NASA Glenn Research Center

**Safety and Assurance Directorate**

####### SUMMARY OF KEY ACTIVITIES

####### May 23, 2003

The following are highlights of key activities during the week ending
May 23, 2003, for the Glenn Safety and Assurance Directorate
(SAAD/8000):

# Risk-Related Decisions/Actions:

**[Programmatic]{.underline}**

[Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF)]{.underline} ­- Participated in the
FCF Management Meeting. The main topics of discussion centered on
contractor\'s ability to process the large amount of manufacturing and
production paperwork required for the FCF effort, as well as to actually
build the hardware. Ways to streamline the verification effort were also
discussed.

**[Institutional]{.underline}**

None Reported

**[Key Activities]{.underline}:**

**[Directorate Office (8000)]{.underline}:**

The Safety and Assurance Directorate is hosting 15 summer interns this
year. The first group of students arrived May 19, 2003, to begin their
10-week tenure.

The 8000 Directorate Competency Management Systems Review data for FY09
was submitted to the CFO and the Office of Human Resources and Workforce
Planning.

The Administrative Officer (AO) met with the SAAD systems administrators
to discuss/review the IT Security Plan for the Directorate. The plan was
approved by the Director. The AO also met with the Emergency
Preparedness Manager and the systems administrator to discuss the IT
requirements for the Emergency Operations Center.

**[Plum Brook Decommissioning Program Office (8010)]{.underline}:**

[Program Management]{.underline} \-- The Executive Leadership Team for
the decommissioning project met on May 19. This team is composed of
senior management representatives from NASA, USACE, and the
Montgomery/Watson/Harza (MWH) contractor team. Onsite project managers
provided a status presentation, followed by discussions between the team
members on current project issues.

[Current Site Activities]{.underline} ­- NASA received information back
from Alaron (the radiation waste processor) on the disposition of the
material sent to them in the April shipment. The original shipment
consisted of radioactive material (metal components) with a volume of
600 cubic feet and a weight of 13,326 pounds. After processing
(decontamination, separation, volume reduction) the radioactive waste
for final disposal was reduced to 240 cubic feet and 8,398 pounds, with
4,928 pounds of metals being free released (i.e., recycled). This
represents a waste volume reduction of 60 percent. GRC will continue to
get these reports from Alaron for the shipments that are processed in
the future.

The project ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) Committee met to
review the Reactor Segmentation Radiation Exposure Evaluation. This
evaluation described, in detail, the expected radiation dose to be
received by workers during each phase of the upcoming reactor
segmentation work. The result was, that based on the expected exposures,
the planned approach to the work is acceptable. The contractor plans to
perform individual ALARA reviews for each phase of the job, updating the
current estimates with actual data as conditions within the reactor
change as a result of segmentation. Where changing conditions and
lessons learned allow, the contractor will continue to work to keep
radiation dose low.

**[Risk Management Office (RMO/8100)]{.underline}:**

**[ASSURANCE ENGINEERING]{.underline}**

[Process Based Mission Assurance (PBMA)]{.underline} \-- The PBMA
metrics include over 117,000 visitors to the web site in April of 2003,
a doubling over the previous month's visitors. The most popular web page
visited was the one containing the updated NPG 7120.5b. There are
currently 115 Work Groups with over 3000 members. The Columbia Accident
Investigation Board (CAIB) has over 200 members with over 3000 documents
occupying 13 GB of server space.

[Incident Reporting Information System (IRIS)]{.underline} \-- Received
official approval to precede with the Incident Reporting Information
System (IRIS) enhancement activities from Mr. Jim Lloyd, Deputy
Associate Administrator of Code Q at NASA Headquarters.

# Software Assurance \-- Attended **Software Engineering Process Group (**SEPG) meeting. Reviewed feedback from pilot users of the Project Planning processes. Feedback has been positive and valuable thus far. Discussed what contents to delete from the Software@Glenn Web site before making this site public. Also discussed the pros and cons of SEPG members participating in the upcoming Software Acquisition **Capability Maturity Model (**CMM) course.

