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NASA Procedures and Guidelines

This Document is Obsolete and Is No Longer Used.
Check the NODIS Library to access the current version:
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NPR 8715.3
Eff. Date: January 24, 2000
Cancellation Date: September 12, 2006

NASA Safety Manual w/Change 2, 03/31/04

| TOC | Change | Preface | Chapter1 | Chapter2 | Chapter3 | Chapter4 | Chapter5 | Chapter6 | Chapter7 | Chapter8 | Chapter9 | AppendixA | AppendixB | AppendixC | AppendixD | AppendixE | AppendixF | AppendixG | AppendixH | AppendixI | AppendixJ | AppendixK | ALL |


CHAPTER 6. Operational Safety


6.1 Purpose

This chapter establishes safety procedures for NASA's operational safety program.

6.2 Objectives

The objective of this chapter is to protect the public; flight, ground, laboratory, and underwater personnel; the environment; aircraft; spacecraft; payloads; and property from operations-related safety hazards. This is not inclusive of all regulations and requirements governing operations. References are indicated liberally throughout the text for detailed or working standards, specifications, and other references.

6.3 Motor Vehicle Safety

Each Center shall adopt procedures that comply with applicable Federal, State, and local motor vehicle safety regulations (Requirement 25139).

6.3.1 Motor Vehicle Operation.

6.3.1.1 Operators of motor vehicles shall not drive a motor vehicle for a continuous period of more than 10 hours, including non-NASA driving; nor shall the combined duty period exceed 12 hours in any 24-hour period, without at least 8 consecutive hours of rest (Requirement 32269). Variation in the above policy requires documented Center safety office approval (Requirement 32270).

6.3.1.2 If operation of the vehicle involves skills beyond those associated with normal, everyday operation of private motor vehicles, formal initial training, consisting of both classroom and operational testing, shall be conducted to ensure operator proficiency (Requirement 32271). Refresher training and testing shall be accomplished periodically as determined by the Center safety office (Requirement 32272).

6.3.1.3 All NASA motor vehicles used off NASA Centers shall be inspected to the standards of the State or other jurisdiction's vehicle safety inspection requirements (Requirement 32273).

6.3.2 Seat Belts.

6.3.2.1 Federal employees will use seat belts while on official business as required in Section 1 of Executive Order (EO) 13043 of April 16, 1997, "Increasing Seat Belt Use in the United States." The EO states seat belt use is required by Federal employees operating or in any vehicle with seat belts while on Federal business (Requirement 32274). All NASA employees shall comply with this mandatory requirement while traveling on official business (Requirement 32275).

6.3.2.2 Children unable to use the seat belts will be secured in DOT-approved child safety seats (Requirement 32276).

6.3.2.3 Passengers are forbidden to be carried in the cargo area of pickup trucks, flatbeds, or special purpose equipment such as fire trucks or escape trucks unless designated occupant positions are provided (see 49 CFR Part 571) and required seat belts are provided (Requirement 32277).

6.3.2.4 All occupants of motor vehicles (so equipped) operated on NASA property, including delivery vans and trucks of all sizes, will have their seat belt properly fastened around themselves at all times the vehicle is in motion (Requirement 32278).

6.3.3 Annual Seat Belt Report.

6.3.3.1 NASA is required by EO 13043 to prepare an annual status report to the Secretary of Transportation on NASA-wide seat belt use (Requirement 32279). The report includes seat belt usage rates and statistics of crashes, injuries, and related costs involving Federal employees on official business. The Safety and Assurance Requirements Division is responsible for the preparation and submittal of the report to DOT (Requirement 32280). DOT consolidates this data into an annual status report to the President for all Federal Agencies.

6.3.3.2 The Safety and Assurance Requirements Division will coordinate data for the annual report with the Office of Institutional and Corporate Management and the Office of Health and Medical Systems. The format and submittal date for the report will be as directed each year by the Secretary of Transportation.

6.3.4 Traffic Control Devices and Markings.

American National Standard Institute (ANSI) D6.1, "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways," shall be used for guidance when setting traffic control devices or marking roads for motor vehicle operations on NASA property (Requirement 25142).

