Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines

OMB Control No: 1219-0119	ICR Reference No: 202409-1219-002
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No: 202103-1219-005
Agency/Subagency: DOL/MSHA	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines
Type of Information Collection: Extension without change of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 12/10/2024

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved	02/28/2025
Responses	218,811	172,599
Time Burden (Hours)	17,673	14,002
Cost Burden (Dollars)	398,170	312,294

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Abstract: MSHA requires mine operators to provide important safety and health protections to underground coal miners who work on and around diesel-powered equipment. The engines powering diesel equipment are potential contributors to fires and explosion hazards in the confined environment of an underground coal mine where combustible coal dust and explosive methane gas are present. Diesel equipment operating in underground coal mines also can pose serious health risks to miners from exposure to diesel exhaust emissions, including diesel particulates, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. Diesel exhaust is a lung carcinogen in animals. This information collection includes maintenance and use of diesel equipment; tests and maintenance of fire suppression systems on both the equipment and at fueling stations; and exhaust gas sampling. Records are required to document that essential testing and maintenance of diesel- powered equipment are conducted regularly by qualified persons; that corrective actions are taken; and the persons performing the maintenance, repairs, examinations, and tests are trained and qualified to perform such tasks. Safety requirements for diesel equipment include many of the proven features required in existing standards for electric-powered mobile equipment, such as cabs or canopies, methane monitors, brakes and lights. Sampling of diesel exhaust emissions is required to protect miners from overexposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide contained in diesel exhaust. Information collection requirements are found in: section 75.1901(a), Diesel fuel requirements; section 75.1904(b)(4)(i), Underground diesel fuel tanks and safety cans; Section 75.1906(d), Transport of diesel fuel; section 75.1911(j), Fire suppression systems for diesel-powered equipment and fuel transportation units; section 75.1912(i), Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities; sections 75.1914(f)(2), (g), (h)(1), and (h)(2), Maintenance of diesel-powered equipment; sections 75.1915(b)(5), (c)(1), and (c)(2), Training and qualification of persons working on diesel-powered equipment.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 30 USC 811 Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977    US Code: 30 USC 813(h) Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	89 FR 68471	08/26/2024
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	89 FR 99283	12/10/2024
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title Form No. Form Name Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	218,811	172,599	0	0	46,212	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	17,673	14,002	0	0	3,671	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	398,170	312,294	0	0	85,876	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: Respondents: The estimated annual number of respondents increased from 126 to 161 due to an increase in the number of active underground coal mines. Responses: The estimated annual number of responses increased from 172,599 to 218,811 due to an increase in the number of respondents. Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden increased from 14,002 hours to 17,673 hours due to an increase in the number of responses. Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $552,903 to $877,063 due to increased wages and the number of responses. Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden costs increased from $312,294 to $398,170 to an increase in the number of respondents.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $0

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

Agency Contact: Joanna Moore 202 693-9825 [email protected]

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:
		(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;
		(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;
		(c) It reduces burden on small entities;
		(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;
		(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;
		(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;
		(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:
			(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;
		(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.
		(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and
		(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.
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.
Certification Date: 12/10/2024

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