DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. ICR 98-13]

Construction Crane Rating Chart Limitations Instructions and Hand Signal Illustrations

AGENCY: Occupational and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of proposed information collection request; opportunity for public comment.

SUMMARY: The DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and information collection burdens, is conducting a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on both current and proposed collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection materials are clearly understood, impact of collection requirements on respondents can be accurately assessed, and requested data can be provided in the desired format. Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is soliciting comments concerning the collection of information requirements contained in 29 CFR 1926.550(a)(1), (2), (4) and (16).

The Agency is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of OSHA's responsibilities, 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 the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (for example, permitting electronic submissions of responses).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 18, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments are to be submitted to the Docket Office, Docket ICR 98-13, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-7894. Written comments limited to 10 pages or less may 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 N3621, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210, (202) 219-7207. Copies of the information collection requests 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 or Barbara Bielaski at (202) 219-8076. For electronic copies of the information collection request, contact OSHA's Web Page on Internet at http://www.osha.gov (click on Information Collection Requests).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 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.

There are several provisions in OSHA's crane and derrick standard that require employers to obtain information and post it on the crane or derrick. Specifically, employers are required to post the rated load capacities, recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, and instructions. In addition, an illustration of hand signals is to be posted at the jobsite. OSHA believes this information is normally provided by the crane or derrick manufacturers as a usual and customary business practice and there is a minimal time burden in posting this information. There is also a cost burden for employers who field modify cranes or derricks to obtain the information (loading ratings and limitations) for the employer to post.

Current Action

This notice requests comment on OSHA's burden hour estimates prior to seeking OMB approval of the information collection requirements in 29 CFR 1926.550(a)(1), (2), (4) and (16).

Type of Review: Revision.

Agency: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

Title: Construction Crane Rating Chart Limitations Instructions and Hand Signal Illustrations (29 CFR 1926.550(a)(1) and (a)(2), 1926.550(a)(4), and 1926.550(a)(16)).

Agency Number: Docket No. ICR 98-13.

Frequency: On occasion.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 59,944.

Estimated Time Per Respondent: 5 minutes per respondent.

Total Burden Hours: 4996 hours.

Total Annualized Capital/Start-up Costs: $330,000.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record.

Signed at Washington, D.C., this 15th day of June, 1998.

Charles N. Jeffress,
Assistant Secretary of Labor.

[FR Doc. 98-16383 Filed 6-18-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-26-M