6.4 Personal Protective Equipment

6.4.1 General

Personal protective equipment (PPE) shall be issued to NASA employees at Government expense in those situations where engineering controls, management controls, or other corrective actions have not reduced the hazard to an acceptable level or where use of engineering controls, management controls, or other techniques is not feasible (Requirement 32282).

6.4.2 Procurement.

6.4.2.1 Center Directors and the Assistant Administrator for Institutional and Corporate Management are authorized to purchase PPE after the purchase request has been reviewed by safety and health professionals to determine proper specifications and adequacy of abatement. It is recommended that local safety and health committees be involved in the decision.

6.4.2.2 The authority for the purchase of PPE with appropriated funds is 5 U.S.C. 7903, "Protective Clothing and Equipment."

6.4.2.3 Only clothing and equipment meeting Federal regulations, industrial standards, or NASA special testing requirements shall be used (Requirement 32286).

6.4.3 Issuance

6.4.3.1 Accountability shall be in accordance with NPR 4200.1, "NASA Equipment Management Manual" (Requirement 32288). Transients or visitors may be furnished PPE on a temporary basis if they are on site for NASA-related business purposes or at NASA's invitation. The host, guide, or area supervisor shall be responsible for obtaining, issuing, and recovering the PPE (Requirement 32289). Other non-NASA, contractor, and non-contractor personnel must procure their own PPE to provide an equivalent level of safety as required by NASA (Requirement 32290). (See paragraph 2.4.3.)

6.4.3.2 PPE shall be provided, used, stored, and maintained, and employees trained in its use, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.132 through 1910.137 (Requirement 32291). NASA PPE will be stocked and issued as specifically directed in NPR 4100.1, "NASA Materials Inventory Management Manual" (Requirement 32292).

6.4.4 Examples of PPE. Items which may be purchased and issued by NASA include, but are not limited to, the following:

6.4.4.1 Safety goggles and safety spectacles (plain and prescription).

6.4.4.2 Welding helmets and shields.

6.4.4.3 Safety shoes.

6.4.4.4 Steel sole and/or toe safety boots.

6.4.4.5 Aprons, suits, and gloves (e.g., fire resistant materials, leather, rubber, cotton, and synthetics).

6.4.4.6 Protective head gear (e.g., hard hats and caps, liners, helmets, and hoods).

6.4.4.7 Face shields.

6.4.4.8 Specialty items of protective nature (e.g., cryogenic handlers suits, SCAPE suits, fire fighter suits, foul weather gear, harnesses, life belts, lifelines, life nets, insulated clothing for "cold test" exposure, supplied air suits, and electrical protective devices).

6.4.4.9 Concentration alarms, toxic gas indicators, explosive gas indicators.

6.4.5 Health-related PPE. If respirators are used, Centers are required to have a formal Respiratory Protection Program (Requirement 32294). The Occupational Health Division at NASA Headquarters provides guidance for purchasing, training, selection, and qualification for use of respiratory protective devices and other health-related PPE.

6.5 Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout Program)

NASA will meet or exceed OSHA minimum performance requirements for the control of hazardous energy as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147 (Requirement 25144). All NASA Centers shall establish a program for controlling hazardous energy during service and maintenance operations where the unexpected energizing or startup of equipment could cause injury to employees or equipment damage (Requirement 32295). The Center programs shall comply with all aspects of 29 CFR 1910.147 for electrical, pressure, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems as a minimum (Requirement 32296).

6.6 Pressure and Vacuum Systems Safety

NASA's program for ensuring the structural integrity of pressure vessels and pressurized systems (PV/S) and minimizing the associated mishap potential is outlined in NPD 8710.5, "NASA Policy for Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems." This NPD assigns responsibilities for the various aspects of the program; references the codes, standards, guides, and Federal regulations that must be followed; and establishes unique NASA requirements in areas such as certification/recertification, documentation, configuration management, and operator raining/certification. The NPD also addresses flight systems qualification and acceptance.

6.7 Electrical Safety

This paragraph provides directives for protecting persons and property from electrical hazards. It applies to all NASA uses of electrical power.

6.7.1 Hazards.

Electrical systems shall be designed in accordance with the National Electric Code, MIL-STD 454, "Standard General Requirements for Electronic Equipment," or Center-specific requirements if more specific (Requirement 32297). Electrical systems shall be operated and maintained to adequately control hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm or severe system damage (Requirement 32298). All electrical systems shall be reviewed by the Center's safety office for appropriate location and for proximity of ignitable or combustible material such as gas, vapor, dust, or fiber (Requirement 32322).

