NPR 8715.1.pdf

| NODIS Library | Program Management(8000s) | Search |

NASA

Procedural Requirements

NPR 8715.1B

Effective Date: February 01, Expiration Date: February 01, COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY FOR NASA EMPLOYEES

NASA Safety and Health Programs

Responsible Office: Office of Safety and Mission Assurance

Table of Contents Preface P.1 Purpose P.2 Applicability P.3 Authority P.4 Applicable Documents and Forms P.5 Measurement/Verification P.6 Cancellation

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1 Overview

1.2 Organization of the NPR

Chapter 2. Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 NASA Administrator

2.2 Chief Health and Medical Officer

2.3 Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance

2.4 Center Directors

2.5 Center Safety and Mission Assurance Director

2.6 Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads

2.7 Program and Project Personnel

2.8 Procurement Officials

Chapter 3. Management of Institutional Safety Requirements and Request for Relief from Agency Institutional Safety

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC

This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC Page 1 of 62 https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/main_lib.html https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/lib_docs.cfm?range=8___ https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/adv_search.cfm https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov/ and Request for Relief from Agency Institutional Safety Requirements

3.1 Management of Institutional Safety Requirements

3.2 Request for Relief from Agency Institutional Safety Requirements

Chapter 4. NASA's Safety and Health Management Program

4.1 Center Safety and Health Management Program

4.2 Referenced Standards

4.3 Safety and Health Management Program Elements

Chapter 5. Fire Protection and Life Safety

5.1 Fire Protection and Life Safety Program

5.2 Institutional Safety Discipline Lead Designation - Authority Having Jurisdiction

5.3 Referenced Standards

5.4 Fire Protection and Life Safety Unique Requirements - Reserved

5.5 Authority Having Jurisdiction Qualifications

Chapter 6. Explosive, Propellant, and Pyrotechnic Safety

6.1 Explosives, Propellants, and Pyrotechnics Safety Program

6.2 Institutional Safety Discipline Lead Designation - Explosives Safety Officer

6.3 Referenced Standards

6.4 Explosives, Propellants, and Pyrotechnics Unique Requirements

6.5 Explosives Safety Officer Qualifications

Chapter 7. Ground-based Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems Safety

7.1 Ground-based Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems Program

7.2 Institutional Safety Discipline Lead Designation - Pressure Systems

7.3 Referenced Standards

7.4 Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems Unique Requirements

7.5 Pressure Systems Manager Qualifications

Chapter 8. Lifting Devices and Equipment Safety

8.1 Lifting Devices and Equipment Program

8.2 Institutional Safety Discipline Lead Designation - Lifting Devices and Equipment Manager

8.3 Referenced Standards

8.4 Lifting Devices and Equipment Unique Requirements

8.5 Lifting Devices and Equipment Manager Qualifications

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC

This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC Page 2 of 62

Chapter 9. Fall Protection

9.1 Fall Protection Program

9.2 Institutional Safety Discipline Lead Designation - Fall Protection Program Administrator

9.3 Referenced Standards

9.4 Fall Protection Unique Requirements - Reserved

9.5 Fall Protection Program Administrator Qualifications

Chapter 10. Aviation Safety

10.1 Aviation Safety Program

10.2 Aviation Safety Program Responsibilities

Chapter 11. Radiation Safety

11.1 Non-Ionizing Radiation

11.2 Ionizing Radiation

Chapter 12. Mission Collateral Safety Risk

12.1 Overview

12.2 Range Flight Safety

12.3 Payload Safety

12.4 Nuclear Flight Safety

12.5 Flight Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems Safety

Chapter 13. Operational Safety Specific Program Requirements

13.1 Overview

13.2 Motor Vehicle Safety

13.3 Personal Protective Equipment

13.4 Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout / Tagout Program)

13.5 Confined Space

13.6 Electrical Safety

13.7 Hazardous Material Transportation, Storage, and Use

13.8 Test / Operations Safety

13.9 Human and Animal Research / Tests

13.10 Underwater Operations Safety

Chapter 14. Facility Safety Management

14.1 Purpose

14.2 Facility Safety Management Program

14.3 Organization and Personnel Designation - Facility Safety Management Program

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC

This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC Page 3 of 62

14.4 Facility Safety Requirements

Appendix A. Definitions Appendix B. Acronyms Appendix C. References Appendix D. Example Request For Relief Form

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC

This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- TOC Page 4 of 62

Preface P.1 Purpose This directive describes the roles and responsibilities, the required safety and health programs, and the associated Agency requirements that provide the framework for the Agency’s Safety and Health Program. The purpose of this program is to protect the public, NASA workforce, and high-value assets from all hazards associated with NASA activities and operations created or controlled by NASA and to protect NASA civil servants while performing official NASA duties from any hazard, regardless of location.

