Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act), and Title 5, United States Code, Section 553, the Secretary of Labor shall 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 or other mines.
Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is a probable carcinogen that consists of tiny particles present in diesel engine exhaust that can readily penetrate into the deepest recesses of the lungs. Despite ventilation, the confined underground mine work environment may contribute to significant concentrations of particles produced by equipment used in the mine. Underground miners are exposed to higher concentrations of DPM than any other occupational group. As a result, they face a significantly greater risk than other workers of developing such diseases as lung cancer, heart failure, serious allergic responses and other cardiopulmonary problems. The DPM rule establishes a permissible exposure limit (PEL) to total carbon, which is a surrogate for measuring a miner's exposure to DPM. The rule includes a number of other requirements for the protection of miners' health. The DPM existing rule contains information collection requirements for underground MNM mine operators under §§ 57.5060, 57.5065, 57.5066, 57.5070, 57.5071, and 57.5075(a) and (b)(3).
The calculated responses have been adjusted because the previous submission undercounted the number of responses. There was no significant change in number of respondents or burden hours, because these were correctly calculated in the previous submission. The costs increased because the estimated cost of maintaining respirators has increased.
Respondents from 173 to 173 (no change)
Responses from 18,752 to 28,022 (increase of 9,270)
Hours from 3,331 to 3,329 (decrease of 2)
Costs from $176,363 to $512,679 (increase of $336,316)
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
6_4_2012_77FR33002.pdf
1219-0135 Supporting Statement Final 8-9-12.doc
Health Standards for Diesel Particulates (Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines)