Mine Zappers Need Updated Testing Form Approval
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 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 the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Examinations and Testing of Electric Equipment."
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Regular electrical exams and recordkeeping
If you operate a coal mine, you must have qualified persons frequently examine, test, and maintain electric equipment and circuit breakers and keep records of those examinations. The notice cites specific frequencies such as weekly examinations for underground electric equipment (30 CFR 75.512-2), monthly examinations for surface electric equipment (30 CFR 77.502-2), monthly tests for many circuit breakers, tests every 7 days for high-voltage longwall equipment (30 CFR 75.821), and semiannual testing/calibration for automatic circuit interrupting devices (30 CFR 75.1001-1), with records retained for at least one year.
Paperwork burden quantified for mine operators
MSHA estimates this information collection affects 626 annual respondents, with 309,598 annual responses and a total annual time burden of 56,583 hours; annual recordkeeping costs are listed as $0. The agency is proposing an extension without change to OMB Control Number 1219-0116 and is soliciting comments by September 25, 2026.
Information supports mine safety and investigations
MSHA states the collected examination and test records help prevent unsafe conditions at coal mines, support evaluation of electrical maintenance programs, and provide valuable information during accident investigations. Records must be made available to authorized representatives and miner representatives.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-19837, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Certification and Qualification To Examine, Test, Operate Hoists and Perform Other Duties
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on certifying and qualifying people who operate hoists and do related tasks in mines. This helps keep miners safe by making sure only qualified folks handle this important equipment. They’re asking for public comments by November 30, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension of the current process.
2026-19266, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Refuse Piles and Impoundment Structures
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about refuse piles and impoundment structures to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by November 20, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much trouble. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep safety rules clear and easy to follow for mining companies.
2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15136, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Rock Burst Control Plan (Pertains to Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines)
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 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 the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Rock Burst Control Plan (Pertains to Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines)."
Next: 2026-15138, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Hazard Communication (HazCom)-30 CFR Part 47
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. 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 the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Hazard Communication (HazCom)--30 CFR part 47."