NASA Procedures and Guidelines
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NPR 8621.1 Eff. Date: June 02, 2000 Cancellation Date: February 11, 2004	NASA Procedures and Guidelines for Mishap Reporting, Investigating, and Recordkeeping
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1.1.1 Good photographic coverage of the mishap is essential even if photographs are not going to be used in the final report. The chairperson must decide how to acquire good technical photography which will assist in the investigation. Five choices, in order of preference, are as follows:

a. Center Photo Lab. If the organization has a photographic laboratory, the photographers should be able to respond quickly and photograph those transient items and portions of the scene that are likely to change. Most labs are equipped well enough to take the initial pictures that may be required.

b. Other Organizational or Contractor Photo Labs. If the facility is small and does not have its own lab, the nearest NASA office or contractor facility may be able to provide photographic support and generally would be a better choice than hiring outside help.

c. Commercial Photographer. If it becomes necessary to hire a photographer from outside the Center, make certain that the one chosen is qualified to do the kind of job that is required. The pictures that result will reflect the kind of photographer that is hired. There are photographers that specialize in commercial, industrial, medical, aerial, legal, portrait, and scientific photos. The best ones to assist in mishap investigation would be industrial, legal, or scientific photographers.

d. A Member of the Investigation. A member of the investigation team may have to take the photographs. Even an investigator who would be considered a good amateur photographer would probably not produce as good a result as a professional. However, since planning and directing the photographic coverage is always the investigator's responsibility, it is more likely that the investigator will see what he wants to see in the photographs when he takes them.

e. Security Personnel. Security units may be able to provide photographers if there is no one else available.

1.2 Planning Photographic Coverage

1.2.1 The planning and direction of photography is the investigator's responsibility. When any photographer, other than the investigator himself, is taking the pictures, it is up to the investigator to communicate the nature of information he wants to capture on film. Precise instructions as to what is of interest and what is not and the area to be covered are essential. Factors important to obtaining good, usable photographs are as follows:

a. Response Time. It is important to obtain coverage as soon as possible after the mishap. The scene is always dynamic and is rapidly changing. The photographic task may be in two stages; immediately after the event and well planned or staged pictures later to clarify details. A lot of pictures should be taken. Even though most will not be used in a report, they are helpful to the investigator in establishing the cause and analyzing details.

b. Time Frame of the Photographs. While the investigator is concerned with postevent photography, photographs taken before and during the event should not be overlooked. Photographic lab files, amateurs, and newspaper photographers are all good sources to be considered.

1.2.2 Types of Photography to Consider.

a. Conventional Photography - Instant-type cameras, self-developing cameras and single lens reflex cameras provide conventional photography tools that record on film. Cameras range from simple to extremely complex and expensive. The most versatile is the single lens reflex camera that allows a wide array of lenses to be used interchangeably to achieve the desired coverage and detail in a variety of lighting situations. Instant-type cameras are useful, and today, are very sophisticated in their operation while still being simple to use. Self-developing cameras provide the advantage of instant developing so the investigator can see the picture before he walks away or moves a piece of evidence. Self-developing film is, however, more sensitive to light, temperature, and age than many other films.

b. Digital Cameras - Relatively new, digital cameras add a new dimension to mishap photography by allowing the images to be downloaded as files to a computer and printed or transmitted to other computers for examination. Digital photographs can also be integrated directly into the mishap report without having to cut-and-paste them into the report with tape or glue. Digital cameras have all of the attributes of single-lens-reflex cameras and other conventional photography as well. If the investigator has a laptop computer in the field, he can download and view his digital images as he takes them to assure acceptable quality and can even transmit them to another location via modem if necessary.

c. Video Cameras - Motion and sound are added to the documentation of the mishap scene through video photography. Video can also be used to document the activities of rescue personnel, investigators, and others for analysis and critique at a later time. Video can be narrated as the investigator tapes and thus he is able to make a record of these observations, explain why the observations are made, point out areas of interest, and record witness testimony to allow visualization of what the witness perspective of the mishap was.

d. Videotape - Video systems may be used in higher radiation areas where film is not suitable and where instant results or playbacks are required. Also, they may operate under lower light levels than a camera in some inaccessible areas.

e. Aerial Photographs - In large mishaps a direct aerial photograph can be helpful in determining the direction of major occurrences.

f. Photo Micrographs - Ultra close-up pictures of minute portions of debris are sometimes helpful in establishing the cause of failure points.

g. Ultraviolet and Infrared - Special lighting and narrow wavelength optical filters can be of use to show certain features not visible to the eye.

h. Motion Pictures - These may be helpful for reenactments of personnel movements and actions.

i. Stereo - A major disadvantage of photographs is the lack of depth when only recording in two dimensions. Stereo cameras are available which show the proper arrangement of features in all planes. A static subject can be photographed in stereo by taking two pictures of the subject 6 to 12 inches apart. The resulting pictures can then be viewed in stereo.

j. X-ray - Parts or portions of rubble can be x-rayed to reveal stress or breaking points.

k. Thermal Scanners and Thermal Video Cameras - These operate in wavelengths beyond what the eye sees and generally image emitted heat from objects. They may be useful after explosions and fires to pinpoint sources or origins of fires.