# Risk Management \-- Prepared additional Web-based Risk Tool FY03 RTOP to potentially receive some of the remaining Code Q FY03 funds.

**[SPACE]{.underline}**

[Station and Shuttle Utilization and Reinvention (SSUR)
Team]{.underline} \-- Met with representatives from the Station and
Shuttle Utilization and Reinvention (SSUR) Team to answer questions and
elaborate on information provided by e-mail last week. Provided the Team
with more insight into the risk management and mission assurance
processes used for GRC payloads.

**Microgravity**

[Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF)]{.underline} ­- Continued review of
the EEE parts lists for the Electrical Power Control Unit (EPCU) and
Water Flow Control Assembly (WFCA) for parts with pure tin finishes.
This work is being done to mitigate potential failure risk due to \"tin
whiskers\".

[Light Microscopy Module (LMM)]{.underline} \-- Coordinated with the
project and Hernandez, Inc. to provide safety surveillance for the
project in conjunction with the upcoming Phase II Flight Safety Review.

[Granular Flow Module (GFM)]{.underline} \-- Provided comments to
Project Manager (PM) on proposed Statement of Work (SOW) and Delivery
Order (DO) for competitive procurement under the Microgravity Research,
Development and Operations Contract (MRDOC).

[Multi-user Gaseous Fuels Apparatus (MGFA)]{.underline} \-- Met with
Deputy PM and Zin to discuss project status and possible areas for
SAAD/RMO support. Identified need for safety support and agreed to
provide help in this area. Also provided generic risk list to project,
as well as information regarding the MRDOC Surveillance Plan.

[Physics of Colloids in Space Plus (PCS+)]{.underline} \-- Met with PM
and Microgravity Science Division (MSD) Deputy Division Chief and
approved the project close-out letter for the PCS+ Verification
Readiness Review (VRR) and the PCS Component Failure Review. One Board
recommendation remains open, however, concerning the need for MSD to
establish a process for determining when Failure Review Boards are
necessary. RMO offered to help MSD address this recommendation by
drafting a preliminary process.

[Microgravity Observations Of Bubble Interaction (MOBI)]{.underline}
**\--** Attended team status meeting and recommended project take
Continuous Risk Management (CRM) training/workshop to identify project
risks before the Requirements Definition Review.

[Boiling Experiment Facility (BXF)]{.underline} \-- Served on the Review
Board and supported the BXF Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The Board
will spend the next 2 weeks reviewing documents and preparing Requests
for Action (RFAs), comments, and questions for the project.

[Miscible Interfaces Dynamics and Simulation (MIDAS)]{.underline} \--
Reviewed and provided detailed comments to the PM on the contractor\'s
draft Product Assurance Plan.

[Chain Aggregation Investigation by Scattering (CHAINS)]{.underline} \--
Conducted 1-day Continuous Risk Management workshop for the project.

[Buoyancy Driven Instabilities in Single Bubble Sonoluminescence
(BDiSL)]{.underline} \-- Contacted PM to confirm RMO plans to provide
requested safety support to the project.

[Ultraviolet Visible Infrared Spectrophotometer (UVIS)]{.underline} \--
Reviewed draft Systems Requirements Document and provided review
comments. Reviewing Spectrometer methodologies and technology.

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

[Probabilistic Risk Assessment]{.underline} \-- An updated version of
the report, "Generic Turbofan Engine Rotating Components Probabilistic
Risk Assessment", was issued. The initial analysis model, which was
developed with the Probablistic Risk Assessment (PRA) software, QRAS,
Version 1.5.3, was evaluated with QRAS Version 1.7.0. Problems running
the model with the newer software were encountered and were documented
in the transmittal letter (problems have occurred previously when trying
to import models developed with older QRAS versions into newer versions
of the QRAS software).

[FAA Liaison]{.underline} \-- Last week, held presentation of progress
with the Interagency Coordinator and team members. Worked with the
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) team members to develop a draft
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) specific to the history of the CMC
project.

