1219-0140 Supporting Statement 2026

High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines

OMB Control Number: 1219-0140

OMB Expiration Date: 1/31/2026

Supporting Statement for

High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

This information collection request (ICR) seeks to extend, without change, a currently approved information collection.

OMB Control Number: 1219-0140

Information Collection Request Title: High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines

Type of OMB Review: Extension

Authority:

Part 75 – Mandatory Safety Standards—Underground Coal Mines

Subpart I – Underground High-Voltage Distribution

30 CFR 75.829 – Tramming continuous mining machines in and out of the mine and from section to section.

30 CFR 75.831 – Electrical work; troubleshooting and testing.

30 CFR 75.832 – Frequency of examinations; recordkeeping.

Collection Instrument(s): None

General Instructions

A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR 1320.5(a)(i)(iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement must be prepared in the format described below and must contain the information specified in Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses or employ statistical methods” is checked "Yes", Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

A. Justification

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

Section 103(h) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), as amended, 30 U.S.C. 813(h), authorizes the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to collect information necessary to carry out its duty in protecting the safety and health of miners. Further, section 101(a) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 811(a), 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, metal, and nonmetal mines.

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) governs paperwork burdens imposed on the public by Federal agencies for using identical questions to collect information from 10 or more persons. The PRA defines paperwork burden in 44 U.S.C. 3502(2) as time, effort, or financial resources expended to generate, maintain, or provide information to or for a Federal agency. Under 44 U.S.C. 3507, the PRA also establishes policies and procedures of information collection for controlling paperwork burdens imposed by Federal agencies on the public, including evaluating public comments. 

To fulfill its statutory mandate to promote miners’ health and safety, MSHA requires information under the information collection request (ICR) titled “High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machine Standards for Underground Coal Mines.” The information collection is intended to ensure that underground coal mine operators are conducting necessary examinations and tests relating to hazardous conditions encountered by miners working with and around high-voltage continuous mining machines (HVCMM). The records of these examinations and tests are critical to decisions that impact the health and safety of miners working with and around HVCMMs.

Requirements in 30 CFR part 75 provide for the safe use of HVCMMs for those underground coal mine operators that choose to use an HVCMM. These requirements for examination, maintenance, and recordkeeping on HVCMMs reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, ignition, and other operational hazards.

Burden costs associated with the ICR include:

1. Examinations and corrective actions prior to tramming HVCMMs in and out of the mine and from section to section;

2. Locking out and tagging of high-voltage trailing cables; and

3. Examinations, corrective actions, and recordkeeping of HVCMMs.

Authorization and the associated rule text are described below.

1. Examinations and Corrective Actions Prior to Tramming HVCMMs in and out of the Mine and from Section to Section

Under 30 CFR 75.829(b)(1), prior to tramming the HVCMM, a qualified person must activate the ground-fault and ground-wire monitor test circuits of the power sources (medium-voltage power source and step-up transformer) to assure that the corresponding circuit-interrupting device opens the circuit. Corrective actions and recordkeeping resulting from these tests must be in accordance with paragraphs 75.832(f) and (g).

Under 30 CFR 75.829(b)(2), prior to tramming the HVCMM and where applicable, a person designated by the mine operator must activate the test circuit for the grounded-phase detection circuit on the HVCMM to assure that the detection circuit is functioning properly. Corrective actions resulting from these tests must be in accordance with paragraph 75.832(f).

Under 30 CFR 75.832(f), when examinations or tests of equipment reveal a risk of fire, electrical shock, ignition, or operational hazard, the equipment must be immediately removed from service or repaired.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(1), at the completion of examinations required for HVCMMs under paragraph 75.832(a), ground-fault test circuit verification under paragraph 75.832(b), and ground-wire monitor examinations and tests under paragraph 75.832(c), the person conducting the examinations and tests must:

(i) Certify by signature and date that the examinations and tests have been conducted.