P.2 Applicability

a. This directive is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including Component Facilities and Technical and Service Support Centers.

b. In this directive, “Center Director” refers to the Center Directors, to the Executive Director, Headquarters Operations, and to the directors of Component Facilities and Technical and Service Support Centers.

c. In this directive, the term "Project Manager" refers to both project managers and program managers.

d. In this directive, the term “workforce” refers to the NASA civil servants and NASA contractors.

e. In this directive, the term “public” refers to non-NASA workforce (i.e. tenants), visitors, and the general public.

f. Unless specifically prohibited, responsibilities and requirements may be delegated. When delegated, the stated role or actor still remains accountable for its implementation and outcome.

g. Where an office or organization is stated as the actor of a requirement, the Official in Charge of that office or organization is responsible and accountable for the action and its outcome.

h. In this directive, all mandatory actions (i.e., requirements) are denoted by statements containing the term “shall.” The terms “may” denotes a discretionary privilege or permission, “can” denotes statements of possibility or capability, “should” denotes a good practice and is recommended, but not required, “will” denotes expected outcome, and “are/is” denotes descriptive material.

i. In this directive, all prohibited actions are denoted by statements containing the term “shall not.”

j. Where conflicts exist between provisions of this directive and Federal statutes or regulations, or higher-level NASA directives, those statutes, regulations, and higher-level NASA directives take precedence.

k. Where conflicts exist between a general requirement and specific requirement, the specific requirement applies.

l. Codes and standards incorporated by reference in this directive are considered to be part of the requirements of this directive to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where conflicts exists

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface Page 5 of 62 requirements of this directive to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where conflicts exists between provisions of this directive and provision of standards incorporated by reference herein, the provisions of this directive take precedence, except in those cases where the standard is incorporated by reference in applicable Federal statute or regulation.

m. In this directive, all document citations are assumed to be the latest version unless otherwise noted. When a specific version is stated, use of more recent versions of cited documents may be authorized by the responsible Institutional Safety Discipline Lead.

P.3 Authority

a. NPD 1000.3, The NASA Organization.

b. NPD 1800.2, NASA Occupational Health Program.

c. NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success.

P.4 Applicable Documents and Forms

a. Basic Program Elements for Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Programs and Related Matters, 29 CFR pt. 1960.

b. Hazardous Materials Regulation, 49 CFR subch. C.

c. NPR 8621.1, NASA Procedural Requirements for Mishap and Close Call Reporting, Investigating, and Recordkeeping.

d. NASA-STD-8719.9, Lifting Standard.

e. NASA-STD-8719.11, Standard for Fire Protection and Life Safety.

f. NASA-STD-8719.12, Safety Standard for Explosives, Propellants, and Pyrotechnics.

g. NASA-STD-8719.17, NASA Requirements for Ground-Based Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems (PVS).

h. NF 1584, Safety and Health Hazard Abatement Plan.

i. NRRS 1441, NASA Records Retention Schedules.

j. American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH) Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice for Design, 28th Edition, 2016.

k. ANSI/AIAA S-080A-2018, Space Systems – Metallic Pressure Vessels, Pressurized Structures, and Pressure Components.

l. ANSI/AIAA S-081B-2018, Space Systems – Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels.

m. ANSI/ASSP Z9.1-2016, Ventilation and Control of Airborne Contaminants During Open-Surface Tank Operations.

n. ANSI/ASSP Z9.2-2018, Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Local Exhaust Ventilation Systems.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface Page 6 of 62

o. ANSI/ASSP Z9.3-2017, Spray Finishing Operations: Safety Code for Design, Construction and Ventilation.

p. ANSI/ASSP Z9.4-2011, Abrasive-Blasting Operations – Ventilation and Safe Practices for Fixed Location Enclosures.

q. ANSI/ASSP Z9.5-2012, Laboratory Ventilation.

r. ANSI/ASSP Z9.6-2018, Exhaust Systems for Grinding, Polishing and Buffing.

s. ANSI/ASSP Z9.7-2007, Recirculation of Air from Industrial Process Exhaust Systems.

