The fundamental beliefs underlying these policies are multifaceted. We are convinced that all injuries can be prevented through appropriate training, awareness, and actions. We believe that all managers have a special responsibility for preventing injuries. In carrying out this responsibility, they must audit safety performance in work areas under their responsibility and promptly correct any deficiencies. We know that we can control risks from exposure to hazards. But to do this, we insist that employees conduct their operations safely as a condition of their employment here. At the same time, we encourage them also to promote safety off as well as on the job.

Of course, managers alone cannot ensure safety. All employees must take a close look at their work areas, identify any hazards, and take action to eliminate them. Simply reporting the hazard is not enough; employees must keep bringing it up until it is resolved. The fact that no one has been hurt by a particular hazard does not make it safe.

In shops, hangars, and other areas, employees must all read and obey any safety warning signs, stay out of restricted areas, wear safety glasses and/or hearing protection where hazards to eyes or loud noises are present. Similarly, on most parts of Dryden, open-toed shoes are forbidden to prevent injuries to toes. Cell phones are prohibited in hangars where they could ignite fumes from fuels. People visiting hangars or the flightline should not approach any of Dryden’s aircraft unless they have secured the crew chief’s permission.

At Dryden, we use a large variety of chemicals. Their hazards are outlined on material safety data sheets, and they are normally stored in a chemical crib. But some of our aircraft, including Space Shuttles when they land here, contain hydrazine, which is highly toxic. To further promote their safety, all employees must watch a film on the hazards of hydrazine and the safety precautions to take when around it.

Because Dryden is a flight research center, it operates aircraft that present special noise hazards. But in addition to aircraft and their engines, other equipment and mechanical rooms at Dryden present noise hazards. Employees must don earplugs or other hearing protective devices to protect their hearing when around such hazards.

Dryden is located in the Mojave Desert , where extremes of heat are often present, especially during the summer. Employees and visitors must adjust their working practices to protect themselves from heat stress. This is especially true during periods when special heat warnings are announced or posted. Employees and others must drink lots of liquids (especially, water) and avoid long exposure to the sun’s rays.

Other dangers may be posted in certain areas of Dryden. Employees must read and abide by the posted signs and heed warnings announced by flashing or other lights. Building 4801 has some sealed radiation sources with restricted access. They pose no hazard to occupants of the building, but employees must not enter the restricted areas unless authorized to do so.

Injuries can even occur simply from sitting at a computer and typing. Employees should use appropriate posture and equipment (such as wrist rests and ergonomic chairs) to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome, pains in the neck, and other injuries.

Employees at Dryden also can be exposed to biological hazards, such as blood-borne pathogens and desert animals such as the Mojave green rattlesnake. Employees must take care where they walk to avoid snakebite, spider bites, and the like.

To promote safety, Dryden has a system for reporting close calls and hazards. A close call is an accident that came close to happening. Scattered throughout the DFRC are close calls and hazards reporting forms (DFRC 127). If employees notice a close call or hazard, they should report it by using one of these forms, by calling the trouble desk at X 3865 or the Safety, Health, and Environmental Office at X 2307.

Finally, Dryden is in an area that is subject to periodic earthquakes. All Dryden employees must be prepared to evacuate their workplace or home in the event of a severe tremor. Each office has an evacuation checklist and a disaster preparedness site map indicating where to go if evacuation becomes necessary (whether due to an earthquake, a fire, or other condition). Trained zone coordinators and fire wardens are identified and on hand to direct the evacuations and account for people from their work areas.