(ii) Make a record of any unsafe condition found.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(2), any corrective actions must be recorded by the person taking the corrective action.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(3), these records must be countersigned by the mine foreman or equivalent mine official by the end of the mine foreman’s or equivalent mine official’s next regularly scheduled working shift.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(4), records must be maintained in a secure book that is not susceptible to alteration or electronically in a computer system that is secure and not susceptible to alteration.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(5), certifications and records must be kept for at least 1 year and must be made available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of miners.

2. Locking Out and Tagging of High-Voltage Trailing Cables

Under 30 CFR 75.831(a), prior to performing electrical work, other than troubleshooting and testing, on the high-voltage trailing cable or HVCMM, a qualified person must de-energize the power center and follow procedures specified below:

1. If a trailing cable disconnecting switch is provided:

1. Open and ground the power conductors, lock out and tag the disconnecting switch; and

2. Lock out and tag the plug to the power receptacle.

2. If a trailing cable disconnecting switch is not provided and a cable coupler is used as a disconnecting device:

1. Remove the plug from the power receptacle and connect it to the grounding receptacle;

2. Lock out and tag the plug to the grounding receptacle; and

3. Place a dust cover over the power receptacle.

Under 30 CFR 75.831(b), during troubleshooting and testing, the de-energized high-voltage cable may be disconnected from the power center only for that period of time necessary to locate the defective condition. Prior to troubleshooting and testing trailing cables, a qualified person must perform the following:

1. If a trailing cable disconnecting switch is provided:

1. Open and ground power conductors and lock out and tag the disconnecting switch;

2. Disconnect the plug from the power receptacle;

3. Lock out and tag the plug; and

4. Place a dust cover over the power receptacle.

2. If a trailing cable disconnecting switch is not provided and a cable coupler is used as a disconnecting device:

1. Remove the plug from the power receptacle and connect it to the grounding receptacle to ground the power conductors;

2. Remove the plug from the grounding receptacle and install a lock and tag on the plug; and

3. Place a dust cover over the power receptacle.

Under 30 CFR 75.831(d), before any work is performed inside any compartment of the power center, except for troubleshooting and testing energized circuits as specified in paragraph (c) regarding troubleshooting and testing limitations, a qualified person must:

1. De-energize affected circuits;

2. Open the corresponding disconnecting switch, lock it out, and tag it to assure the circuit is isolated;

3. Visually verify that the contacts of the disconnecting switch are open and grounded; and

4. Discharge all high-voltage capacitors and circuits.

Under 30 CFR 75.831(e)(1), when more than one qualified person is performing electrical work, including troubleshooting and testing, each person must install an individual lock and tag. Each lock and tag must be removed only by the persons who installed them.

Under 30 CFR 75.831(e)(2), if the person who installed the lock and tag is unavailable, the lock and tag may be removed by a person authorized by the operator, provided that:

1. The authorized person is a qualified person; and

2. The mine operator assures that the person who installed the lock and tag is aware that the lock and tag have been removed.

3. Examinations, Corrective Actions, and Recordkeeping of HVCMMs

III-1. Examinations and Tests

Under 30 CFR 75.832(a), at least once every 7 days, a qualified person must examine each HVCMM to verify that electrical protection, equipment grounding, permissibility, cable insulation, and control devices are properly installed and maintained.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(b), at least once every 7 days, and prior to tramming the HVCMM, a qualified person must activate the ground-fault test circuit to verify that it will cause the corresponding circuit-interrupting device to open.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(c), at least once every 7 days, and prior to tramming the HVCMM, a qualified person must examine and test each HVCMM ground-wire monitor circuit to verify that it will cause the corresponding circuit-interrupting device to open.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(d)(1), once each day during the shift that the HVCMM is first energized, a qualified person must de-energize and inspect the entire length of the high-voltage trailing cable from the power center to the HVCMM. The inspection must include examination of the outer jacket repairs and splices for damage, and assure guarding is provided where required.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(d)(2), at the beginning of each shift that the HVCMM is energized, a person designated by the mine operator must de-energize and visually inspect the high-voltage trailing cable for damage to the outer jacket. This inspection must be conducted from the HVCMM to the following locations:

1. The last open crosscut;

2. Within 150 feet of the working place during retreat or second mining; or

3. Up to 150 feet from the HVCMM when the machine is used in outby areas.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(e), when a grounded-phase test circuit is provided on an HVCMM, a person designated by the mine operator must activate the test circuit at the beginning of each production shift to assure that the detection circuit is functioning properly.