6.7.2 Requirements.

6.7.2.1 All electrical work deemed hazardous by job safety analysis shall be performed by personnel familiar with electrical code requirements and qualified/certified for the class of work (Requirement 32300). All persons engaged in electrical work shall be instructed in accident prevention and fully informed of the hazards involved (Requirement 32301). They shall be trained in first-aid procedures that include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Requirement 32302).

6.7.2.2 Supervisors shall ensure that no person works alone with high voltage electricity (Requirement 32303). One person, trained to recognize the electrical hazards, shall be delegated to watch the movements of the other working personnel to warn them if they get dangerously close to live conductors or perform unsafe acts and to assist in the event of an accident (Requirement 32304).

6.7.2.3 Transformer banks or high-voltage equipment (500+ volts) shall be protected by an enclosure to prevent unauthorized access. Metallic enclosures shall be grounded (Requirement 32305). Entrances not under constant observation shall be kept locked (Requirement 32306). Signs warning of high voltage and prohibiting unauthorized entrance shall be posted at entrances and on the perimeter of the enclosure (Requirement 32307). An authorized access list of qualified personnel shall be maintained (Requirement 32308).

6.7.2.4 Where electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a significant hazard to personnel or hardware, conductive floors or other methods will be used (Requirement 32309).

6.8 Hazardous Material Transportation, Storage, and Use

This paragraph provides direction for protecting persons and property during the transportation, storage, and use of hazardous materials. Every effort shall be made to ensure complete safety and compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations (Requirement 25147). Hazardous material is defined by law as "a substance or materials in a quantity and form which may pose an unreasonable risk to health and safety or property when transported in commerce" (49 CFR 171.8). The Secretary of Transportation has developed a list of hazardous materials that is found in 49 CFR 172.101. At a minimum, the Federal regulations (e.g., DOT, EPA, OSHA) for transport of hazardous materials on both Federal property and public roadways shall be met (Requirement 32310). Typical hazardous materials are those that may be highly reactive, poisonous, explosive, flammable, combustible, corrosive, radioactive; produce contamination or pollution of the environment; or cause adverse health effects or unsafe conditions. For more detailed requirements, see NHS/IH-1845.3, "Hazard Communication," and NHS/IH-1845.5, "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories."

6.8.1 Transporting Hazardous Material.

6.8.1.1 NASA policy for transporting hazardous material or hazardous or radiological waste is contained in NPD 6000.1, "Transportation Management."

6.8.1.2 All contractor motor vehicles, rail cars, boats, and ships covered by NASA Bill of Lading and used for transportation of hazardous material shall comply with laws regarding inspections and markings and must have passed an inspection prior to loading to ensure that the vehicle or vessel is in safe mechanical condition (Requirement 32313). The mode of transportation shall be inspected to the applicable standards of the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Transportation, and Federal Railroad Administration (Requirement 32314). All vehicles transporting hazardous materials on NASA and public roadways shall display all DOT-required placards, lettering, or numbering (Requirement 32315).

6.8.1.3 Hazardous material as defined in DOT's "Hazardous Material Regulations" at 49 CFR 171.8 shall not be transported in NASA administrative aircraft (Requirement 32316). To ensure hazardous material is not inadvertently loaded on administrative aircraft, all cargo for shipment should be routed through the Center's transportation office or, if enroute, cargo should be accepted only from a certified shipper or freight forwarding agency.

6.8.2 Storage, Use, and Disposal.

Storage, use, and disposal should comply with Federal and State regulations and address the requirements for release prevention, control, countermeasures, contingency planning, and a listing of restricted/prohibited materials for purchasing and use at Centers. Inventories shall be conducted at least annually and conditions of materials in storage assessed at least monthly, and those determined to be unsuitable for use removed from active inventory (Requirement 32317).

