provide the most efficient means for an OSHA compliance officer to determine that an employer is complying with the Standard. Load and proof-testing certifications give employers, workers, and OSHA compliance officers assurance that the equipment is safe to use. The certifications also provide the compliance officers with an efficient means to assess employer compliance with the Standard.

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 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 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 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 the Standard are the minimum frequencies necessary to effectively regulate rigging equipment for material handling and, thereby, fulfills 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(b). Accordingly, if employers do not perform the required information collections, or delay in providing this information, workers may inadvertently use defective or deteriorated rigging equipment; thereby, increasing their probability of death and serious injury caused by equipment 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 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 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 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, 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 may mitigate against 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 June 24, 2020, (85 FR 37960) soliciting public comments on its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of the collection of information requirements specified by the Standard on Rigging Equipment for Material Handling (29 CFR 1926.251). This notice was part of a preclearance consultation program that provided the general public and government agencies with an opportunity to comment. The Agency received one response in reference to this notice from a Ms. Helen Harris (private citizen) under Docket No. OSHA-2010-0038-0012.

The commenter expressed support for the continuance of the information collection requirements of 29 CFR 1926.251. In particular, the commenter stated that the regulatory requirements are necessary “to prevent rigging failure, injuries, and fatalities”, and further stated that she “fully supported continuation of the collection requirements.”

However, the commenter expressed a concern regarding the accuracy of OSHA’s estimate of the burden time (time and cost) of the information collection requirements. In particular, the commenter stated that the calculation of the estimated burden hours in the June 2020 Supporting Statement for 29 CFR 1926.251 “seems to focus on the rigging equipment used solely by cranes and derricks used in construction” and “does not seem to include rigging equipment provided by subcontractors and service providers to move equipment on construction sites by way of attachment to a crane’s hook or slings.” The commenter also suggested that “In the event the agency intentionally excluded rigging for this type of arrangement in their calculations, adding clarifying verbiage in the Statement of Support would be helpful.”

OSHA’s Response:

The regulatory requirements in 29 CFR 1926.251 apply to all rigging equipment used in construction, including rigging equipment provided by subcontractors and service providers engaged in construction work. The corresponding burden hours and costs in the Supporting Statement are intended to include all such equipment. As explained in section A.12 of the Supporting Statement, the total number of pieces of such equipment was calculated by applying a multiplier to the number of cranes and derricks. This calculation is not intended to represent only the equipment used solely by those cranes and derricks. As the commenter points out, many slings may be used by employers independently of the operation of any particular crane or derrick. OSHA’s calculation of the burden hours and costs captures these slings by estimating that the total number of all slings covered by the Standard is about ten times the number of cranes and derricks.

As OSHA did not exclude rigging equipment provided by subcontractors and service providers in the calculation of the burden hours and costs, OSHA will also decline to adopt the suggestion of the commenter that “In the event the agency intentionally excluded rigging for this type of arrangement in their calculations, adding clarifying verbiage in the Statement of Support would be helpful.”

The commenter did not provide the agency with any changes to its estimated burden hours or costs associated with this ICR and, given the above explanation, OSHA will retain its current burden hour and cost estimates.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment 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 reason 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.

The provision does not involve collection of 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 and aggregate the hour burdens.

· 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.

Based on information taken from the Final Economic Analysis of the Final Rule on Cranes and Derricks in Construction, OSHA estimated that there were 115,829 cranes and derricks in the construction industry. Based on previous information provided by sling and competent manufacturers who are members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Subcommittee on Slings, ASME B30.9, the Agency estimates that for each crane and derrick, there are about 10 slings/shackles/hooks, for a total of 1,158,290 pieces. In addition the Agency believes that 15% (173,744) of these pieces are alloy-steel chains, 75% (868,718) are wire rope slings, 8% (92,663) are synthetic webbing, and 2% (23,166) are shackles/hooks. Agency staff estimates that virtually no fiber rope slings are used in construction rigging applications.

The Agency determined the wage rate from mean hourly wage earnings to represent the cost of employee time. The following hourly wage rates for the relevant occupational categories have been derived from the National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates United States, May 2019, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 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 2019 [date accessed: May 2020]. Fringe markup is from the following BLS release: Employer Costs for Employee Compensation news release text; released 10:00 AM (EDT), December 2019. (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm). BLS reported that for civilian workers, fringe benefits accounted for 29.9 percent of total compensation and wages accounted for the remaining 70.1 percent. To calculate the loaded hourly wage for each occupation, the Agency divided the mean hourly wage by 1 minus the fringe benefits.