t. ANSI/ASSP Z9.10-2017, Fundamentals Governing the Design and Operation of Dilution Ventilation Systems in Industrial Occupancies.

u. ANSI/ASSP Z9.11-2016, Laboratory Decommissioning.

v. ANSI/ASSP Z9.14-2014, Testing and Performance-Verification Methodologies for Ventilation Systems for Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) Facilities.

w. ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014, American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.

x. ANSI/ASSP Z359.2-2017, Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program.

y. International Building Code (IBC), 2018 edition.

z. NFPA 70, National Electric Code, 2017 edition.

aa. NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2018 edition.

bb. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2018 Edition.

cc. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (The Guide), Eighth Edition, 2011, National Academy Press, Washington D.C.

dd. The IEEE National Electrical Safety Code, 2017 edition.

P.5 Measurement/Verification Compliance with the requirements contained in this directive is monitored by the Institutional Safety Discipline Leads, the Institutional Safety Authorities, the project Safety and Mission Assurance Technical Authority, the NASA Office of Safety and Mission Assurance, and the Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer. Compliance may also be verified as part of selected life cycle reviews and by assessments, reviews, and audits of the requirements and processes defined within this directive.

P.6 Cancellation

a. NPR 8715.1A, NASA Occupational Safety and Health Programs, dated March 05, 2012.

b. NPD 8710.5D, Policy for Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems, dated March 12, 2008.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface Page 7 of 62

b. NPD 8710.5D, Policy for Pressure Vessels and Pressurized Systems, dated March 12, 2008.

c. Chapters 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of NPR 8715.3D, NASA General Safety Program Requirements, dated August 01, 2017.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Preface Page 8 of 62

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1 Overview

1.1.1 This directive describes how NASA manages its responsibilities for protecting the public and the workforce from hazards associated with NASA activities and operations. The directive describes the roles and responsibilities, the required institutional safety and health programs, and the Agency requirements for protecting the public and workforce. This directive provides a framework for how NASA manages institutional safety and health. It is intended to be used with other applicable statutes and regulations and Agency and Center requirements.

1.1.2 Institutional safety and health management is a proactive, collaborative process to find and fix hazards associated with NASA activities and operations before someone is injured or becomes ill. It is the application of engineering and management principles, criteria, and techniques to protect the public, workforce, and property from hazards created by NASA activities and operations and to protect the NASA civil service employees from all hazards regardless of location while performing official NASA duties. Its objective is to keep the risk of injury and harm to these entities within acceptable limits.

1.2 Organization of the NPR

1.2.1 Chapter 2 defines the roles and responsibilities for implementing this directive. Chapter 3 describes management of institutional safety requirements and the process for requesting relief from institutional safety requirements in this document and requirements incorporated by reference herein.

1.2.2 Chapters 4 through 9 address safety functional areas where NASA requires the Centers to have a designated Center Institutional Safety Discipline Lead and for which this NPR is the controlling directive.

1.2.3 Chapter 10 addresses aviation safety and delegates oversight of aviation safety to the Aircraft Management Division in the Mission Support Directorate. Chapter 11 addresses radiation safety and references other controlling directives. Chapter 12 addresses functional institutional safety areas tied more directly to missions. These areas are range flight safety, payload safety, nuclear flight safety, and flight pressure vessels and pressurized systems.

1.2.4 Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 address operational specific safety areas and facility safety management.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter1 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter1 Page 9 of 62

Chapter 2. Roles and Responsibilities

2.1 NASA Administrator

The NASA Administrator is responsible for the implementation of an effective and comprehensive safety and health management system consistent with the standards promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 655 and the Basic Program Elements for Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Programs and Related Matters, 29 CFR pt. 1960. The Administrator designated (in NPD 1000.3, The NASA Organization) the Chief Health and Medical Officer (CHMO) as the Designated Agency Safety and Health Official (DASHO) for the Agency.

The DASHO in conjunction with the Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance is responsible for managing the Agency occupational safety and health management system for the Administrator.

2.2 Chief Health and Medical Officer

The Chief Health and Medical Officer, serving as the DASHO, establishes and oversees implementation of the health portion of the safety and health management policies required by 29 CFR § 1960.1. The Agency health management policy and program are defined in NPD 1800.2, NASA Occupational Health Program and NPR 1800.1, NASA Occupational Health Program Procedures.

2.3 Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance

The Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA) establishes and oversees implementation of the safety portion of the safety and health management policy required by 29 CFR § 1960.1 and the safety programs and requirements delineated in this NPR. The Agency safety management policy and program are defined in NPD 8700.1, NASA Policy for Safety and Mission Success, and this

NPR.