6.8.3 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

NASA procurement activities require the referencing of 29 CFR 1910.1200 and Federal Standard 313, "Federal Standard for Preparation and Submission of Material Safety Data Sheets," as revised, in commodity specifications, purchase descriptions, purchase orders, contracts, and other purchase documents (Requirement 32318). The receiving office at each Center shall provide copies of the MSDS for receipt of such commodities to the central office responsible for maintaining the MSDS records (Requirement 32319). Magnetic disk or paper copies of all MSDS will be maintained in the work area where the material is being used or stored (Requirement 32320). See NHS/IH-1845.3, "Hazard Communication." The NASA MSDS Inventory is accessible at: http://msds.ksc.nasa.gov.

6.9 Hazardous Operations

NASA hazardous operations involve materials or equipment that, if misused or mishandled, have a high potential to result in loss of life, serious injury to personnel, or damage to systems, equipment, or facilities. Adequate preparation and strict adherence to operating procedures can prevent most of these mishaps. Each Center/program will provide the following actions for hazardous operations.

6.9.1 Hazardous Operating Procedure.

6.9.1.1 Each Center shall identify hazardous operations and identify, assess, analyze, and develop adequate safety controls (Requirement 32323). Generally, all hazardous operations shall require Hazardous Operating Procedures or a Hazardous Operating Permit (HOP) (Requirement 32324). HOP's consist of a detailed plan listing step-by-step functions or tasks to be performed on a system or equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations. HOP's list special precautions, start and stop time of the operation, and the approving supervisor(s). Certain operations (e.g., rigging, high voltage, etc.) depend on adherence to overall standards and general guidelines and specific training as opposed to HOP's for each specific operation. In these cases, specific personnel certification requirements must be established as listed in Chapter 4 (Requirement 32325). Personnel other than the certified operators shall be excluded from exposure to the operation (Requirement 2326). Where the risk of injury is high, personnel shall use the buddy system whereby an adjacent or nearby person not directly exposed to the hazard serves as an observer to render assistance (Requirement 32327).

6.9.1.2 Hazardous procedures shall be marked conspicuously on the title page, e.g., THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, to alert operators that strict adherence to the procedural steps and safety and health precautions contained therein is required to ensure the safety and health of personnel and equipment (Requirement 32328).

6.9.1.3 All HOP's developed at NASA sites or for NASA operations shall have a concurrence from the responsible development official and an approval signature to certify that a review has been performed by the cognizant NASA or contractor safety representative as applicable (Requirement 32329). Deviations or changes to HOP's also require the approval of the cognizant NASA or contractor safety office (Requirement 32330). If approved by the contractor, a copy should be forwarded to the appropriate local NASA safety office for informational purposes.

6.9.2 Personnel Certification.

Personnel who certify individuals to perform or control hazardous operations, or to use or transport hazardous material, must ensure the individuals possess the necessary knowledge, skill, judgment, and physical ability to do the job in a safe and healthful manner (Requirement 32331). See Chapter 4 for Hazardous Operations Safety Certification.

6.10 Laboratory Hazards

This paragraph provides guidance for protecting persons and property in a laboratory environment. For the purposes of this document, a laboratory is a facility in which experimentation, testing, and analysis are performed on human subjects, organisms, biological and other physical materials, substances, and equipment (including ioinstrumentation). Included also are certain equipment, repair, and calibration operations, and processing of materials.

6.10.1 Design Requirements.

6.10.1.1 Design of laboratories will incorporate the requirements of the applicable State and Federal codes required for the individual Center, e.g., building, electrical, fire protection for laboratory facilities. Escape routes shall be provided, designed, and marked in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, "Life Safety Code" (Requirement 32333). Occupational safety and health considerations such as ventilation, shower stalls, and eye wash stations shall be included in the design where applicable (Requirement 32334). For facility acquisition and construction safety guidance, see Chapter 8.

6.10.1.2 Areas with significant quantities of flammable, combustible, corrosive, and toxic liquids, solids, or gases shall be protected in accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 45, "Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals," as modified below (Requirement 32335). Laboratories not using or fitting the above chemical classification, yet housing unique, mission-critical, or high-value research equipment, shall conform to the provisions of NASA-STD 8719.11, "NASA Safety Standard for Fire Protection" (Requirement 32336).

6.10.1.3 Special facilities to ensure the integrity of both terrestrial environments and biological samples returned from space should be considered in the design of the laboratory if applicable.