Also met with UEET Knowledge Management Manager about options for
storage using the LiveLink options. Met with system engineer about best
ways to document lessons learned and the proprietary data from industry.

Traveled to NASA Langley in support of the Aviation Safety Program\'s
Weather Accident Prevention, Turbulence Prediction project. Met with the
Project Manager, Mr. Jim Watson, to map out FY03 strategy. Started
organizing a strawman of the certification efforts necessary as the
program progresses through FY03, and into the FY04 and FY05 flight
campaigns.

[Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET)]{.underline} \-- Attended an
overview of the restructuring of the Aeronautics programs, which
included an overview of the restructuring of the UEET Program. In
general, the UEET Program will grow to include responsibility for turbo
machinery technology, and include Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from
TRL 1 through TRL 6. However, it will lose the materials technology
portion currently included in the Program.

**[Quality Management Office (QMO/8200)]{.underline}:**

**[SPACE]{.underline}**

**Microgravity**

[Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF)]{.underline} ­- The spline for the
bench brake assembly experienced deformation when the bench was rotated
back into the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) after a fit-check
conducted by the Human Factors team last month. The spline was believed
to have been repaired. During re-installation of the CIR Optics Bench
Assembly for the second time, it was noticed that insertion of the brake
assembly could not be achieved due to the deformation. A problem report
was written for the brake assembly.

Vibration testing of the CIR Fire Detection and Suppression System
Velocity Probe assembly at workmanship levels was completed. The test
adequately meets the random vibration testing requirements of
NASA-STD-7001.

The Product Assurance Lead provided comments to the Chief Engineer of
FCF for the "Work Rules for Government Personnel" document and
Verifications submittals to applicable International Space Station (ISS)
personnel.

[Light Microscopy Module (LMM)]{.underline} \-- Assisting Microgravity
Project Office by performing an informal Quality Assurance (QA)
assessment of the contractor\'s process controls for the Light
Microscopy Module (LMM) project. QMO began by working with a Hernandez
QA counterpart, and acquiring documentation such as process plans and
supporting drawings, kitting lists, etc. This documentation will be
reviewed from a QA perspective with focus on compliance to procedures
and the details of the contractor\'s QA support to the control of
processes. This is an appropriate time for an assessment of this type
because the LMM project is transitioning from developmental and
engineering model activities to qualification unit activities.

[Boiling Experiment Facility (BXF)]{.underline} \-- The BXF Team has a
\"Bonded Storage Cabinet\" in Room 113 of the ZIN facility with
appropriate controls in place to assure control over Flight Hardware.

[Physics of Colloids in Space+ (PCS+)]{.underline} -- The PCS+ Avionics
Section has successfully passed vibration testing per procedure. A
functional test was performed successfully between each axis (X, Y, Z)
vibe to ensure the integrity of the hardware.

[Physics of Colloids in Space-3 (PCS-3)]{.underline} \-- Qualification
testing of the High Angle Camera continues with vibration testing. The
qualification camera (non-flight hardware) experienced an anomaly during
the Y-axis test. ZIN is analyzing the problem.

[Miscible Interfaces Dynamics and Simulation (MIDAS)]{.underline} \--
After a review of the MIDAS Product Assurance Plan, QMO submitted
comments to the Project Manager.

[Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE)]{.underline} \-- Provided comments to
the project team on meeting the Space Assurance Requirements Guidelines
(SARG). CFE is a fast track experiment set to fly on the Russian
Progress Launch Vehicle. Pre-ship Review will be at the end of June.

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

[Facility Test Readiness Review (TRR)]{.underline} \-- Updated the Test
Readiness Review (TRR) check sheet with lessons learned from the first
run utilizing the vibration laboratory and PCS.

Reviewing the proper approach in dealing with the administrative portion
of the TRR:

-   Who will be the owner of this process?

-   Where will the records be maintained: project/facility or both?

-   Should the organization come to the TRR with charts or should it be
    less formal?

QMO has been requested to facilitate a Test Readiness Review for the
upcoming vibration testing on the Capillary Flow Experiment.

