NASA Glenn Research Center

**Office of Safety and Assurance Technologies**

####### SUMMARY OF KEY ACTIVITIES

# March 1, 2002

The following are highlights of key activities during the week ending
March 1, 2002, for the Glenn Office of Safety and Assurance Technologies
(OSAT/0500):

**[Office Management Operations (0500)]{.underline}:**

**Plum Brook Reactor Facility (PBRF) Decommissioning**

[Current Site Activities]{.underline} \-- Work began in Quadrant A to
place loose radiological contaminated material into shipping containers.

A meeting was held with the GRC Electrical Area Safety Committee
regarding the proposed extension of the 7200 V line from the Plum Brook
Station (PBS) Circuit 4 to the reactor site, and the installation of a
temporary (duration of the project) transformer. The committee brought
up several issues, and additional information was requested. The Plum
Brook Operations Support Group, the Plum Brook Management Office, and
the Decommissioning Project are working to resolve these action items.

**[Risk Management Office (RMO/0510)]{.underline}:**

# ASSURANCE ENGINEERING

## [Risk Management]{.underline} \-- Discussions being held with the Integrated Financial Management Program (IFM) about CRM courses. There are several Projects under this Program, and a list of potential attendees is being compiled from the various Projects. (This is a direct result of IFM personnel seeing the advertisement on 'Today @ Glenn.') 

# Updated CRM metrics on the AOA Web site with Sandra Jacobsen. Cumulative list from past years is under FY02 link with FY02 numbers noted for annual tallies.

[Assurance Technology Center]{.underline} \-- Developed Statement of
Work and Evaluation Criteria for Assurance Technology Center (ATC)
acquisition.

[Incident Response Information System]{.underline} \-- Developed
presentation for Agency Safety Directors on Incident Response
Information System (IRIS) Evaluation Team results.

[Risk Based Acquisition Management]{.underline} \-- Submitted purchase
requests for necessary components for a web-based tool for the Risk
Based Acquisition Management (RBAM) initiative

[Ultra-Reliability]{.underline} \-- The objective of the
ULTRA-Reliability (UR) Project is to achieve an order of magnitude
increase in mission reliability by making measurable incremental
progress on new technology development to enhance reliability. It may
also focus on process improvements and considering the physics of
failure to extend operating life. GRC OSAT supported the UR Steering
Committee meeting at JPL. The committee planned an upcoming workshop for
mid- April to examine the barriers to Ultra-Reliability and what types
of breakthroughs are needed to achieve it. GRC is expected to support
the April workshop with three people and to provide support for writing
a white paper that summarizes the results of the workshop. The white
paper will be submitted to NASA Senior Management and will recommend
that NASA proceed with the Ultra-Reliability Project or recommend that
it is not in the best interests for NASA to pursue the project.  The GRC
area of responsibility on the Ultra Reliability Steering Committee is
Aeronautics Systems.

**[SPACE]{.underline}**

**Microgravity**

[General]{.underline} \-- Held fourth MSD/Engineering/OSAT Team meeting
to investigate problem of non-flight-approved materials in MSD flight
hardware.  Conducted brainstorming session to further develop and expand
upon initially identified potential root causes of the problem.  (Will
evaluate these against the current flight hardware development process
to identify likely causes.)\
\
[Microgravity Research, Development and Operations Contract
(MRDOC)]{.underline} \-- Held meetings with MSD management to discuss
improvements to the surveillance process.  Agreed on refinements which
should help NASA get the information needed to understand contractor
progress in meeting contract requirements, without disrupting or
interfering with ongoing contractor activity. \
\
Met with Surveillance Board Chair to discuss software safety concern
previously presented to the MSD Change Board.  Decided to postpone
planned meeting with the contractor on software safety until April,
after the MDCA Delta Software Review.  Intend to focus meeting on areas
of greatest safety concern (e.g., software used for mixing combustible
gases in the FCF Fuel-Oxidizer Management Assembly).

[Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF)]{.underline} \-- Supported FCF
Chief Engineer in facilitating the FCF Systems Engineering meeting
assigned to risk review. Presented an overview on need for CRM and
reviewed eight risks from presenters to evaluate/formulate risk
mitigation plans, criticality and likelihood.\
\
Met with contractor to discuss reliability prediction analysis. 
Reviewed allocations data sheet and determined that most of the design
packages are meeting their reliability allocations.  However, the
contractor has not completed the operational availability analysis, so
it is unknown whether the Combustion Integrated Rack will meet its
availability requirement.  The contractor committed to beginning the
analysis immediately and hopes to have preliminary results in 2 weeks.\
\
[Microgravity Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA)]{.underline} \--
Provided information (from QMO) on potential MRDOC QA Surveillance
activities so Project Manager can complete a draft Surveillance Plan/SOW
for the project.\
\
[Light Microscopy Module (LMM)]{.underline} \-- Currently reviewing a
preliminary rough draft of the LMM Ground Safety Data Package received
from the contractor.\
\
[Flow Enclosure Accommodating Novel Investigations in the Combustion of
Solids (FEANICS)]{.underline} \-- Met with the project and discussed RM
Plan and implementation.  Left an example RM Plan and excel spreadsheet
taken from RBAM as an example for tracking risks.  Also provided an
example of an Excel stoplight chart to use as an external reporting
chart for primary risks.\
\
[Combustion Module (CM-2)]{.underline} \-- RMO developed a proposed
approach for closing out the Materials Usage Agreement (MUA) for fluid
system compatibility.  (The MUA was generated 16 months after the
materials certification letter was issued due to the time involved for
materials testing at White Sands.)  The proposed approach is being
coordinated with the project and the GRC M&P Certifying Official.\
\
Reviewed and approved the Thermal Environmental Test Plan and Procedure
for the commercial-off-the-shelf Data Processing Package Single Board
Computers.\
\
[Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS)]{.underline} \-- Met with PCS
project team to review status of current on-orbit anomaly
investigation.  Encouraged project (and project agreed) to develop a
fault tree to facilitate their troubleshooting process and prioritize
their troubleshooting activities to identify problems more quickly (and
make the most effective use of the limited crew time resources
available).  Several theories are being pursued.

[Investigating the Structure of Paramagnet Aggregates from Colloid
Emulsions (InSPACE)]{.underline} \-- RMO investigated two other sources
of glass vials as replacements for the borosilicate vials currently
used.  However, vendors could not make them to the dimensions needed,
and this alternative could not be pursued.  RMO believes that the vial
leakage problem can be corrected by using GE RTV 60, a silicone potting
adhesive.  RMO coordinated compatibility testing of this product for the
project, and no obvious fluid leakage has been detected after 1 week. 

**[AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY]{.underline}**

[Probabilistic Risk Analysis]{.underline} \-- A presentation on
Probabilistic Risk Analysis methods was made to the JPL Deputy Director,
Eugene Tattini, and staff on February 27.  The presentation was well
received. Mr. Art Murphy of JPL made a comment that collaboration
between JPL and GRC on these methods for a specific project ought to be
established.

**[Quality Management Office (QMO/0520)]{.underline}:**

[QMO ACOTR]{.underline} \-- A QMO representative will be the Alternate
Contracting Officer Technical Representative (ACOTR) for the SAIC
contract. A meeting was held last week between the COTR and the SAIC
Manager to better understand the task and players within OSAT and SAIC
that provided oversight and management of the contact.

**[SPACE]{.underline}**

[Flight Certified Technician]{.underline} \-- A QMO representative with
familiarity of the support trades has volunteered to assist in the
development of a Training Manual addressing flight system

hardware assembly.

**Microgravity**

[Flow Enclosure Accommodating Novel Investigations in the Combustion of
Solids (FEANICS)]{.underline} \-- In preparation for hardware turnover,
the KC-135 Test Rig and Flow Tunnel Insert Tests were completed by Zin
Technologies last week. The test included the electrical test, and
pressure/vacuum test. ISS/FEANICS-CIR Rack Integration details are being
discussed.