2.4 Center Directors

2.4.1 Center Directors are responsible and accountable for the safety and health aspects of all activities assigned to their Center. Institutional Safety Authority at a Center originates with the Center Director.

Note: Elements of the Center's safety and health programs may reside in different organizations and may be funded or managed either locally at the Center or centrally by the Agency. Regardless of the organizational structure, the Center Director's responsibility for the safety and health of their workforce and for the impact of hazards the Center controls remains undiminished.

2.4.2 Each Center Director is responsible for protecting the workforce and the public from hazards created or controlled by the Center regardless of location.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 Page 10 of 62

2.4.3 Each Center Director is responsible for the safety and health of all NASA civil service employees assigned to their Center and for protecting them from all hazards regardless of location while performing official NASA duties.

2.4.4 Each Center Director is responsible, when entering into contracts and agreements, for ensuring they maintain the ability to fulfill their responsibilities in 2.4.2 and 2.4.3.

Note: If the Center enters into an out-grant with another party, in which the other party maintains exclusive use and control over that real property, the Center is not responsible for the risks to the other party's workforce arising from hazards the other party creates or controls, unless otherwise specified in the out-grant. The Center remains responsible for protecting the NASA workforce from all hazards, including those created or controlled by the party of the out-grant, and responsible for the impact that hazards NASA creates or controls may have on the party of the out-grant.

2.4.5 Each Center Director is responsible for Center implementation of Agency institutional safety policies and statutory and regulatory requirements.

2.4.6 Each Center Director is responsible for prohibiting or stopping any activity or operation for which the Center cannot provide adequate safety or emergency response.

2.4.7 Center Directors may accept risk to the public, the workforce, or property as long as relief from Agency-level requirements is obtained in accordance with Chapter 3 of this directive.

2.4.8 Center Directors implicitly accept the risks associated with the current state of the Center, including from decisions and relief from requirements made by subordinates and by predecessors.

Center Directors should thus be aware of and periodically review all past requests for relief that are still applicable.

2.4.9 Each Center Director is responsible for reporting annually on the state of the safety and health of their Center and of their safety and health programs to the Chief, SMA and the CHMO.

2.4.10 Each Center Director is responsible for designating qualified civil servants as Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads to manage safety policies and programs in specific discipline areas and to oversee their implementation.

2.4.11 Each Center Director is responsible for designating qualified civil servants as Environmental Health Manager, Laser Safety Officer (LSO), and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The roles and responsibilities of the LSO and RSO are addressed in NPR 1800.1, NASA Occupational Health Program Procedures, and are overseen by the CHMO.

2.5 Center Safety and Mission Assurance Director

2.5.1 The Center SMA Director assists the Center Director in managing Center institutional safety policies and programs in compliance with Agency policy and statutory and regulatory requirements.

2.5.2 The Center SMA Director provides a clear picture of the full risk posture of the Center relative to the safety and health requirements.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 Page 11 of 62

2.6 Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads

2.6.1 Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads are inherently governmental functions and may only be performed by civil servants. They may be supported by contractors. Required Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads are:

a. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for Fire Protection and Life Safety,

b. Center Range Flight Safety Lead (CRFSL),

c. Explosives Safety Officer (ESO),

d. Fall Protection Program Administrator (FPPA),

e. Safety Manager,

f. Lifting Devices and Equipment Manager (LDEM), and

g. Pressure Systems Manager (PSM).

2.6.2 Center Directors may designate additional Institutional Safety Discipline Leads not defined in this document according to their needs.

2.6.3 Responsibilities of the Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads vary depending on their discipline areas. Specific roles and responsibilities for Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads are documented in chapters 4 through 12 and other NPRs as cited above. Responsibilities common to all discipline areas are:

a. Oversee Center activities to ensure they are safe and conform to Agency, Center, and regulatory policy and requirements; authorize equipment, materials, installations, and procedures for use;

specify personnel competence and qualifications; and define additional requirements and standards necessary to maintain safety.

b. Prohibit or stop any work or activity that presents an imminent hazard to the life or limb of personnel.

c. Stop any work that requires prior approval by an Institutional Safety Discipline Lead that has not obtained that approval.

d. Collaborate with programs, projects, and procurement officials on how best to implement prescribed requirements and achieve program and project goals in accordance with all statutory and regulatory responsibilities.

e. Evaluate the technical basis of requests for relief from requirements and provide a recommendation to the approving authority.

f. Notify the Center SMA Director of any unsafe conditions, work stoppages, policy and requirements violations, and other events and conditions that may increase the risk to the public, workforce, or property.

g. Periodically inform the Center SMA Director of the state of the safety program they lead at their Center and risks to the satisfactory implementation of program requirements.

h. In coordination with the Center SMA Director, inform the Chief, SMA and CHMO of any unsafe

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 Page 12 of 62 conditions, work stoppages, policy and requirements violations, and other events and conditions that may significantly increase the risk to the health of the public and workforce.

2.6.4 Designated Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads may only authorize activities within their discipline and domain. The Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads cannot authorize activities that increase risk to the public, the workforce, or property beyond what is allowed by applicable standards, or beyond what has been accepted in accordance with Chapter 3.

2.7 Program and Project Personnel

2.7.1 Mission Directorate Associate Administrators are responsible for ensuring project managers work with the appropriate Center personnel to implement the requirements of this NPR.

2.7.2 Project managers are responsible for working with the appropriate Center personnel to implement the requirements of this NPR.

2.7.3 Chief Safety Officers are responsible for assisting project managers meet the requirements of this NPR. To enable this, they need to be aware of the requirements in this NPR and who to contact for assistance in meeting its requirements.

2.8 Procurement Officials

2.8.1 Associate Administrator for the Office of Procurement is responsible for ensuring Center and Agency procurement processes, including P-card and simplified acquisition processes, include the appropriate steps to enable meeting the requirements of this NPR and applicable standards incorporated by reference herein.

2.8.2 Procurement officials and P-card holders are responsible for:

a. Including in contracts, acquisitions, and P-card purchases the requirements of this NPR and applicable standards incorporated by reference herein.

b. Ensuring the appropriate Institutional Safety Discipline Leads are included in the procurement process or review of P-card purchases prior to being initiated so that they can conduct appropriate reviews and provide advice as required.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter2 Page 13 of 62

Chapter 3. Management of Institutional Safety Requirements and Request for Relief from Agency Institutional Safety Requirements

3.1 Management of Institutional Safety Requirements

3.1.1 Institutional Safety Authority

3.1.1.1 NASA’s governance framework is designed to include a comprehensive system of independent authorities. Institutional Safety Authority, the implementation of which is overseen by the Chief, Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA), ensures Agency compliance with safety requirements to protect the safety of the workforce, public, and high-value assets established by law, NASA policy, or other external or internal authority.

3.1.1.2 Institutional Safety Authority at Centers and Facilities resides with the Center Directors.

They serve as the designated Agency-level "official voice" for institutional safety and the associated requirements established by NASA policy, law, and other external mandate aimed at protecting the public, NASA workforce, and high-value assets from potential harm.

3.1.1.3 SMA Directors assist Center Directors with the implementation of the Institutional Safety Authority and serve as the Center focal point for Institutional Safety Authority providing independent oversight and communication lines to both the Center Director and Chief, SMA.

3.1.1.4 Centers may designate additional positions within their organization as members of the Institutional Safety Authority. Centers shall document all such positions.

3.1.2 Institutional Safety Discipline Leads

3.1.2.1 Centers shall appoint Institutional Safety Discipline Leads as defined in section 2.6.

3.1.2.2 Institutional safety discipline leads support the implementation of the Institutional Safety Authority by serving as subject-matter experts for the safety discipline they oversee. Common duties include the development of policies, requirements, process, and procedures to manage their discipline area at the Center and Facilities, and the determination of requirements applicability, compliance, and equivalent levels of safety.

3.1.2.3 In case of disagreement with determinations by Institutional Safety Discipline Leads, organizations may appeal such determinations to the SMA Director or Center Director.

3.1.2.4 Authority to conduct Center operations once a determination of noncompliance has been made can only be provided in accordance with section 3.2.

Note: If a determination of noncompliance has been made for a project operation that does not impact the public, NASA workforce, or NASA facility, the institutional safety authority may allow the request for relief to be obtaining using the projects process.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 Page 14 of 62

3.1.2.5 Regardless of the organization in which Institutional Safety Discipline Leads reside, Centers shall maintain independent communication paths between those leads and the SMA Director, then to the Center Director, to avoid undue influence on their functioning.

3.2 Request for Relief from Agency Institutional Safety

Requirements

3.2.1 Overview

3.2.1.1 It is NASA policy that all requirements are complied with unless relief is formally granted.

An approved request for relief is a documented authorization releasing a responsible party from meeting a requirement. All documented authorizations of relief become part of the organization’s records.

Note: Requests for relief are frequently referred to as either waivers or deviations.

3.2.1.2 Policy and responsibilities cannot be relieved. The only way to make a change or alteration to a policy is to formally and universally change the policy. Responsibilities can only be reassigned.

3.2.1.3 NASA cannot authorize relief from external requirements, such as Federal, state, or local regulations, voluntary consensus standards incorporated by reference in Federal regulations, or NASA standards approved as alternate or as supplementary to a Federal standard. Requests for relief from a Federal, state, or local safety regulation are reviewed by the NASA Headquarters Office of Safety and Mission Assurance and submitted by the Designated Agency Safety and Health Official to the appropriate Federal, state, or local agency for approval.

Note: State and Local regulations and standards do not apply to Federal activities and installations, except as otherwise provided by Federal law or express agreement.

3.2.1.4 This chapter is only for relief to Agency institutional safety requirements for which OSMA is the Office of Primary Responsibility. Relief from Agency institutional health requirements can only be granted by OCHMO.

Note: Relief from Agency institutional health requirements can only be granted by OCHMO. If Submitting Authority’s request includes institutional health requirements, contact Center health officials.

3.2.2 Approving Authority for Requests for Relief

3.2.2.1 As defined in NPR 1400.1, NASA Directives and Charters Procedural Requirements, the Approving Authority is the person or organization responsible for oversight of the requirement and authorized to grant relief from the requirement.

3.2.2.2 The Approving Authority shall elevate requests for relief exceeding his or her authority. The Approving Authority cannot authorize relief from externally mandated requirements (e.g., Federal

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 Page 15 of 62 statutes and regulations) or from NASA requirements not under its purview.

3.2.2.3 The Chief, SMA delegates approving authority to the applicable Center Director except as stated in 3.2.2.4.

3.2.2.4 The Approving Authority for granting relief is the Chief, SMA when the relief is for:

a. An entire standard or substantial portion of a standard incorporated by reference in this directive or a substantial portion of this directive.

b. Relief from requirements in section 3.1 of this document.

c. A request for relief that requires coordination between centers or impacts the public not located near the Center.

Note: For a request for relief that impacts the public not located near the Center, the Chief, SMA may need to elevate granting the relief to the Administrator in accordance with NPD 8700.1.

3.2.2.5 Center Directors may delegate their authority to grant relief from requirements to the Deputy Director, Associate Director, or SMA Director with the following stipulations:

a. The Center Director remains responsible for the relief granted and for the impact of the relief.

b. Center Directors shall not delegate the authority below the Deputy Director or Associate Director if after risk reduction measures are taken the risk of noncompliance is assessed by the appropriate Institutional Safety Discipline Lead to be more than a minor increase to personnel injury or a significant risk to property.

3.2.3 The Submitting Authority for Requests for Relief

3.2.3.1 The Submitting Authority is the person or organization seeking relief. The Submitting Authority shall document the following information:

a. Identify the requirement(s) for which relief is being sought.

b. Describe the request for relief (i.e., the nature of the proposed departure from the requirement).

c. Justify the reasons for the relief, why it is not possible, or desirable, to comply with the requirement within the specified delivery schedule.

d. Determine the initial and residual risk and document the acceptability of the resulting change in risk.

e. Confirm the relief does not conflict with applicable Federal statutes or regulations, or with Agency policy.

f. Indicate when compliance will be achieved or indicate that the request is permanent if compliance is not planned or not possible.

g. Describe alternate actions to be taken for managing the risk.

h. Describe conclusions and recommendations from the Center Institutional Safety Discipline Lead, NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 Page 16 of 62 resolution of recommendations, and if a recommendation to not approve is made by an Institutional Safety Authority, an explanation why it was made.

3.2.3.2 The Submitting Authority accepts the risk associated with the relief when submitting the request for relief. Relief is not granted until the request has been fully processed and approved by the Approving Authority.

3.2.3.3 Regardless of whether the Center Director is the Submitting or Approving Authority, the Center Director is and remains accountable for the safety of people and property at the Center and for the impact of hazards created or controlled by the Center, including accountability for accepting risks associated with the relief from requirements.

3.2.3.4 Appendix D provides an example Request for Relief (RFR) form. This form is not mandatory. Centers may use other methods of documentation provided relevant information to shown compliance with this NPR is captured.

3.2.4 The appropriate Institutional Safety Authorities and Institutional Safety Discipline Leads shall review and provide a recommendation to approve or disapprove, with appropriate comments, for the Approving Authority to consider when making a final decision to approve or disapprove the request for relief.

3.2.5 Any Institutional Safety Authority or Institutional Safety Discipline Lead may request the addition of an OSMA assessment for the Approving Authority to consider when making a final decision to approve or disapprove the request for relief.

3.2.6 Institutional Safety Authorities shall ensure substantive disagreements are handled through the formal dissent process outlined in NPD 1000.0.

3.2.7 Reporting Authorized Relief

3.2.7.1 For relief authorized at the Center, the Approving Authority shall inform OSMA of any granted relief to Agency requirements with more than a minor increase to personnel injury or a significant risk to property.

3.2.7.2 Center SMA Director shall provide request for relief information upon request from OSMA.

3.2.7.3 Center Institutional Safety Discipline Leads shall report annually to the Center Director and OSMA all active granted reliefs from requirement in their area of responsibility.

3.2.7.4 The Center does not need to report relief from requirements in standards adopted voluntarily by the Center. The Center shall provide these requests for relief upon request. This is to evaluate the Center’s safety and health management, quality assurance, and risk management processes.

3.2.8 Records of Relief

Centers shall maintain records of requests for relief according to the NRRS 1441.1, NASA Records Retention Schedules.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter3 Page 17 of 62

Chapter 4. NASA's Safety and Health Management Program This section describes the framework the Agency's Safety and Health Management Program is based on and the requirements to establish that framework. This section is organized according to the seven core safety and health management system elements described in OSHA 3885, Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and assessment, hazard prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation and improvement, and communication and coordination on joint employer and multiemployer worksites.

Note: The scope and frequency of Agency led audits may be reduced for Centers with a recognized safety and health management program regularly evaluated by a third party such as OSHA, and that report regularly to the DASHO and Chief, SMA including findings of self-audits. Once a Center is recognized for reduced agency audits, it will be documented and reviewed for continued applicability every three years.

4.1 Center Safety and Health Management Program

4.1.1 Each Center shall document and implement an effective and comprehensive safety and health management program for their Center to protect the public, workers, and property consistent with Agency safety and health management policy and requirements.

4.1.2 Each Center shall actively promote a strong safety culture. This is accomplished through actions such as reporting safety concerns and incidents, participating in safety and health awareness activities, engaging in safe behaviors, and sharing relevant lessons to improve mission success and safety. Additional information regarding NASA's Safety Culture is available in

NASA-HDBK-8709.24.

4.1.3 The Center Director shall appoint in writing a Safety Manager who is the Institutional Safety Discipline Lead with the technical knowledge and experience to lead and implement the Center's safety management program.

4.1.4 The Center Director shall appoint in writing an Environmental Health Manager with the technical knowledge and experience to implement the Center's environmental health management program.

4.1.5 The Center Director shall ensure the Center's organizational structure and funding provides the Safety Manager and Environmental Health Manager sufficient authority, responsibility, and resources (e.g., safety and health staff, equipment, materials, and training) to implement an effective safety and health program.

4.2 Referenced Standards

4.2.1 The Safety Manager and Environmental Health Manager shall assist the Center Director in

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 Page 18 of 62 establishing and maintaining a safety and health management program for the Center (see 29 CFR §1960.6(b)). The following recognized safety and health program frameworks are frequently used:

a. OSHA 3885, Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs, https://www.osha.gov/shpguidelines/

b. CSP 03-02-003, Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP): Policies and Procedures Manual (2008),

c. 54 FR 3904-39, OSHA Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (1989),

d. ANSI/ASSP Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems,

e. ILO-OSH 2001, Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems,

f. OHSAS 18001, Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series,

g. ISO 45001:2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems -- Requirements with Guidance for Use, and

h. National Safety Council's (NSC's) Journey to Safety Excellence.

4.3 Safety and Health Management Program Elements

4.3.1 Management Leadership

4.3.1.1 Center management demonstrates a commitment to safety and health by providing the leadership, vision, and resources needed to implement an effective safety and health management program.

4.3.1.2 Center senior management shall establish safety and health goals and objectives directed toward continuous program improvement.

4.3.1.3 Managers at all levels shall take actions to create a positive safety culture, communicate to employees the importance of safety and health, encourage employee participation in the safety and health management program, and ensure employees comply with all safety and health requirements.