6.10.1.4 Additional considerations shall be the biohazards resulting from use or handling of biological materials such as infectious microorganisms, viruses, medical waste, or genetically engineered organisms (Requirement 32338). See OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Bloodborne Pathogens," for additional details.

6.10.2 Chemical and Hazardous Materials.

In addition to pertinent safety requirements found elsewhere in this document, the following requirements are specifically applicable to laboratories.

6.10.2.1 Laboratories meeting the definition as described in 29 CFR 1910.1450, "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories," shall be operated in accordance with chemical hygiene plans as stated in NHS/IH-1845.3, "Hazard Communications," and NHS/IH-1845.5, "Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in aboratories" (Requirement 32340).

6.10.2.2 Suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body of any person exposed to injurious corrosive materials shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use (Requirement 32341). Body flushing of persons exposed to cryogenic liquids is not recommended by medical officials. Access to these facilities must be kept clear (Requirement 32342). Eyewashes and/or safety showers shall be located within reasonable travel distance for emergency use, depending on circumstances and configuration, but generally no more than 75 feet from the hazard source (Requirement 32343).

6.10.3 Solar Simulators.

All personnel shall wear skin and eye protection while in direct view of a bare pressurized arc lamp, whether energized or not, unless the system is locked out or tagged out for maintenance or repair (Requirement 32344).

6.10.4 Ventilation.

Assuring proper ventilation is a responsibility assigned to the occupational health program. See NPD 1800.2, "NASA Occupational Health Program."

6.10.5 Glassware.

Because some laboratory operations use a considerable amount of glassware and ceramics, necessary safeguards shall be employed to minimize personnel injury. Refer to the "Guide for Safety in the Chemical Laboratory," Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc., and "Handling Glassware" (Requirement 32346).

6.11 Lifting Safety

NASA shall use the standards in NASA-STD-8719.9 (formerly NSS/GO 1740.9), "NASA Lifting Devices and Equipment Manual," for protecting persons and property during lifting operations (Requirement 25150). The standard establishes minimum safety requirements for the design, testing, inspection, personnel certification, maintenance, and use of overhead and gantry cranes, mobile cranes, derricks, hoists, special hoist-supported personnel lifting devices, Hydrasets, hooks, and slings for NASA-owned and NASA contractor-supplied equipment used in support of NASA operations at NASA Centers.

6.12 Explosive, Propellant, and Pyrotechnic Safety

NASA shall use NSS-1740.12, "NASA Safety Standard for Explosives, Propellants, and Pyrotechnics," for protecting persons and property from hazards of explosives and explosive materials, including all types of explosives, propellants (liquid and solid), oxidizers, and pyrotechnics (Requirement 25151). ASTM Manual 36 "Safe Use of Oxygen and Oxygen Systems" and NSS 1740.16, "Safety Standard for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Systems," address the requirements for working with those substances. Explosive, propellant, and pyrotechnic operations shall be conducted in a manner that exposes the minimum number of people to the smallest quantity of explosives for the shortest period consistent with the operation being conducted (Requirement 32349). An Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for Explosives, Propellant, and Pyrotechnic operations will be designated in writing by the Center Director (Requirement 32350). For specific responsibilities of the AHJ, refer to NSS 1740.12, "NASA Safety Standard for Explosives, Propellants, and Pyrotechnics."

6.13 Underwater Operations Safety

NSS 1740.10, "Underwater Facility and Non-Open Water Operations," shall be used as the minimum standard to establish the safety requirements for all NASA neutral buoyancy facilities, equipment, personnel, and operations involving underwater activities that provide simulation of a weightless environment (Requirement 25152). This standard also applies to NASA personnel participating in underwater operations at non-NASA facilities.

6.14 Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft Operations Safety

This paragraph provides policy and requirements for minimizing the risk to the public, operations personnel ,(including flight crews), public property, and Government property during launch vehicle (missile) and spacecraft launch and flight operations. It also covers the subjects of NASA Headquarters safety representatives, range safety, spacecraft safety, and space debris safety.