**[Glenn Safety Office (GSO/8300)]{.underline}:**

Sponsored "Buckle Up" Campaign to promote safe driving. It included a
survey on seatbelt use, a presentation on safe driving and the
importance of seatbelts by local law enforcement, and child seat
assessments by the local fire department.

Attended an Operational Readiness Review (ORR) for the integrated
systems test of the B-2 Facility process water system. Five action items
were generated. The test is scheduled at various times throughout June.

[GSO Support for Design of Projects Impacted by Airport
Expansion]{.underline} -- Field investigated the contractor-proposed
options for the boiler installation at the Creek Road Complex, Building
401. Responded to the SAA3 Project Manager with life-safety
determinations and installation comments. Worked with the GSO Fire
Protection Engineer in the review of the fire protection contractor CO2
system design proposals for the Creek Road Complex Chemical Storage
Shed.

[Area Safety Committees]{.underline} \-- Supported the Area 4 Safety
Committee by reviewing two permits in Building 102. The first was a
facility permit renewal for Cell 1B. There were no significant issues
associated with the permit. The second related to testing of the Joint
Strike Fighter (JSF) Advanced Augmenter in Cell 1B. The test article is
fully instrumented with appropriate alarms and shutdowns. No significant
safety issues were identified. In addition, performed a permit review of
several small experiments in Building 110. The experiments analyzed the
movement of inert media in various test chambers. Several minor safety
recommendations were made regarding labeling of a gas supply panel and
use of operational checklists and proper handling for small glass
spheres.

**[Environmental Management Office (EMO/8400)]{.underline}:**

EMO personnel assisted in the coordination and participated in the Clean
the Creek project for the Earth Day Committee resulting in excess of 750
pounds of trash being retrieved from the creek. EMO also participated in
the Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup resulting in an estimated 525 pounds of
trash being collected.

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

[Hazard Communication Program]{.underline} \-- A request from Building
21 to make six oxidizers signs and six fuel storage signs was filled.

Hazcom training was provided on May 19, to 65 summer interns in Building
3.

[Chemical Inventory Program]{.underline} \-- The Chemical Management
Team (CMT) continued formulating and implementing a beta test schedule
for the PDA Chemical Inventory Scan Program. The CMT met with the
designated test program coordinator from Building 14 on May 22, to
discuss issues relevant to the program including a building-wide cleanup
prior to the initial inventory, future locations of chemical storage
cabinets, and a schedule for PDA training.

The CMT met with LTID on May 23, to provide additional information on
the Chemical Inventory Revision Program and to participate in a
familiarization tour of Building 21.

The CMT conducted a chemical location search on behalf of the Chemical
Sampling and Analysis Team on May 23.

[Chemical Hygiene Program]{.underline} \-- The CMT continued entering
data into a matrix for the hazardous chemicals listed in the Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) system. The matrix lists the Chemical Hygiene
Program hazard categories for each chemical. This will assure
consistency in SOP creation and review.

**[ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE]{.underline}**

[National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)]{.underline} **\--** The
Environmental Compliance Team (ECT) reviewed seven safety permits and
two Statements of Work for Environmental Compliance.

The ECT met with the Facilities Division (FD) regarding NEPA Checklists
for the Repair High Voltage System at the Plum Brook Station (PBS)
Project.

The ECT prepared PBS specific NEPA Training. The ECT is planning
training activities at several locations such as at PBS and Building 15.

[Water Pollution Control]{.underline} **\--** The Permit-to-Install
application for the de-chlorination system was received by the Ohio EPA,
who after resolving fee payment issues is beginning the review of the
application. All groups involved are ready to proceed as soon as Ohio
EPA gives its approval.

The ECT has requested a written report from Call Henry concerning the
investigation of the elevated pH readings in the outfalls.

The ECT is investigating a complaint concerning a BFI garbage truck
releasing water to a storm drain.

[Air Pollution Control]{.underline} **\--** The ECT requested analytical
testing to be preformed for the Center's jet fuel.

[Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) Policy]{.underline} **\--** The Annual
Document Log is being compiled.

[Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) Environmental Remedial Activities]{.underline} \-- The ECT
reviewed and provided comments on the City's Remedial Design Work Plans
for the demolition of buildings, filling of ravines, and placement of
caps on the landfills in the South 40 area. The team also began
reviewing the Draft Final Remedial Design Work Plan for the cleanup of
residual contamination on the portions of the South 40 area that is
planned to be transferred to the City.

The Feasibility Study for the Central West area was completed and
submitted it to the Ohio EPA. If the Ohio EPA accepts the findings, the
cost of remediating this area will be greatly reduced. An approval was
requested from the Ohio EPA for the abandonment of wells on the portion
of the South 40 area that is planned for transfer to the City. The Ohio
EPA provided an e-mail draft approval, with formal approval to follow.
The Ohio EPA also provided an e-mail draft approval of our mercury
source evaluation report, with formal approval to follow.

Storm Water Management information was provided to the Ohio EPA
pertaining to the drum removal project. A Storm Water Management Plan
was provided for the clean-up of residual contamination on the portion
of the South 40 area that is planned to be transferred to the City.

Comments on the draft version of Space Act 11 were reviewed and
approved. The ECT subsequently met with NASA Legal, Facilities Division
(FD), and the City to negotiate solutions to some of the items.

On May 21, the ECT received a draft of the Phase I Property Assessment
of Parcel C at Lewis Field. A review is underway.

[Handling and Disposal of Soil]{.underline} \-- The ECT is working with
the FD to classify soils in several locations throughout the Center.

[Cultural Resources]{.underline} \-- The ECT is developing a Statement
of Work (SOW) for the Facilities Preservation Officer at GRC for a
Cultural Resources Management Plan. Support was provided by Ames
Research Center and SAIC. The elements of the SOW are now being
compiled.

The ECT contacted Gray and Pape to arrange for the return of
archeological artifacts to the Plum Brook Station.

[Documentation/Training]{.underline} \-- The ECT continues to compile
chemical inventory data for the Form-R reporting. The ECT continued to
work with various program managers to complete the first drafts of all
30 chapters which comprise the Environmental Resources Document.

The ECT is working to finalize the combined Spill Prevention Control and
Counter Measure (SPCC) and the Aboveground Storage Tank training
programs. The ECT is also expecting the final comments on the combined
SPCC, RCRA contingent and chemical spill plan.

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

[Ventilation]{.underline} **\--** The Industrial Hygiene Team (IHT)
surveyed three new hoods in Building 77, Room 149, and conducted 19
ventilation surveys in Building 110.

The IHT also attended a meeting to review ventilation needs for three
experiments to be conducted in Building 5, CE-13C

[Chemical Exposure]{.underline} **\--** The IHT developed the report of
the cyclohexylamine and diethylethanolamine sampling conducted in
Building 12 during tank car unloading operations and forwarded it to the
appropriate individuals.

The IHT developed the report of the methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate
sampling conducted in Building 21 Shipping and forwarded it to the
appropriate individuals.

[Safety Committees]{.underline} **\--** The IHT attended one safety
permit review in Building 5 (CW-26/28), and one safety permit review for
the Area 7 Safety Committee.

[Facilities Asbestos Site Survey (FASS)]{.underline} **\--** The FASS
Team (FT) finished Phase I (Inspection/Inventory) activities of the FASS
Survey in Building 7. The FT started Phase II (Sampling) activities in
Building 7. Phase II is approximately 90% complete. Phase II will be
completed next week. The FT started and finished Phase I and Phase II
activities in Building 108.

The FT forwarded the 33 asbestos bulk samples for Building 108 to IATL
Laboratories for asbestos analysis.

[Respirator Program]{.underline} **\--** The IHT met with the 7600
Branch Chief to discuss compliance and program concerns with the
respiratory protection program.

[Noise Exposure Management Program]{.underline} **\--** The IHT
conducted annual hearing conservation program refresher training.

