NASA Glenn Research Center

**Safety and Assurance Directorate**

####### SUMMARY OF KEY ACTIVITIES

# May 16, 2003

The following are highlights of key activities during the week ending
May 16, 2003, for the Glenn Safety and Assurance Directorate (SAD/8000):

# Risk-Related Decisions/Actions:

**[Programmatic]{.underline}**

None Reported

**[Institutional]{.underline}**

None Reported

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

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

The Quarterly All-Hands Meeting was held on May 14. The Director
announced the new organizational name, "Safety and Assurance
Directorate". Quarterly highlights and awards were presented.

The Administrative Officer attended a meeting regarding the August 1,
2003, transfer of the Plum Brook security function from the PBOSG
contract to the Knight Protective Services, Inc. contract. Once the
transfer of the function is complete, there will be only one security
contract for GRC. This will result in a common approach to operations,
including training and deployment of staff.

The COTR for the Focus Group contract participated in the monthly
Community Relations telecon. Project status was provided and decisions
were made on agenda items. There are no outstanding contractual issues.

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

[Current Site Activities]{.underline} ­- The removal of loose equipment
from the 0' elevation of the Reactor Building was completed.

The removal and packaging of loose equipment from the Service Equipment
Building was started. The removal and collection of lighting fixture
ballasts that contain PCBs was also started. The ballasts will be
radiologically surveyed, and if clean, will be released from the PBRF
site and disposed of as normal PCB waste.

Two shipments (totaling 21 B-25's) were made to Alaron. The shipments
consisted of a mix of loose and fixed equipment removed from the
Quadrants and Canals over the last few months.

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

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

[Process Based Mission Assurance (PBMA)]{.underline} \-- Finalized PBMA
promotional items and kiosk display materials in preparation for the
E-Gov Conference in Washington, D. C. The NASA Process Based Mission
Assurance Knowledge Management System Team has recently been awarded an
E-Gov 2003 Pioneer Award which will be presented on June 12, 2003, at
the E-Gov Conference Luncheon.

Designed and developed the computer architecture needed to support the
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Work Groups. The design included 10 servers,
software, locked racks and load balancers to host up to 500 SSL Work
Groups. Headquarters' Code Q has requested that PBMA accelerate plans
for FY04 SSL Work Groups, funding them with third quarter FY03 reserve
funding.

[Assurance Technology Center - Incident Reporting Information System
(IRIS)]{.underline} \-- Presented the current status of the Incident
Reporting Information System (IRIS) Enhancement to Code Q personnel at
NASA Headquarters on May 16. The activities of the Assurance Technology
Center (ATC) were extremely well-received.

# Risk Management \-- Participated in the first Agency CRM Working Group telecon; discussed the CRM trainer certification and re-certification requirements, the NASA CRM training initiatives, and the status of the Advanced CRM course.

# Software Assurance (SA) \-- Participated in review of GRC Software of the Year Award project candidates. Candidates were the TURBO-AE, SPACE, and PCS projects.

Completed comparison between the SA activities in the GRC Business
Management System SA documents and the Capability Maturity Model to
ensure coverage of all required SA activities. Created an SA process
architecture from these results.

**[SPACE]{.underline}**

**Microgravity**

[Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF)]{.underline} ­- Supported the
Ground Safety Review at KSC for the Combustion and Fluids Integrated
Racks. All hazard reports were accepted and will be signed upon
completion of two action items. (A total of five action items were
assigned.)

Completed and submitted Review Item Discrepancies (RIDs) for the
Telescience Support Center (TSC)/FCF System Requirements Review
documents.

Participated in formal inspection of FCF software source code. The
inspection process has eight separate code inspections, and three have
been completed. Also participated in the formal inspection of the Common
Base Class requirements document.

Participated in the Verification and Test Reviews (V&TR) for the
Software Verification and Validation Plan, and the Common Base Class
software.

Met with FCF Chief Engineer to review open risk issues/new risks. The
new risks involved the MRDOC contract metallurgical engineer/material
selection issues, potential failures caused by the growth of tin
whiskers (electrical short issue), and potential incorrect material
specifications on the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) combustion
chamber.

[Light Microscopy Module (LMM)]{.underline} \-- Discussed plans for
providing safety surveillance support to the project with the Chief of
RMO. Agreed on approach to provide project-wide coverage and address
Project Manager (PM) needs.

[Microgravity Observations of Bubble Interaction (MOBI)]{.underline}
**\--** Working to update and refine preliminary hazard reports. Will
meet with PM to schedule activities necessary to produce Phase 0/1
Flight Safety Data Package for the project.

[Boiling Experiment Facility (BXF)]{.underline} \-- Reviewed project
documentation in preparation for the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) to
be held on May 19. Also met with PDR team to discuss upcoming review
format, schedule, team assignments and procedures.