6.14.1 NASA Headquarters Safety Representatives.

A NASA Headquarters-designated (can be delegated) safety representative supports each launch of a NASA-managed crewed or robotic launch vehicle, including orbital and other vehicles as determined or delegated by the AA/OSMA (Requirement 25154). These representatives monitor the preparations of each NASA launch vehicle and NASA payload for flight, evaluate the readiness of the vehicle and payload, and provide the appropriate NASA manager a concurrence or non-concurrence on the readiness of the vehicle and payload to begin launch and flight operations (Requirement 32347). The representatives are assigned a position on the launch operations communications network and are responsible for determining the NASA Headquarters safety concurrence with the readiness for launch and communicating that status to the appropriate person on the network (Requirement 32348).

6.14.2 Range Safety.

Paragraph 6.14.2 of this NPR was cancelled in its entirety by NPR 8715.5, Range Safety Program, effective July 8, 2005. See NPR 8715.5, Range Safety Program, for requirements for range safety.

6.14.3 Space Debris Safety.

The NASA safety policy for space debris is contained in NPD 8710.3, "NASA Policy for Limiting Orbital Debris Generation." This policy requires each program involved in spacecraft launch and/or deployment to formally assess and minimize the potential for generation of orbital debris and summarize this in a formal report to Headquarters. NSS 1740.14, "Guidelines and Assessment Procedures for Limiting Orbital Debris," may be used for both the preliminary and final assessment.

6.15 Test Operations Safety

This paragraph provides direction for protecting persons and property during test operations, for both human and unoccupied or robotic tests. Testing also includes hazardous training activities and demonstrations of test hardware or procedures. The requirements stated herein apply to test facilities; test equipment located within, or attached to, test facilities; equipment being tested; test personnel; test conduct; and test documents. Additional requirements are detailed in Chapters 1 and 3 and in other paragraphs of this chapter.

6.15.1 Test Plans.

Test plans shall be developed and evaluated to ensure test performance within safe operating limits (Requirement 25163). Evaluations will address the test article, test facility, operator involvement, test conditions, potential risk to adjoining facilities and personnel, etc.

6.15.2 Safety Documentation.

Safety documentation establishes the basis for safe test conduct by means of engineering analyses (including hazard analyses calculations). Established test controls will be clearly identified in test drawings, facility drawings, test procedures, etc. The level of safety documentation required will be tailored to the risks involved with the test.

6.15.3 Test System Requirements. Personnel responsible for developing test systems must do the following:

6.15.3.1 Design test systems such that test personnel or critical test hardware are not subjected to a test environment wherein a credible single-point failure (e.g., power loss) could result in injury or loss to the critical test hardware (Requirement 32372).

6.15.3.2 Construct all systems (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic) so that no single failure could cause a critical condition (Requirement 32373).

6.15.3.3 Ensure that software that may interface with test systems meets the requirements stated in Chapter 3 (Requirement 32374). Software by itself is not hazardous; however, when interfaced with test hardware, software could command a hazardous condition in the hardware. See NASA-STD-8719.13, "NASA Software Safety Manual," for further information.

6.15.3.4 Calibrate and certify safety-critical instrumentation before test operations and as required by test documentation or the test organization's internal procedures (Requirement 32375).

6.15.3.5 Ensure all personnel involved in tests are informed of potential hazards, safety procedures, and protective measures (Requirement 32376).

6.15.3.6 Ensure the availability of appropriate emergency medical treatment facilities (Requirement 32376).

6.15.3.7 Conduct formal reviews of those engineering designs that are complicated or potentially hazardous to facilities (Requirement 32378).

6.15.3.8 Ensure test reports include anomalies, safety implications, and lessons learned (Requirement 32379).

6.15.4 Test Readiness Review.

Test Readiness Reviews must be conducted for tests involving new or modified hardware and/or procedures. These reviews shall determine the safety, technical, and operational readiness of the test (Requirement 32381).

6.15.5 Pre-test Meeting.

A pre-test meeting must be conducted with all involved personnel to discuss the research facility, design, instrumentation, safety, and operator training and certification (Requirement 32382). The meeting should also establish the test plan, identify test constraints to ensure facility safety, and determine test article readiness.

6.15.6 Human Research Subjects.

The requirements for the protection of human research subjects are contained in NPD 7100.8B, "Protection of Human Research Subjects," and 45 CFR Part 46, "Protection of Human Subjects." In addition to the requirements regarding confined spaces cited in paragraph 6.19, crewed test systems shall meet the following criteria:

6.15.6.1 Tests involving hazardous substances, where human test subjects or test team personnel may be exposed, will be reviewed for adequacy of test team safeguards, including direct communication between the test subjects and test conductors (Requirement 32383).