III-2. Corrective Actions

Under 30 CFR 75.832(f), when examinations or tests of equipment reveal a risk of fire, electrical shock, ignition, or operational hazard, the equipment must be immediately removed from service or repaired.

III-3. Certification and Recordkeeping

Results of examinations, tests, and corrective actions are recorded under 30 CFR 75.832(g).

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.

Safe procedures must be followed when performing electrical work, troubleshooting, and testing on high-voltage trailing cables or on an HVCMM. Locking out and tagging alerts other miners and prevents them from energizing a circuit while work is being done on it.

The records created under this information collection are used by underground coal mine supervisors and miners, as well as State and Federal mine inspectors. The records show if mine operators conducted necessary examinations and tests of HVCMMs. The records also give insight into the hazardous conditions that have been encountered by miners working with and around HVCMMs. The records of examinations and tests are critical in making decisions that impact the safety of miners working with HVCMMs.

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

No improved information technology has been identified that would reduce the burden of this collection. To comply with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, mine operators may create and store these records in whatever method they choose, including using computer technology to store records electronically.

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.

No similar or duplicate information is available or submitted to MSHA.

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

The information collection provisions apply to all mine operators, both large and small. Congress intended that the Secretary enforce the law at all mining operations within the Agency’s jurisdiction regardless of size and that information collection and recordkeeping requirements be consistent with efficient and effective enforcement of the Mine Act. [S. Rep. No. 95-181 (1977)]. Section 103(e) of the Mine Act, 30 U.S.C. 813(e), directs the Secretary not to impose an unreasonable burden on small businesses when obtaining any information under the Mine Act. MSHA considered the burden on small mines when developing this collection and believes that these information collection requirements that are imposed on all mining operators do not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses or other small entities.

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

To prevent fires, explosions, and electrocution hazards when using HVCMMs in underground coal mines, mine operators are required to conduct examinations and tests, supported by records that are certified by signature and date, to identify any unsafe conditions that were found and have been corrected. For the safety of miners working with and around HVCMMs, tagging and locking out the power supply cables to the power receptacle is also required. The frequency of examinations and testing of high-voltage trailing cables and HVCMMs, and associated record keeping requirements, are the minimum necessary requirements to ensure the safe operating conditions of HVCMMs.

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 statue 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.

This collection of information is consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.5.

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

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

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

In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d), MSHA will publish the proposed information collection requirements in the Federal Register, notify the public that these information collection requirements are being reviewed in accordance with the PRA, and provide 60 days for the public to submit comments. MSHA published a 60-day Federal Register notice on July 3, 2025 (90 FR 29579). MSHA received no comments.

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

MSHA does not provide payment or gifts to respondents.

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

There is no assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents.

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

There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

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

• 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.

Respondents

All information related to quantities and inspection rates are estimated by MSHA’s Headquarters Enforcement Division based on field experience with different types of mining operations, sizes of mines, and the frequency of inspections dictated by statute. Mine operators provide MSHA Headquarters Enforcement Division with the number of mines and employment, and from this information MSHA tracks the number of active and inactive mines and mine types throughout the United States.

Based on MSHA internal data, there were 152 underground coal mines in calendar year 2024 potentially affected by this information collection request. Of which, 3 underground coal mine operators reported using 11 HVCMMs.

Wage Rate Determinations¹

MSHA uses data from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for hourly wage rates² and adjusts the rates for benefits,³ wage inflation,⁴ and overhead costs.⁵ The occupations listed below in Table 12-1 are those that were determined to be relevant for the cost calculations.