TABLE 1 WAGE HOUR ESTIMATES
Occupational Title	Standard Occupational Code	Mean Hour Wage Rate (A)	Fringe Benefits (B)	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate (C) = (A)/((1-(B))
Construction Worker	(47-2061)	$20.06	.299	$28.62

Burden Hour and Cost Summary

Alloy Steel Chains

Paragraph (b)(1) requires that alloy steel chains have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and sling manufacturer. 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. Sling identification is maintained by the user to ensure it is legible during the life of the sling. If replacement of sling identification becomes necessary, the sling would be repaired by a sling manufacturer or qualified persons.

If the tag comes off, another tag or type of 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, perhaps as low as .1% (174), and it would take 30 minutes (30/60 hour) to acquire the information, make a new tag, and another 30 minutes (30/60 hour) to affix the tag to the sling. This task would be performed by a qualified person or manufacturer.

Burden hours: 174 slings x 30/60 hour= 87 hours

Cost: 87 hours x $28.62 = $2,490

Burden hours: 174 slings x 30/60 hour = 87 hours

Cost: 87 hours x $28.62 = $2,490

Paragraph (b)(6)(i) requires the employer to make a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use on a regular basis but at intervals not greater than every 12 months. Paragraph (b)(6)(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. It is estimated that it takes 15 minutes (15/60 hour) for a construction worker to conduct the inspection, and to generate, maintain and disclose the inspection record once a year.

Burden hours: 173,744 slings x 15/60 hour = 43,436 hours

Cost: 43,436 hours x $28.62 = $1,243,138

Welded End Attachments on Wire Rope Slings

Paragraph (c)(15)(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

the certificate of proof. OSHA estimates that 10% (86,872) of wire rope slings have welded end attachments. There is 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 and disclose the certificate at the time of an inspection. OSHA estimates that a construction worker spends 3 minutes (3/60 hour) per sling (with welded end attachments) to complete this task.

Burden hours: 86,872 slings x 3/60 hour = 4,344 hours

Cost: 4,344 hours x $28.62 = $124,325

Identification Markings on Wire Rope Slings

Paragraph (c)(16) requires that wire rope slings have permanently affixed, legible identification markings stating size, rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one. This information will be provided by the manufacturer as a usual and customary practice at the time of sale.

If the tag comes off, another tag or type of 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, estimated at .1% (869), and it would take 20 minutes (20/60 hour) to acquire the information, make a new tag, and another 20 minutes (20/60 hour) to affix the tag to the sling. This task would be performed by a qualified person or the manufacturer.

Burden hours: 869 slings x 20/60 hour = 290 hours

290 hours x 28.62 = $8,300

Burden hours: 869 slings x 20/60 hour = 290 hours

290 hours x 28.62 = $8,300

Synthetic Webbing (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene)

Paragraph (e)(1)(i), (ii), (iii) requires that synthetic web sling be marked or coded to show the manufacturer’s trademark, rated capacities for the type of hitch, and type of synthetic web material. This information will be provided by the manufacturer as a usual and customary practice at the time of sale. However, there is no requirement to remark a defaced sling. An employer may choose to scrap, replace or send the sling to the manufacturer or a similarly qualified entity for marking as prescribed by the manufacturer.

This information will be provided by the manufacturer as a usual and customary practice at the time of sale. Under 1926.2519(a)(2)(i) the employer must ensure rigging equipment has permanently affixed legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate safe working load. OSHA estimates that it will take a construction worker about 30 minutes (30/60 hour) to acquire the information and attach the marking or coding. OSHA estimates that few slings, about .1% (93), fall into this category.

Burden hours: 93 slings x 30/60 hour = 47 hours

Cost: 47 hours x $28.62 = $1,345

Shackles and Hooks

Paragraph 1926.251(f)(2) specifies that “[a]ll hooks for which no applicable manufacturer's recommendations are available shall be tested to twice the intended safe working load before they are initially put into use. The employer shall maintain a record of the dates and results of such tests.”