6.15.6.2 For tests requiring crew participation in a pressure suit, a facility environmental control system failure or failure in the distribution system affecting one pressure-suited occupant shall not affect any other pressure-suited occupant (Requirement 32384).

6.15.6.3 A means shall exist of immediately detecting an incipient fire or other hazardous condition in each crew compartment of any test area (Requirement 32385). Automatic detection shall be provided for critical areas not suitable for visual monitoring (Requirement 32386).

6.15.6.4 Crewed test systems shall be designed for timely and unencumbered rescue of incapacitated crew members (Requirement 32387).

6.15.6.5 Software controlling crewed test systems shall be thoroughly analyzed to ensure that no command could result in death or injury to the test subjects (Requirement 32388).

6.15.6.6 Crewed test systems shall be designed to provide for manual overrides of critical software commands to ensure the safety of test subjects during any system event or test scenario (normal operation, malfunction, emergency, etc.) (Requirement 32389). Such overrides shall support safe test termination and egress of test subjects as appropriate (Requirement 32390).

6.15.6.7 Medical resources and facilities needed for response will be alerted, on-call, and immediately available as needed (Requirement 32391).

6.16 Non-Ionizing Radiation

Microwave and radar protection standards are covered in various ,State regulations, national consensus standards, and Federal standards including 29 CFR 1910.97. This paragraph provides directives for protecting persons and property during laser use in NASA operations. The primary laser hazard to humans is eye and/or skin damage from direct exposure to the beam or specular reflection, and in some cases, viewing the diffuse reflection. Laser operations during any open-air laser scenario conducted on Department of Defense (DOD) controlled ranges or test facilities or by DOD personnel will use Document 316-91, "Laser Range Safety," for guidance (Requirement 25165).

6.16.1 Requirements.

6.16.1.1 21 CFR Part 1040 provides that people shall not be exposed to laser radiation in excess of the maximum permissible limits and prescribes protective measures (Requirement 32393).

6.16.1.2 NASA procedures and requirements are as follows:

a. Prevent exposure of personnel to laser radiation exceeding the permissible exposure levels (Requirement 32395). Permissible exposure levels are in ANSI Z136.1, "American National Standard for Safe Use of Laser."

b. Ensure to the maximum extent practical, hazards to personnel are eliminated, or procedures are developed and equipment provided for those hazards that cannot be eliminated by engineering design (Requirement 32396). This must occur before laser systems become operational (Requirement 32397).

c. Procure or manufacture only laser products that comply with the performance standards of 21 CFR's 1040.10 and 1040.11, unless a specific exemption is obtained from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Requirement 32398).

d. Ensure that laser operation conforms to the principles and requirements set forth in ANSI Z136.1, "American National Standard for Safe Use of Laser," and ANSI Z136.2, "Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources" (Requirement 32399).

e. Ensure that any laser that can cause injury or damage has a Center-approved safety permit, test plan, or test procedure review (Requirement 32400).

6.16.1.3 Where a planned laser operation has the potential of the beam striking an orbiting craft, the program manager or designated laser radiation safety officer shall contact the laser safety clearing house to obtain a "Site Window" clearance (Requirement 32401). The clearance is obtained from the Orbital Safety Officer, U.S. Space Command/J3SOO, 1 NORAD Road, Suite 9-101, Cheyenne Mountain AFB, CO 80914-6020, Stop 4, Phone: (719) 474-3056/4404/4444.

6.16.1.4 A qualified laser radiation safety officer shall review procedures for all tests that use lasers (Requirement 32402). An individual designated/approved by the Center safety organization will be on site to monitor all laser tests (Requirement 32403).

6.16.2 Ground Operations Using Class III-B and IV Lasers.

During ground operations using Class III-B and IV lasers, users shall do the following:

6.16.2.1 Operate Class III-B and IV lasers only in controlled environments or designated areas that have no unintended reflective or transmitting surfaces (Requirement 32404).

6.16.2.2 Post the laser operations area with standard warning placards as set forth in ANSI Z136.1 and ensure, the area is isolated to prevent inadvertent entry (Requirement 32405).