[Ultraviolet Visible Infrared Spectrophotometer (UVIS)]{.underline} \--
Reviewed, revised, and updated Work Breakdown Statement (WBS) and
provided suggested corrections to the PM.

**Power and Propulsion**

[International Space Station (ISS)]{.underline} \-- The decision for the
return of the \"Frosty\" Pump Flow Control System (PFCS) on Flight 12A.1
has been baselined. On April 29th, the Space Station Problem Control
Board gave approval to proceed with the build of another new Type II
PFCS. Building the new PFCS should remove \"Frosty\" from the critical
path for the S6 integration, assembly, and checkout and Flight 15A.

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

**[SPACE]{.underline}**

[Visit by KSC - QA]{.underline} \-- QMO coordinated a visit by Kennedy
Space Center\'s Greg Hale from the International Space Station
Experiment and Shuttle Middeck Processing Group. Greg provided an
overview of the processing for the flying payloads on the Space Shuttle.
He discussed the experiment hardware guide that provides users with a
single source which documents a standard method of processing experiment
hardware within a framework of documented NASA Payload processing
policies. Greg was introduced to Fluids and Combustion Facility Project
personnel and the MRDOC Contractor for a brief presentation, and
answered questions regarding upcoming processing of their payloads.

**Microgravity**

[Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF)]{.underline} ­- QMO worked on the
Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) schematic top-down drawing, and
contacted manufacturers about some of the materials in the Electric
Power and Control Unit (EPCU) to determine resistance to fungal growth.
The fungal assessment of the EPCU is almost completed.

[Investigating the Structure of Paramagnet Aggregates from Colloid
Emulsions (InSPACE)]{.underline} \-- QMO wrote a brief Materials and
Processes (M&P) paragraph for the safety engineer stating that:

-   The adhesive used to seal one end of the glass vial was the
    appropriate adhesive;

-   it would not fail; and

-   it was compatible with the ferro-fluid despite the leaching of the
    silicone oil from the adhesive into the fluid.

QMO will be to performing a fungus assessment on the existing payload
hardware currently installed within the ISS microgravity science
glovebox as part of the RMO Safety extended-stay verification.

[Flow Enclosure Accommodating Novel Investigations in the Combustion of
Solids (FEANICS)]{.underline} \-- QMO was requested by the FEANICS
Project Manager to review the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) Payload
Interface Definition Document (IDD), and the Insert-1 Integration
Agreement for FEANICS M&P issues. None were identified.

QMO reviewed and approved use of coarse mesh stainless steel material
used as protective covers for oxygen sensors.

[Miscible Interface Dynamics and Simulation Experiment
(MIDAS)]{.underline} \-- QMO met with the Project Manager to discuss the
Product Assurance Plan and its implementation. The Product Assurance
Plan was written by ZIN and is awaiting final comments from SAD.

[Physics of Colloids in Space-3 (PCS-3)]{.underline} \-- QMO monitored
the vibro-acoustics qualification testing of the PCS-3 High Angle Camera
(non-flight hardware). During a functional test, after vibrating the
camera in the X-axis for one minute, engineers were unable to acquire an
image. The anomaly was identified and corrected. The camera also was
further ruggedized. The following day it passed the X-axis vibration
test; however, during the Y-axis test engineers were unable to capture
an image. The anomaly has been identified and corrective action is in
the process.

[Laboratory Environmental Testing]{.underline} \-- QMO engineers
continue to improve the Test Readiness Review (TRR) process. QMO is
incorporating comments received from the first TRR utilizing the Physics
of Colloids in Space Experiment as the pathfinder.

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

The Chief of GSO supported the Intel International Science & Engineering
Fair as an interpreter. This was an international science fair with
students representing 40 countries.

Supported the Earth Day Chestnut Tree Planting Initiative. Prepared a
Health and Safety Plan for the planting activity and conducted the
pre-activity safety overview to highlight the hazards that were
identified with this activity. A group of volunteers from across the
Center planted five Chestnut Tree saplings. The saplings were grown at
home from Chestnuts by the Project Sponsor. The trees are planted at the
end of Cryogenic Road in the West Area. If the saplings (\~ 18 inches
high) take root, they can grow as much as 15 feet in 3 years.

Supported an Operational Readiness Review for the University of
Chicago\'s TRACER LITE II project in the B-2 Facility. TRACER
(Transition Radiation Array for Cosmic Energetic Radiation) LITE II is a
balloon borne instrument for measuring heavy cosmic ray nuclei in the
Earth\'s atmosphere.