[Investigating the Structure of Paramagnet Aggregates from Colloid
Emulsions (InSPACE)]{.underline} \-- Verifications were finalized and
one Tailoring Interpretation Agreement (TIA) was signed off for the EMI
issue.

[Candle Flames in Microgravity (CFM2)]{.underline} \-- Review of the
status of 10 NCRs has been completed. Fifty percent are closed, the
balance are to be closed prior to PSR when the experiment is assigned to
an STS mission.

**[INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE]{.underline}**

[O2 Cleanliness Advisory Committee Meeting]{.underline} \-- The
committee heard a presentation from Versar Inc. about a unit they
developed to clean the oxygen systems for aircraft. Versar was looking
for applications beyond aircraft. The unit did have potential to clean
and verify systems that are installed in research facilities and,
possibly, research hardware.

[Lessons Learned]{.underline} \-- The Lessons Learned Center Data
Manager presented a brief introduction at the Area Safety Committee
Chairman\'s meeting of the new PUSH feature for searching Lessons
Learned.

The Export Office has completed a review of current Glenn lessons for
acceptability for posting to the site for public access.

**[Glenn Safety Office (GSO/0530)]{.underline}**:

Continuing to provide construction safety support for: Major Sewer
Repair Project (Construction-Phase 3, Design-Phase 4); FY02 Repair of
Natural Gas System, Phase 2.

Attended the biweekly construction status meeting for the Building 77
Clean Room project. Safety issues discussed during the meeting pertained
to roof access and lockout of chemical process ventilation. In addition,
movement and storage of equipment in Building 77 during construction was
discussed. The GSO recommended that the construction contractor maintain
minimum aisle clearances needed in the main hallways.

Responded to request from Microgravity Division for evaluation of
Building 333 utility trench changes. A tighter review process for
proposed work in this trench will be required, but this trench should
not normally be considered a Permit-Required Confined Space due to the
absence of hazards.

Support for design of projects impacted by the airport expansion:
Attended the review meeting of the Cell 7 Facility Hazard Analysis
(Round 1). Attended the wrap-up review meeting of the Altitude
Combustion Stand (ACS) Facility Hazard Analysis (Round 1, update). These
meetings were with the GRC, PMT and Middough staff. Attended the review
meeting for the re-issue of the 100% Final Design of the Daycare Center,
Fitness Center and Picnic Pavilion with the GRC and OWM staff.

**[Environmental Management Office (EMO/0540)]{.underline}:**

Half of the Environmental Management Office staff attended the
organizational development seminar, "Building Productive Relationships",
on February 28 to March 1, as part of the EMO Model Workplace
implementation program. The rest of the staff will take the seminar on

March 6 and 7.

**[INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE]{.underline}**

[Ventilation]{.underline} \-- The flow was tested in 38 ventilation
systems for the month of February. In Building 106, there are 14 systems
remaining to be checked. Building 333 has two systems remaining to be
checked. The completed ventilation systems have been updated in the
database.

[Safety Permits]{.underline} \-- The Industrial Hygiene Team (IHT) is
reviewing the potential rehabilitation of a current office space into a
nano-technology laboratory in Building 77. There are several concerns
regarding the use of flammable and toxic chemicals near neighboring
office spaces. The IHT is working jointly with Safety and the Space
Management Committee to decide this issue.

[Indoor Air Quality]{.underline} \-- The IHT submitted its Exposure
Assessment Report to the management and employees of the Plasma Spray
Operation in Building 50. The IHT is waiting for a response from the
employees to complete the remainder of the evaluation.

The IHT investigated concerns of mold contaminated film and negatives
received from Plum Brook. Although the material smelled musty, there was
no water damage or mold growth evident. The employee was advised that if
the odor was causing trouble, she could work in a room with more
ventilation or under a lab hood. The employee was also advised to wear
nitrile disposable gloves when handling the material.

