DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. ICR-97-25]

Construction Records for Blasting Operations

ACTION: Notice; proposed collection of information requests; submitted for public comment and recommendations.

SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens is conducting a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is soliciting comments on several requirements in 29 CFR 1926.900(k)(3)(I) which impose a burden on the employer to collect information related to the use of warning signs or other alternative means to prevent the premature detonation of electric blasting caps by mobile radio transmitters during blasting operations. The Agency is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;



• Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;



• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and



• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 12, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments are to be submitted to the Docket Office, Docket No. ICR-97-25, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210. Telephone: (202) 219-7894. Written comments limited to 10 pages or less in length may also be transmitted by facsimile to (202) 219-5046.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Laurence Davey, Directorate of Construction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3621, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210, telephone: (202) 219- 7207. Copies of the referenced information collection request are available for inspection and copying in the Docket Office and will be mailed to persons who request copies by telephoning Mr. Davey at (202) 219-7207, ext. 132, or Barbara Bielaski at (202) 219-8076, ext. 142. For electronic copies of the Information Collection Request on the provisions of Blasting Operations, contact OSHA's WebPage on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov/ and click on standards.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act) authorizes the promulgation of such health and safety standards as are necessary or appropriate to provide safe or healthful employment and places of employment. The statute specifically authorizes information collection by employers as necessary or appropriate for the enforcement of the Act or for developing information regarding the causes and prevention of occupational injuries, illnesses, and accidents.

In Subpart U -- Blasting and the Use of Explosives of OSHA's construction standards, employers are required to post a sign warning against the use of mobile radio transmitters on all roads within 1000 feet of blasting operations. When this would create an "operational handicap" an alternative method must be developed and implemented that will prevent the premature detonation of electric blasting caps. The alternative method must be written down and a competent person must certify its adequacy. OSHA currently has approval from the Office of Management and Budget for the requirement that a competent person must certify the adequacy of the alternative method, and through this preclearance process invites comments on the need to continue this requirement and the burden hour estimates for this certification requirement. OSHA does not currently have approval for the requirement to post the warning sign or the requirement for the employer to "write" down any alternative method of preventing premature detonations when the posting of warning signs would present an "operational Handicap". OSHA also seeks comments on the need for these requirements and the burden estimates developed.

II. Current Actions

This notice requests an extension of the current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the certification requirements for blasting operations contained in 29 CFR 1926.900(k)(3)(i) which is currently approved under OMB Control No. 1218-0210). In addition this notice requests comment on OSHA's request for OMB approval of the other two collections of information in the blasting operation sections -- the requirement to post a warning sign and the requirement to write down the alternative system when warning signs cannot be used.

Type of Review: Extension and Existing Collection Without OMB Approval.

Agency: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Title: Blasting Operations (29 CFR 1926.900(k)(3)(i) -- Inspection Certifications.

Agency Number: Docket Number ICR-97-25.

Affected Public: State or local governments; Business or other for- profit.

Number of Respondents: 3,000 work sites.

Frequency: Once per 160 work sites.

Average Time per Response: 8 hours.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 640.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $240,000.

Signed at Washington, D.C., this 8th day of July 1997.

Russell B. Swanson,
Director, Directorate of Construction.

[FR Doc. 97-18396 Filed 7-11-97; 8:45 am)