Revisited Cedar Point Road to assess its drivability status prior to the
upcoming closure of West Area Road by the Phase 4 Sewer contractor. The
tentative date for the road closing has been rescheduled for Tuesday,
May 27, due to weather conditions impacting the progress of the
contractor.

[Area Safety Committees]{.underline} \-- Supported the Area 8 Safety
Committee by reviewing a permit for a combustion rig in the 2.2 second
drop tower. The experiment was a renewal of a previously approved
permit, and there were no new hazards.

Performed a walkthrough of a new combustion laboratory in Building 77.
The safety issues noted during the visit were primarily related to the
need to verify adequate air flow in the local exhaust ventilation for
the lab, including a fume hood, two ventilated gas cabinets, and duct
work for snorkels. It was recommended that the building manager contact
Industrial Hygiene for a measurement when installation is completed.

[GSO Support for Design of Projects Impacted by Airport
Expansion]{.underline} \-- Received a request for a safety evaluation
from the SAA3 Project Manager regarding a problem at the Creek Road
Complex job site. GSO will investigate and advise if there are any
life-safety issues with the proposed design change options for the
location of the boiler.

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

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

The Chemical Management Team (CMT) reviewed the safety permit and then
physically inspected the "Granular Materials Flows with Interstitial
Fluid Effects" test package which will be flown on the KC-135 this week.
The team also reviewed the safety permit renewal request for the high
speed video system, the renewal request for the high frame rate video
system, and the renewal request for the Spacecraft Fire Safety Facility
(FATE), which all will fly on the KC-135 this week.

The CMT participated in an annual building inspection of Building 51 on
May 13. No violations of a chemical management nature were found.

[Hazard Communication Program]{.underline} \-- The CMT verified five
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in the Power Builder database to
assure they were online.

The CMT prepared labels for the replacement cleaner solution
(environmentally preferred product) for Building 104.

The CMT completed a new proficiency test for hazcom training; the test
will be used the week of May 19.

The CMT provided hazcom training in Building 15 on May 13, with 13
students in attendance. Training was on May 14, in Building 64 with 10
students in attendance.

The CMT met with Lynne Sammon regarding summer students. Application
review for students started May 13. There will be one student in CMT to
help with MSDS filing and training program materials. The student is
expected to start June 16.

[Chemical Inventory Program]{.underline} \-- The CMT began formulating
and implementing a beta test schedule for the PDA Chemical Inventory
Scan Program. The program will utilize Buildings 14 and 49, and the
Building 35 complexes. Building 14 is scheduled be the first subject of
the beta test.

The CMT hosted a PDA Chemical Inventory Scan Program
discussion/problem-solving session on May 15. Subjects discussed
included scanning issues in Buildings 212 and 21, a redesigna-tion of
which chemical containers may be bar-coded, and end-user involvement in
bar-coding certain chemicals and chemical containers.

The CMT converted 63 Material Release Orders (MRO) to Active status. The
CMT processed 71 Chemical Container Barcodes to Inactive status.

[Chemical Hygiene Program]{.underline} \-- The CMT started a matrix of
all the hazardous chemicals in the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
system. As of this week, about 250 chemicals have been listed. 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 and approved 11 safety
permits.

The ECT attended and provided comments on the 90% Design Review for
Building 14 Rehabilitation Project.

The ECT began work on a NASA Headquarters Data Call to catalogue all GRC
NEPA documents by July.

[Water Pollution Control]{.underline} \-- The ECT is assisting with a
coordination issue concerning cooling tower maintenance and research
chilling needs. The ECT concern is that the Center's National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permit does not allow chlorinated water to
be discharged to the storm sewers.

[Air Pollution Control]{.underline} \-- The ECT is requesting analytical
testing to be preformed for the Center's jet fuel taken from a shipment
expected May 16.

Members of the P2 Team attended the Department of Defense/Ohio Pollution
Prevention Meeting on May 15, 2003, at the Lima Army Tank Plant.

[Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) Environmental Remedial Activities]{.underline} \-- The ECT
submitted the Feasibility Study for the West Area to Ohio EPA. Also
submitted to the Ohio EPA were the monitoring well approval letter and
several correspondences concerning storm water runoff control in the
remediation area.

[Handling and Disposal of Soil]{.underline} \-- Soil manifests were
signed for the West Area construction projects.

[Cultural Resources]{.underline} \-- On May 8, the cultural resources
reports produced by Gray and Pape were delivered to Plum Brook's
Environmental Manager. The reports included the Supplemental Overall
Cultural Resources Survey for the Central, North, and West Areas of
Lewis Field; Architectural Report for PBS; Ohio Historic Inventory forms
for PBS; Predictive Model of Archeological Resources at PBS; and the
Ohio Archeological Inventory forms.