1.2.3 Supplemental Camera Equipment.

The choice of camera equipment, either by a photographer or the investigator taking the pictures, will affect the quality and the cost of the photographs. For most investigations, a thirty-five millimeter single lens reflex camera is preferred. Digital cameras are good but do not render the detail that film does when enlarged to see minute detail. The major considerations are as follows:

a. Modern films are very good and capable of rendering minute detail and color balance on small image formats.

b. A large number of pictures can be taken with very little weight to carry around, which is an important consideration when taking pictures in the remains of an explosion or rubble from a fire.

c. Thirty-five millimeter films are lower in cost per picture than large format sheet-films.

d. Thirty-five millimeter and 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 inch format cameras have short focal length lenses that have inherently better depth of fields than cameras using 4 x 5 inch or 8 x 10 inch lenses.

e. Lens construction on smaller cameras allows for larger apertures that minimize lighting requirements. Cameras with 4 x 5 inch and 8 x 10 inch views require much higher lighting levels because of their longer focal lengths and smaller apertures. Should the investigator be forced to acquire the pictures, an instant-type camera with color film and automatic flash could be used. Limitations would be in the poorer lens (image) quality and fixed lighting arrangement. In some instances, quick reference pictures taken with a self-developing camera, either black and white or color, may be used. This is generally not a good choice because of the effect of heat on the unexposed film. The colors of the print material are not reproduced faithfully and an incorrect analysis could be made from the interpretation of the color.

1.2.4 Requests for Photography. In order to obtain satisfactory photographic results, it is necessary to tell the photographer in detail what is required, such as:

a. Expected results, how many photographs, and when pictures will be required.

b. What type scenes to be photographed and from what angles the scene should be photographed. Written instructions and sketches showing needs may be used.

c. How large the event is; what size is to be covered.

d. Whether pictures will be taken day or night; whether they will be taken of open areas or buildings.

e. Whether color or black and white should be used. (Color has better information content.)

f. Whether reference objects such as rulers are required in the pictures.

g. How the photographs will be identified, e.g., numbering system, photographic log sheets.

h. How many prints are required and how soon, what size the prints should be.

1.3 Photographic Techniques

1.3.1 Certain basic qualities make up good pictures that are factual and accurate representations of the mishap scene. Photographs can easily misrepresent a scene and lead to false conclusions or findings about a mishap. Some misrepresentations occur unknowingly while others may be purposely contrived. By reviewing the attributes of good pictures, the investigator will be made aware of possible misrepresentations in the photographs that are examined. (Figure B-3-1)
insert fig b-3-1 here

1.3.1.1 Show enough of the scene to provide good orientation. Several pictures may have to be taken in sequence to provide this orientation. An overall shot, medium, and close-up may be required.

1.3.1.2 Use proper perspective. The use of wide angle and telephoto lenses alters the perspective and causes distortions. Normal focal length lenses should generally be used.

1.3.1.3 Use proper lighting. The angle and type of lighting greatly affects the appearance of the subject. While no one lighting arrangement is correct for all conditions and subjects, the lighting should be examined for uniformity and to see that it does not produce an abnormal appearance.

1.3.1.4 Correct camera settings are essential to good pictures. The three basic ones of shutter speed, aperture, and focus setting must be applied correctly in order to obtain a correct representation of the scene. Shutter speed must be fast enough to stop action in the photograph. The aperture, along with allowing enough light to pass through the lens, also controls how much of the near and far portions of the picture will be in focus. The focus setting used in conjunction with the aperture setting controls the focus range of the picture.

1.3.1.5 Keep the camera level for easy orientation and reference.

1.3.1.6 Use known objects in the scene as size references wherever possible. In overall scenes, the presence of a person may be sufficient. In close-up photos of rubble or damaged areas, a hand or portion of a 6-foot rule may be best.

1.3.1.7 Use color film for maximum information content. While black and white film is cheaper and easier to print, the color information in color prints is often essential to understanding and analyzing an event. However, the color record must be properly done. Otherwise, it will be misleading. The use of neutral gray cards in some photos is desirable.

1.3.1.8 Identification and labeling of the photographs is essential. Figure B-3-2 shows a log sheet that should be used by a photographer while taking the pictures. After the pictures are printed, captions should be used to point out pertinent details and to eliminate all ambiguity about whether the picture was taken at the time of the mishap or staged. Photographs are usually date stamped on the reverse side, but if that information is pertinent to the analysis it should be included in the caption.

1.3.1.9 While every mishap is unique and will have its own set of features that are important, there are some general guidelines about what to photograph.

a. Location of major identifiable pieces.

b. Collision debris, dirt, etc.

c. Pools of liquids.

d. Gouges, scratches, collision points, and damage.

e. Temporary view obstructions especially from view of operator or other key person.

f. Mobile equipment.

g. Material storage areas.

h. Scaffolds, jigs, racks, and temporary rigs.

i. Close-up of failed elements.

1.3.1.10 If there is a fire associated with the event, pictures taken during the event are very useful. Photographs should include:

a. Flames. They indicate what material is burning and how fire started and progressed through the structure.

b. Smoke. Also indicates what material is burning by smoke color.

c. Structure.

d. Spectators. Many times, if arson is involved, the arsonist will stay around to watch the fire. If a series of fires are started, the arsonist may be in all photographs.

1.3.1.11 Even though official photographers may not be on hand to photograph a fire, amateurs or press pictures may be available and used.

1.3.1.12 After the fire is out, there are several key areas to photograph that may assist in the analysis:

a. The most charred or burned area.

b. Any combustible materials, such as-matchbooks, papers, paint thinners, or kerosene.

c. Fusing methods that may be visible.

d. Spectators around the mishap location.
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PHOTOGRAPHER___________________________________________________________________

LOCATION _________________________________________________________________________

CAMERA TYPE______________________________________________________________________

LIGHTING TYPE ____________________________________________________________________

FILM TYPE _________________________________________________________________________

DATE OF MISHAP ___________________________________________________________________

TIME OF MISHAP ___________________________________________________________________

FILM ROLL NUMBER ________________________________________________________________
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