4.3.2 Worker Participation

4.3.2.1 Each Center shall enable workforce participation in the safety and health management program by providing them:

a. Opportunities to participate in all aspects the safety and health management program.

b. The necessary time and resources to participate in the program.

c. Access to the safety and health information needed to understand hazards and control measures in the workplace.

d. An environment that encourages employees to communicate freely and easily about safety and health issues without fear of retaliation.

e. A process to report hazards and other safety and health concerns that also provides feedback to employees who submit hazards or concerns.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 Page 19 of 62

Note: This includes providing workers access to the NASA Safety Reporting System (NSRS, https://sma.nasa.gov/sma-disciplines/nsrs) and awareness that any worker has the right to report a safety or health concern to OSHA)

4.3.2.2 Each Center shall acknowledge and provide positive reinforcement to those who participate in the safety and health management program and provide positive recognition for meeting or exceeding safety and health goals (e.g., reporting close calls and near misses, attending training, conducting inspections).

4.3.2.3 Each Center shall empower the workforce to initiate or request a temporary suspension or shutdown of any work activity or operation they believe to be an imminent hazard to the life or limb of personnel.

4.3.3 Hazard Identification and Assessment

4.3.3.1 Each Center shall conduct hazards analysis of new and changes to existing facilities, equipment, and operations to identify hazards.

Note: The complexity, attributes of the new item/change, and risk to personnel/equipment should be considered when determining the appropriate hazard analysis to perform.

4.3.3.2 Each Center shall conduct annual safety and health inspections to identify hazards; evaluate existing control measures; and verify that work practices, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment use policies are being followed.

4.3.3.3 Each Center shall implement a process to assess, characterize, document, and communicate identified hazards.

4.3.3.4 Each Center shall notify the supervisor in charge of the work area within 15 days of identification of any hazard and within 30 days for health violations.

4.3.4 Hazard Prevention and Control

4.3.4.1 Each Center shall prevent and control identified hazards to protect the public and workforce from injury and illness and to provide the workforce with safe and healthful working conditions. The Center should implement the most effective and feasible controls based on the hierarchy of controls (see figure 4-1).

4.3.4.2 For operations involving common industry hazards (e.g., lock-out/tag-out and working on or near exposed energized parts) with a high potential to result in loss of life, serious injury or illness to personnel, or substantial damage to systems, equipment, or facilities, each Center shall document procedures that meet the requirements of 13.8.3.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed. Check the NASA Online Directives Information System (NODIS) Library to verify that this is the correct version before use: https://nodis3.gsfc.nasa.gov.

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 Page 20 of 62

Figure 4-1. Hierarchy of Controls. Source NIOSH.

4.3.4.3 For operations and tests involving unique hazardous phenomena associated with complex NASA activities, each Center shall meet the requirements of 13.8.

4.3.4.4 Each Center shall implement a closed-loop process to ensure identified hazards are controlled to an acceptable level.

4.3.4.5 For hazards with a high potential to result in loss of life, serious injury or illness to personnel, the Center shall:

a. Immediately eliminate the hazard or use interim controls while it develops and implements longer-term solutions.

b. Develop and update a hazard control plan (e.g., NF 1584, Safety and Health Hazard Abatement Plan) describing how the selected controls will be implemented.

c. Track progress toward completing the control plan and periodically verify that interim controls remain effective.

4.3.5 Education and Training

4.3.5.1 Each Center shall establish and maintain a safety training and certification program to implement Federal regulations and NASA requirements to ensure workers are trained and medically able to safely perform their jobs and identify and control hazards associated with their tasks.

4.3.5.2 Each Center shall train all managers and supervisors on their roles and responsibilities for ensuring employee safety and health and developing a positive safety culture.

4.3.5.3 Each Center shall ensure employees are aware of the Center's safety and health management program and their roles and responsibilities for ensuring safety and health.

4.3.6 Program Evaluation and Improvement

4.3.6.1 Each Center shall verify the safety and health management program is implemented to achieve its goals through monitoring the appropriate performance measures.

4.3.6.2 Each Center shall conduct an annual assessment to identify improvements and required adjustments to ensure the effectiveness of the safety and health management program and achievement of program goals.

4.3.6.3 The Center shall provide the necessary information to support the annual OSHA report.

OSMA will provide the list of the necessary information to the Centers following OSHA's request to

NPR 8715.1B -- Chapter4 This document does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. This document is uncontrolled when printed.