Table 12-1. Hourly Wage Rates

Occupation	NAICS Code	Mean Wage Rate	Benefit Multiplier	Inflation Multiplier	Overhead Cost Multiplier	Loaded Hourly Wage Rate
		A	B	C	D	A x B x C x D
Electrician [a]	212100	$39.05	1.456	1.048	1.01	$60.18
Mining Foreman [b]	212100	$52.49	1.456	1.048	1.01	$80.89

Notes:

Benefit Multiplier – MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average 2023Q4-2024Q3 to determine that 31.3 percent of total loaded wages are benefits for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The benefit multiplier is 1.456 = 1+(0.313/ (1-0.313)).

Inflation Multiplier – The inflation multiplier is determined by using the employment price index from the most current quarter, 2024Q3, divided by the base year and quarter of the OEWS employment and wage statistics, 2023Q2, for private industry workers in construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, current dollar index. The inflation multiplier is 1.048 = 164.8/157.3.

Overhead Multiplier – MSHA uses the overhead multiplier of 1.01.

[a] The Standard Occupation Code (SOC) used for this occupation is (47-2111).

[b] The SOCs used for this occupation are (47-1011), (49-1011), (51-1011), and (53-1047).

Hour Burden

1. Examinations and Corrective Actions Prior to Tramming HVCMMs in and out of the Mine and from Section to Section

Under 30 CFR 75.829(b)(1), prior to tramming a HVCMM, a qualified person must activate the ground-fault and ground-wire monitor test circuits of the power sources including medium-voltage power sources and step-up transformers to assure that the corresponding circuit-interrupting device opens the circuit. Corrective actions and recordkeeping resulting from these tests must be in accordance with 30 CFR 75.832(f) and (g).

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(1), certifications by signature and date must be made after the test required by 30 CFR 75.829(b)(1) is conducted. Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(3) this record must be countersigned by the mine foreman or equivalent mine official by the end of the mine foreman's or the equivalent mine official's next regularly scheduled shift.

In accordance with 30 CFR 75.832(g)(2), any unsafe condition found during this testing must be recorded along with any corrective actions taken as described in paragraph 75.832(f).

Based on internal MSHA data, there are currently three underground coal mine operators that use 11 HVCMMs. MSHA estimates that on average there are two times per year that HVCMMs are trammed in and out of the mine and from section to section, resulting in 22 occurrences per year. MSHA also assumes that on average two corrective actions are reported annually for each of the 11 HVCMMs, resulting in 22 corrective actions per year.

MSHA estimates that it takes a coal mine electrician, earning $60.18 per hour, 3 minutes to certify by signature and date the examination results. MSHA estimates that it takes a coal mine electrician 6 minutes to make a corrective action record. MSHA estimates that it takes a mine foreman or equivalent mine official, earning $80.89 per hour, 6 minutes to review and countersign a corrective action record. Table 12-2 shows the time and cost burden for tramming HVCMMs.

Table 12-2. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Examinations and Corrective Actions Prior to Tramming HVCMMs (30 CFR 75.829(b), 75.832 (f) and (g))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Mine Operators)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Exams or Corrective Actions)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Record of Examinations (Electrician)	3	7.33	22	0.05	1.10	$60.18	$66.20
Corrective Actions
Record of Corrective Actions (Electrician)	3	7.33	22	0.10	2.20	$60.18	$132.40
Certification of Corrective Actions (Mine Foreman)	3	7.33	22	0.10	2.20	$80.89	$177.96
Subtotal (Rounded)	3		44		6		$377

Notes: The total number of respondents and responses do not correspond to the sum of rows because different respondents may work on the same record. The number of responses per respondent is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the number of respondents and rounded.

2. Locking out and Tagging of High-Voltage Trailing Cables

Under 30 CFR 75.831, a qualified person must lock out and tag the plug prior to performing electrical work on high-voltage trailing cables or the HVCMM (under paragraph (a)); during troubleshooting and testing trailing cables (under paragraph (b)); work that is performed inside any compartment of the power center (under paragraph (d)); and when more than one qualified person is performing electrical work (under paragraph (e)).