The ECT is researching a Statement of Work for the Facilities
Preservation Officer at GRC for a Cultural Resources Management Plan.

[Documentation]{.underline} \-- The ECT continues to work with various
program managers to complete the first drafts of all 30 Chapters, which
comprise the Environmental Resources Document. The ECT forwarded four
revised Chapters for the Environmental Programs Manual to contacts in
Facilities Development and the Plum Brook Management Office for advance
comments.

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

[Chemical Exposure]{.underline} **\--** The Industrial Hygiene Team
(IHT) received the results of the IH sampling for cyclohexylamine and
diethylethanolamine conducted in Building 12, during tank car unloading
operations. All results were below 1 ppm for cyclohexylamine and below
detectable levels for diethylethanolamine. The IHT began developing a
report of the results for the employees tested.

[Respirator Program]{.underline} **\--** The IHT performed a total of
nine respirator fit tests.

[Ventilation Program]{.underline} **\--** The IHT performed 15
ventilation system checks, with none taken out of service.

[Exposure Assessment]{.underline} **\--** Per the First Responders
request, responded to Building 55 Clean Room to check for an ammonia
leak on May 16. The alarm system had been shut off for 2 days, but kept
sending in alarm signals to Dispatch. The IHT responded with the Draeger
pump and used the ammonia detection chip. No leaks were found in the
system.

[Facilities Asbestos Site Survey (FASS)]{.underline} **\--** The FASS
Team (FT) continued Phase I (Inspection/Inventory) activities of the
FASS Survey in Building 7. Phase I is approximately 98% completed. A few
locked rooms remain to be surveyed. All data entry for Building 7 has
been completed.

The FT posted for Phase II (Sampling) activities in Building 7. Phase II
activities will begin next week.

The FT forwarded the asbestos bulk samples for Buildings 104 and 107 to
the DataChem Laboratories for asbestos analysis.

[Noise Exposure Management Program]{.underline} **\--** The IHT
performed five sound level surveys and worked on scheduling two hearing
conservation training classes.

IHT performed a follow up visit to CW-28 to evaluate the sound levels
that were being emitted from Building 38. The source of the initial
noise survey was the tie-line above CW-28. The exhaust system was not
working at the time of the visit; however, the occupants of CW-28 noted
that, on May 13, the exhaust system was louder than the initial incident
and was causing the walls to vibrate. The occupants believe the loud
noise is being emitted when the Advanced Subsonic Combustion Rig (ASCR)
project is running their tests. The occupants of CW-28 will call IHT
when ASCR is running again so that another sound level survey can be
performed. IHT will also review the Central Processing Service System to
find out when the ASCR will be running tests in order to conduct a sound
level survey.

Upon request, IHT performed a sound level survey for occupants of
Building 55 Clean Room Areas 121, 122, 123, and 124. Upon providing a
sound level survey for the occupants of Building 55, other safety
concerns were brought to IHT\'s attention. IHT shared the concerns with
the Glenn Safety Office. The concern was the inability to hear a Toxic
and Combustible Gas Alarm System which is located inside of Clean Room
124, with flashing emergency strobe lights located on the outside of the
door. There are other rooms (121, 122, and 123) which should be
evacuated in the event that this alarm should go into effect; however,
since the alarm system is located in an enclosed area the other
adjoining rooms are not readily exposed to the audible alarm. The room
occupants were instructed to submit a work request to have an alarm
system put into Room 122.

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

[NASA Assumes Heightened Force Protection Condition (FPC)]{.underline}
\-- Glenn Research Center has

assumed Force Protection Condition (FPC) Charlie (Modified). These
measures will minimize the probability of a successful terrorist attack:

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

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

-   Control of delivery vehicles is increased, and vehicles transporting
    flammable cargo such as fuel, pressurized flammable gases,
    petrochemicals, and other potentially hazardous material are
    restricted, controlled, or escorted.

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

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

-   The Visitor Center is open for pre-arranged visits such as bus
    tours, but other visits by the general public are prohibited. The
    Visitor Center will be **Closed** on weekends unless tours are
    pre-scheduled.

[Counterintelligence (CI) Coordination with Defense HUMINT Service
(DHS)]{.underline} \-- Safeguards Office (CI) staff members were visited
by a representative of the Defense HUMIT Service (DHS). The meeting
covered the cooperation and exchange of information that would allow
both parties to better share and report information that affects NASA
and National Security concerns. This cooperation improves the ability of
the NASA Glenn Safeguards Office to protect current and developing
technologies used by NASA.

[Web Development for Foreign Visitor Data]{.underline} \-- SMSO and
Knight Protective Services personnel are working on a web development
team to develop a process for the administration and counterintelligence
assessment of foreign visitor information.