**[HEALTH PHYSICS]{.underline}**

The Health Physics Team completed the transfer of the GRC 51.3 Curie
Americium-241/Beryllium source to the Georgia Institute of Technology.
This custom neutron source (circa 1966) was delivered to Georgia Tech\'s
Neely Nuclear Research Center on May 20, without incident, concluding
several months of preparation by the team. The source, which was slated
for ultimate disposal at the Department of Energy\'s Los Alamos National
Laboratory, will again be used for scientific purposes by a professor
conducting developmental research in the field of neutron dosimetry.

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

The weekly 90 accumulation site inspections were conducted with no
violations or concerns being noted.

The Waste Management Team (WMT) continues to support Sanitary and Storm
Sewer Relocation Project by tracking loads of non-hazardous soil.

The accumulated material in oil/water separators number 16 located near
the east side of Building 102, and number 5 located near the 10x10 fuel
farm were removed for disposal. These separators are being removed and
replaced as part of this project.

The WMT shipped 3000 pounds of hazardous waste, and 4300 pounds of
nonhazardous waste for disposal.

The quarterly building safety inspection was conducted with zero issues
being noted.

**[Security Management and Safeguards Office (SMSO/8500)]{.underline}:**

[NASA Maintains Heightened Force Protection Condition (FPC)]{.underline}
\-- GRC assumed Force Protection Condition (FPC) CHARLIE (Modified). The
following measures will minimize the probability of a successful
terrorist attack:

-   Non-NASA picture badge personnel are subject to 100 percent
    inspection of their vehicles. Center personnel will receive random
    inspection of their vehicles.

-   Special events are cancelled. This does not apply to events on
    Center for badged personnel.

-   The Visitor Center (VC) is open for pre-arranged visits such as bus
    tours, but other visits by the general public are prohibited. The VC
    may be closed on weekends unless tours are pre-scheduled.

-   Additional Protection Officers are on patrol duty at gates and at
    strategic locations.

-   All parcels and mail are subject to inspection or x-ray.

-   Control of delivery vehicles is increased.

[REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY BY CALLING 911!]{.underline}

[Security for America at War with Terrorism]{.underline} \-- SMSO
produced a two-page summary of actions taken by Glenn in order to
increase the probability that a terrorist attack will be deterred,
detected, and responded to in a manner which will minimize damage and
loss of life. The summary was distributed at the DLT and is available at
the entry control desks in Buildings 500, 501, and 3.

[SMSO Ensures Center Programs Continue During Heightened
Security]{.underline} \-- SMSO took the initiative to coordinate with
the Visitor Center and program managers for summer and educational
programs to ensure that the programs would continue to take place
without endangering security. While additional security measures have
been put in place such as the requirement for advance notification and
approval, no programs have been disrupted. The Visitor Center is open
for pre-scheduled and approved visits and tours.

[SMSO Staff Coordinates with U.S. Attorney and Federal Law Enforcement
Agencies]{.underline} \-- SMSO staff members attended an open house at
the United States Attorney\'s Office in downtown Cleveland. During the
visit, SMSO members met with Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of
Investigations (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Defense Criminal
Investigative Service (DCIS), and an Intelligence Analyst for the U.S.
Attorney\'s terrorism task force. Items discussed included intelligence
information and resource sharing and how our organizational programs
could interact for mutual benefit.

[SMSO Implemented Measures to Expedite Computer Access for Summer
Staff]{.underline} \-- SMSO Personnel Security implemented procedures to
conduct security checks of the summer staff prior to their arrival for
duty. This procedure resulted in approval for computer access for 71
percent of the summer staff on their first day at Glenn. All others are
granted promptly when the sponsors or students submit the required
documentation.

[Plum Brook Deer Hunt]{.underline} \-- SMSO has reviewed the proposal
for a controlled deer hunt at Plum Brook. SMSO is prepared to concur
with the hunt as proposed, provided that \"background checks\" are
funded and completed for all hunters, and the Force Protection Condition
is no greater than CHARLIE (Modified).