MSHA estimates that on average one of the tagging requirements under 30 CFR 75.831 will occur for each of the 11 HVCMMs on each of the 312 workdays per year, a total of 3,432 occurrences per year (3,432 = 11 x 312).

MSHA estimates that tagging, by a mine electrician earning $60.18 per hour, will take 1.5 minutes.

Table 12-3. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Locking out and Tagging of High-Voltage Cables (30 CFR 75.831)

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Mine Operators)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Tags)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Tagging of Cables (Electrician)	3	1,144	3,432	0.03	85.80	$60.18	$5,163.44
Subtotal (Rounded)	3		3,432		86		$5,163

Notes: The number of responses per respondent is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the number of respondents and rounded.

3. Examinations, Corrective Actions, and Recordkeeping of HVCMMs

Under 30 CFR 75.832(a), at least once every 7 days (or 52 times per year), as well as prior to tramming the HVCMM, a qualified person must verify that electrical protection, equipment grounding, permissibility, cable insulation, and control devices are properly installed and maintained.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(b), at least once every 7 days (or 52 times per year), as well as prior to tramming the HVCMM, a qualified person must activate the ground-fault test circuit to verify that it will cause the corresponding circuit-interrupting device to open.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(c), at least once every 7 days (or 52 times per year), as well as prior to tramming the HVCMM, a qualified person must examine and test each HVCMM ground-wire monitor circuit to verify that it will cause the corresponding circuit-interrupting device to open.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(1), at the completion of examinations and tests required for HVCMMs under paragraph 75.832(a), ground-fault test circuits under paragraph 75.832(b), and ground-wire monitor tests under paragraph 75.832(c), the person conducting the examinations and tests must certify that the examinations and tests have been conducted and make a record of any unsafe condition found.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(2), any corrective actions must be certified by the person taking the corrective action.

Under 30 CFR 75.832(g)(3), these records must be countersigned by the mine foreman or equivalent mine official by the end of the mine foreman’s or equivalent mine official’s next regularly scheduled working shift.

MSHA assumes that there are 52 weekly examinations and tests for each of the 11 HVCMMs at 3 underground coal mines, a total of 572 examinations (572 = 11 x 52). MSHA also assumes that annually, on average, two corrective actions are reported for each of the 11 HVCMMs, resulting in 22 corrective actions per year.

MSHA estimates that it takes a coal mine electrician, earning $60.18 per hour, on average, 3 minutes to certify by signature and date the record of testing. MSHA also estimates that it takes a coal mine electrician 6 minutes to make a record of any corrective actions. MSHA estimates that it takes a mine foreman or equivalent mine official, earning $80.89 per hour, 6 minutes to review and countersign a corrective action record.

Table 12-4. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Examinations, Corrective Actions, and Recordkeeping of HVCMMs (30 CFR 75.832(a)-(c), (f)-(g))

Activity (Occupation)	Number of Respondents (Mine Operators)	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses (Exams or Corrective Actions)	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
Record of Examinations (Electrician)	3	190.67	572	0.05	28.60	$60.18	$1,721.15
Corrective Actions
Record of Corrective Actions (Electrician)	3	7.33	22	0.10	2.20	$60.18	$132.40
Certification of Corrective Actions (Mine Foreman)	3	7.33	22	0.10	2.20	$80.89	$177.96
Subtotal (Rounded)	3		594		33		$2,032

Notes: The total number of respondents and responses do not correspond to the sum of rows because different respondents may work on the same record. The number of responses per respondent is calculated by dividing the number of responses by the number of respondents and rounded.

Hour Burden Summary

MSHA estimates that the three respondents (mine operators) will incur, on average, an annual collection burden of 124 hours with an associated annual cost of $7,571. The annual respondent hour and cost burden is summarized in the summary table below.