6.16.2.3 Require laser goggles or other approved methods of eye protection in accordance with requirements of ANSI Z136.1 (Requirement 32406).

6.16.2.4 Keep all flammable materials/vapors away from any laser during operation unless specifically authorized by the operation/test plan (Requirement 32407).

6.16.3 Airborne Operations Using Class III-B and IV Lasers.

6.16.3.1 Program managers must identify use of Class III-B and IV lasers early in the system acquisition process and track their use during the program life cycle (Requirement 32409). A realistic application of safety engineering to laser systems can avoid or reduce the costs involved in redesign, time lost in modification, and loss of mission capability. Program managers and safety evaluators shall assess the safety aspects, compliance with safety requirements, and resolution of laser safety-related problems (Requirement 32410).

6.16.3.2 Design of laser systems for NASA aircraft and spacecraft shall include a system of interlocks to prevent inadvertent exposure to laser beam output (Requirement 32411). When a test circuit switch is provided to override the ground interlock to aid ground test operations, maintenance or service, design must preclude inadvertent operation (Requirement 32412).

6.16.3.3 The crew shall not operate the laser except in accordance with the prescribed mission profile (Requirement 32413). The craft commander shall ensure that the laser system is used in accordance with the test plan (Requirement 32414).

6.16.3.4 For long-range laser shots, program managers shall designate as large an exclusion area as practical to minimize the risk to the people outside the area (Requirement 32415). A buffer area should be added around the exclusion area. Air Force AFOSH Standard 48-12, "Health Hazard Control for Laser Operations," includes a guide for operation of lasers from aircraft. It can be used to develop the buffer zone for space-based laser shots directed at the ground. (See Range Commanders Council (RCC) Document 316-91, "Laser Range Safety.")

6.16.3.5 Program managers shall ensure a hazard evaluation and written safety precautions are completed prior to airborne laser operations (Requirement 32416). Hazard analysis shall consider catastrophic events and the need for very reliable, high-speed laser shutdown should such events occur (Requirement 32417). (See ANSI Z136.1 for hazard evaluation and control information.)

6.16.3.6 Qualified personnel shall perform laser hazard evaluations to determine specific hazards associated with specific uses, establish appropriate hazard control measures, and identify crew and public-at-large protection requirements (Requirement 32418).

6.16.3.7 When completing the hazard evaluation, the program manager shall consider and document the atmospheric effects of laser beam propagation, the transmission of laser radiation through intervening materials, the use of optical viewing aids, and resultant hazards, e.g., electrical, cryogenic, toxic vapors (Requirement 32419).

6.16.4 Software.

6.16.4.1 Software shall provide safety precautions for fast-moving lasers and prevent misdirected laser operation (Requirement 32420).

6.16.4.2 Laser software development shall be subjected to a software safety analysis per Chapter 3 (Requirement 32421). Existing systems are exempt but shall be reviewed to ensure the provision of safety precautions (Requirement 32422). See NASA-STD-8719.13, "NASA Software Safety Manual," for further information.

6.16.5 Training.

Only trained and certified employees shall be assigned to install, adjust, and operate laser equipment (Requirement 25168). Personnel operating lasers shall be trained and certified in accordance with Chapter 4 of this NPR (Requirement 32423).

6.17 Ionizing Radiation

Policies and guidance for handling, use, and , storage of radioactive material are contained in directives under the purview of the oc , occupational health organizations. See NPD 1800.2, "NASA Oc , cupational Health Program."

6.18 Confined Spaces

6.18.1 A confined space is any space not normally occupied by personnel, has limited or restricted openings for ventilation, access and exit, and may contain chemicals that could produce dangerous air contamination. Entry into confined spaces requires written procedures and authorizations (Requirement 32424). No entry into confined spaces will be made until an assessment of that space has been made and a permit or operating procedures posted (Requirement 32425). Supervisors have overall responsibility for entry and work in confined spaces and for ensuring that the requirements of the references below are followed (Requirement 32426).

6.18.1.1 NASA Health Standard (NHS)/IH-1845.2, "Entry Into and Work in Confined Spaces."

6.18.1.2 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, "Permit Required Confined Spaces."

6.18.1.3 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z117.1, "Safety Requirements for Confined Space."

6.18.1.4 NIOSH Publication No. 87-113, "A Guide to Safety in Confined Spaces."



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