Ventilation Plans, Tests, and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
01/24/2025
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
03/31/2025
1,910,978
1,607,288
150,674
115,874
69,865
26,004
Under Section 101(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the Mine Act), the 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 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 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 2 milligrams per cubic meter of air 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 §§ 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 if not properly maintained and operated.
US Code:
30 USC 813(h)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
US Code:
30 USC 811
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
Respondents: The estimated annual number of respondents increased from 153 to 225.
Responses: The estimated annual number of responses increased from 1,607,288 to 1,910,978 due to a change in methodology and an increase in the number of respondents. The change in methodology entailed counting multiple tasks relating to the same activity as separate responses. This was a change from previous versions of this ICR, which counted them as a single response.
Time Burden: The estimated annual time burden increased from 115,874 hours to 150,674 hours due to a change in methodology and an increase in the number of responses.
Burden Costs: The estimated annual burden costs increased from $6,777,839 to $10,324,396 due to a change in methodology and an increase in the number of responses.
Other Burden Costs: The estimated annual other burden costs increased from $26,004 to $69,865 due to an increase in the number of small mines and changed assumptions about how many copies of various documents operators must make.
Federal Hours: The estimated annual federal hours increased from 2,079 to 2,322 due to an increase in the number of respondents.
Federal Costs: The estimated annual federal costs increased from $128,046 to $175,102 due an increase the number of respondents and an increase in federal wages.
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.
1219-0088 Supporting Statement 2025.docx
1219-0095 60-day FRN Published 12-2-2024.pdf
Ventilation Plans, Tests and Examinations in Underground Coal Mines