DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

[Docket No. ICR-98-31]

Electrical Standards for Construction; Information Collection Requirements

ACTION: Notice; Opportunity for public comment.

SUMMARY: The DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts 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 concerning the proposed extension of the information collection requirements contained in the Electrical Standards for Construction (29 CFR part 1926, Subpart K). 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 October 5, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments are to be submitted to the Docket Office, Docket No. ICR-98-31, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 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: Theda Kenney, Directorate of Safety Standards Programs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, Room N-3605, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 219-8061. A copy of the referenced information collection request is available for inspection and copying in the Docket Office and will be mailed to persons who request copies by telephoning Theda Kenney at (202) 219-8061, extension 100, or Barbara Bielaski at (202) 219-8076, extension 142. For electronic copies of the Information Collection Request on the Electrical Standards for Construction (29 CFR part 1926, Subpart K), contact OSHA's WebPage on the Internet at http://www.osha.gov and click on "Regulations and Compliance."

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.

The written description of the Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program (AEGP) required by Sec. 1926.404(b)(1)(iii) allows employers, employees, and OSHA compliance officers to determine how the requirements of the standard are being met, including the method of recording tests. For example, the employer's written program might specify the use of yellow tape to color code every tool and cord set. By referring to the written program, OSHA compliance officers and other persons can easily determine if the employer is complying with the program.

The posting of warning signs enables employees to avoid accidental contact of electrical equipment used on construction sites. Contact with unguarded live electrical parts, especially at high voltage, can be hazardous to employees.

The tagging of controls, equipment and circuits is intended to prevent the inadvertent reactivation of the controls, equipment and circuits while they are being serviced.

II. Current Actions

This notice requests public comment on OSHA's burden hour estimates prior to OSHA seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information collection requirements contained in the Electrical Standards for Construction (29 CFR part 1926, Subpart K).

Type of Review: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.

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

Title: Electrical Standards for Construction (29 CFR part 1926, Subpart K).

OMB Number: 1218-0130.

Agency Number: Docket Number ICR-98-31.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 278,500.

Frequency: Initially, On Occasion.

Average Time Per Response: Varies from .02 to .17 hour.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 53,001.

Total Annualized Capital/Startup Costs: $0.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information collection request. The comments will become a matter of public record.

Signed at Washington, DC, this 15th day of July 1998.

Charles N. Jeffress,
Assistant Secretary of Labor.

[FR Doc. 98-20959 Filed 8-5-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-26-M