OSHA estimates that the manufacturer’s recommendations will be available for 90% of the 23,166 devices, leaving only 10% without manufacturer’s recommendations to follow. Conservatively estimating that shackles and hooks are equally represented that means approximately 5% of the devices (1,158 hooks) are subject to this requirement. The option to test a hook or to replace it rests with the individual employer. Load testing is done following a protocol known to certain qualified entities including some manufacturers using consensus standards. Few employers meet these prerequisites. Since testing or replacing with a properly identified hook is an option available to each employer the Agency is not taking burden for this requirement.

OSHA assumes that some of the users will choose to test the hook to twice its intended working load rather than call the manufacturer to obtain the information. Therefore, OSHA estimates that it will take about 20 minutes (20/60 hour) per hook to conduct the test to determine the working load and an additional 5 minutes (5/60) to develop, maintain, and disclose the certification record for a total of 25 minutes (25/60 hour). If the user elects to obtain the information from the manufacturer instead of performing the test, it will take about 35 minutes (35/60 hour) per hook to make the necessary phone calls and get the information. The time, thus, is averaged at 30 minutes (30/60 hour). A construction worker earning $28.62 per hour will make the phone call or conduct the test.

Burden hours: 1,158 hooks x 30/60 hour = 579 hours

Cost: 579 hour x $28.62 = $16,571

Table 2: Summary of Responses, Burden Hours, and Cost

Information Collection Requirement	Number of Respondents a	Frequency per Respondent b	Total Number of Responses c = a x b	Time per Response d	Burden Hours e = c x d	Wage Rate f	Cost g = e x f
Alloy Steel Chains -- §1926.251(b) (1)	174 174	1 1	174 174	30/60 hour 30/60 hour	87 87	$28.62 $28.62	$2,490 $2,490
§1926.251(b)(6) (i) and (ii)	173,744	1	173,744	15/60 hour	43,436	$28.62	$1,243,138
Wire Rope Slings – Welded End Attachments -- §1926.251(c) (15)(ii)	86,872	1	86,872	3/60 hour	4,344	$28.62	$124,325
Wire Rope Slings --§1926.251(c) (16)	869 869	1 1	869 869	20/60 hour 20/60 hour	290 290	$28.62 $28.62	$8,300 $8,300
Synthetic Webbing – §§1926.251(e) (1(i), (ii), (iii)	93	1	93	30/60 hour	47	$28.62	$1,345
Shackles and Hooks	1,158	1	1,158	30/60 hour	579	$28.62	$16,571
Total	263,953		263,953		49,160		$1,398,667

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 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.

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.

There is no cost to the Federal Government.

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

There is an adjustment decrease of 3,268 burden hours (from 52,428 hours to 49,160 hours). This decrease is a result of new data indicating a decrease in the number of cranes and derricks from 122,091 to 115,829.

Table 3: Requested Burden-Hour Adjustments

Information Collection Requirement	Current Burden Hours	Requested Burden Hours	Adjustment	Explanation of Adjustment
Alloy Steel Chains -- §1926.251(b)(1) §1926.251(b)(6)(ii)	183 45,784	174 43,436	-9 -2,348	The decrease is a result of new data indicating a change in the number of alloy steel chains from 183,137 to 173,744.
Wire Rope Slings – Welded End Attachments -- §1926.251(c)(15)(ii)	4,578	4,344	-234	The decrease is a result of new data indicating a change in the number of wire rope slings from 915,683 to 868,718.
Wire Rope Slings – Identification Markings -- §1926.251 (c)(16)	613	579	-34	The decrease is a result of new data indicating a change in the number of wire rope slings from 915,683 to 868,718.
Synthetic Webbing – §§1926.251(e)(1)(i), (ii), (iii)	49	47	-2	The decrease is a result of new data indicating a change in the number of synthetic webbing from 97,673 to 92,663.
Shackles and Hooks – §1926.251(f)	1,221	579	-642	The decrease is a result of new data indicating change in the number of shackles and hooks from 24,418 to 23,166.
TOTAL	52,428	49,160	-3,268

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.

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 to the certification statement.

2. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISICAL METHODS.

This Supporting Statement does not contain any collection of information requirements that employ statistical methods.

1 The 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, the Standard.

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