The IHT is working with the Building Managers of the Annex of Building
86 to resolve mold growth issues that resulted from the leak of overhead
pipes. IHT is also dealing with contamination issues resulting from a
sanitary sump that overflowed.

The IHT is working with Call Henry (CHI) and employees in Building 301
to resolve issues of biological growth in Cooling Tower 301-2.

The IHT is working with Medical Services and the Lab Manager of the
Clean Room of Building 77 to resolve a new employee's concerns regarding
eye, lip, and throat irritation. The employee visited Medical Services
the day after his initial day of working in the Clean Room. He
complained of dry eyes, blurred vision, dry throat and chapped lips. The
IHT spoke with medical services, the Lab Manager, and the individual
training the employee. From these discussions, the IHT believes the
problem to be related to the employee not being acclimated to the high
flow rates in the room. The IHT recommended that initially the employee
works a few hours in the room without using chemicals and then slowly
builds up time.

**[RESOURCE MANAGEMENT]{.underline}**

The team is in the process of looking for an antenna for the Aerobus,
which would allow the bus to receive and send messages via e-mail. In
addition, the Aerobus, with this equipment, could assist as an emergency
mobile command bus for our Security and for the Brook Park Safety
Forces.

Training license for the Aerobus is going to be offered in the summer.
There are at least five people interested in attending.

The EMO Division Files are in the process being reviewed by Ms. Debbie
Demaline and each file will be given the proper identification number
according to NASA guidelines and retention schedules. The current filing
system of the EMO Files will be reviewed and shared with the EMO Staff
members. The team will purchase filing cards for employees to use when
retrieving files from the Division Office.

# Earth Day Committee \-- The Cafeteria has blocked out space and time for Earth Day exhibits. In addition to visits to the Day Care Center, the U. S. EPA is also interested in setting up an exhibit at the Cafeteria.

A pre-Earth Week sale of Earth Day T-shirts is planned at the Day Care
Center on April 11 and 12.

The Earth Day Coalition now has an Internet site:
[http://www.earthdaycoalition.org](http://www.earthdaycoalition.org/).

The Earth Day speaker at GRC, a representative of the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, will be discussing bald eagles.

Attendees discussed the Zoo's Walk-a-thon. Cost: \$15.00/person or
\$30.00/family. Mr. Eugene DiSanto informed the group that SAIC would be
willing to pick up the costs from its corporate outreach fund (confirmed
by Mr. Dan White).

Mr. Bill Muscolo reported on the activities scheduled for Youngstown,
Ohio, during Earth Week, including visits to Youngstown State University
and TV coverage of the Aerobus. Attendees discussed contacts with Media
Relations. (Mr. Dan White advised that we provide information about
activities to Ms. J. Veris of *Aerospace Frontiers*.)

**[Security Management Office (SMO/0550)]{.underline}:**

[Physical Security Enhancements Utilizing \$2,000,000 of the \$2,765,158
Security Emergency Funding]{.underline} \-- The Security Management
Office (SMO) is coordinating physical security enhancement projects,
which will require \$2,000,000 of the \$2,765,158 Security Emergency
funding which was provided by Headquarters. Priority projects include
increased protection for Buildings 500 and 501, installation of a gate,
sensors and CCTV to protect the Hangar, and improved CCTV coverage for
the Center. Further actions include enhancements for Plum Brook, and the
design of access control systems and a public address system for GRC.

# SMO Established a Classified E-Mail Account For the Administrator \-- At Headquarters' request, the ITOC established a classified e-mail account on the ITOC server for the Administrator. The action was completed within 24 hours of the Code X request.

# Authorized Declassification of John Glenn Documents \-- SMO mailed Ohio State University (OSU) Archives a letter, which authorized the declassification of documents that were among hundreds of boxes of the John Glenn archives, which were donated to the University. OSU thanked SMO for visiting OSU to review the documents, coordinating the declassification with Headquarters, and issuing the declassification decision. The action is closed.