Table 12-5. Estimated Annual Respondent Hour and Cost Burden, Summary

Activity	Number of Respondents	Number of Responses per Respondent	Total Responses	Average Burden (Hours)	Total Burden (Hours)	Hourly Wage Rate	Total Burden Cost
I. Examinations and Corrective Actions Prior to Tramming HVCMMs in and out of the Mine and from Section to Section	3		44		5.50		$376.55
II. Tagging of High-Voltage Trailing Cables	3		3,432		85.80		$5,163.44
III. Examinations, Corrective Actions, and Recordkeeping of HVCMMs	3		594		33.00		$2,031.50
Total (Rounded)	3		4,070		124	Total (Rounded)	$7,571

Note: The total number of respondents do not correspond to the sum of rows from each cost category. It is the number of underground coal mine operators with HVCMMs.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected on the burden worksheet.)

• The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start­ up cost component (annualized over its expected useful life); and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or providing the information. Include descriptions of methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs

include, among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and record storage facilities.

• If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate. 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.

There are no capital or maintenance costs to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of this information.

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 are no Federal costs associated with this information collection request.

15. Explain the reason for any program changes or adjustments reported on the burden worksheet.

Number of Respondents: The estimated number of respondents remains unchanged at 3.

Number of Responses: The estimated number of responses decreased slightly from 4,092 to 4,070 due to a minor adjustment in the methodology. Different occupations work together to correct the same corrective action record.

Annual Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden decreased slightly from 125 to 124 hours due to rounding.

Annual Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $6,939 to $7,571 due to an increase in wage rates.

Annual Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden cost remains unchanged at $0.

Federal Hours: The estimated annual Federal hours remain unchanged at 0 hours.

Federal Costs: The estimated annual Federal costs remain unchanged at $0.

Table 15-1. Summary of Changes

	Currently Approved ICR	Updated ICR	Difference
Number of Respondents	3	3	0
Number of Responses	4,092	4,070	-22
Annual Time Burden	125	124	-1
Annual Burden Costs	$6,939	$7,571	$632
Annual Other Burden Costs	$0	$0	$0
Federal Hours	0	0	0
Federal Costs	$0	$0	$0

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

MSHA does not intend to publish the results of this information collection.

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

MSHA is not seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of this information collection and there is no form associated with this collection.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no certification exceptions identified with this information collection.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

As statistical analysis is not required by the regulation; questions 1 through 5 do not apply.

1 For all wage rates, including Federal wage rates, MSHA uses the relevant precision throughout the calculation to avoid compound rounding errors and rounds at the final rate value. Displayed intermediate calculation values are presented to explain the calculation and are representative, but the final rate value reflects the correct rounding and final estimate.

2 To obtain OEWS data, follow BLS’s directions in its Frequently Asked Questions: “E. How to get OEWS data. 4. What are the different ways to obtain OEWS estimates from this website?” at https://www.bls.gov/oes/oes_ques.htm. The average wage rate is calculated as the employment-weighted average of hourly mean wages for the occupation.

3 The benefit multiplier comes from BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation accessed by menu at http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate or directly at http://download.bls.gov/pub/time.series/cm/cm.data.0.Current. Insert the data series CMU2030000405000D and CMU2030000405000P, Private Industry Total benefits for Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, which is divided by 100 to convert to a decimal value. MSHA uses the latest 4-quarter moving average to determine what percent of total loaded wages are benefits. MSHA computes the benefit multiplier with a number of detailed calculations, but it may be approximated with the formula 1 + (benefit percentage / (1-benefit percentage)).

4 Wage inflation is the change in Series ID: CIS2020000405000I; Seasonally adjusted; Series Title: Wages and salaries for Private industry workers in Construction, extraction, farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, Index. (https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/srgate; Inflation Multiplier = (Current Quarter Cost Index Value / OEWS Wage Base Quarter Index Value).

5 MSHA uses an overhead rate of 1 percent. The mining environment generally involves very little overhead, especially costs associated with workers engaged in administrative or clerical tasks.

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