The Occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an information collection (paperwork reduction) requirement (ICR) for Blasting and the Use of Explosives on December 8, 2008. OSHA is soliciting public comments concerning its proposal to extend the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the ICR specified in the Standard on Blasting and the Use of Explosives (29 CFR part 1926, subpart U).
OSHA is requesting that OMB extend its approval of the collection of information requirements contained in the Standard on Blasting and the Use of Explosives. The Agency will include this summary in its request to OMB to extend the approval of these collections of information requirements. OSHA estimates that the average time per response varies from 5 minutes (.08 hour) to notify a hoist operator of blasting agents to 8 hours to develop an alternative plan if an employer is unable to display adequate warning signs against mobile transmitters during blasting operations. OSHA estimates that the total burden hours is 1,294 and the estimated cost for operation and maintenance is approximately $800,000.
OSHA has a particular interest in comments on the following issues:
- Whether the proposed information collection requirements are necessary for the proper performance of the Agency’s functions, including whether the information is useful;
- The accuracy of OSHA’s estimate of the burden (time and costs) of the information collection requirements, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
- The quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and
- Ways to minimize the burden on employers who must comply; for example, by using automated or other technological information collection and transmission techniques.