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iii/iv SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 Revision 2

Preface

This document is under the control of the Space Communications Network Services (SCNS) Ground Network (GN) Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) Manager. Changes to this document will be made by Documentation Change Notice (DCN) or by complete revision. Proposed changes to this document must be submitted along with supportive material justifying the proposed change. Comments or questions concerning this document and proposed changes will be addressed to:

v/vi SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 Revision 2

Change Information Page

List of Effective Pages Page Number Issue

Cover Page Revision 2 Signature Page Revision 2 Preface Revision 2 Change Information Page Revision 2 vii and viii Revision 2 1-1 and 1-2 Revision 2 2-1 through 2-4 Revision 2 3-1 and 3-2 Revision 2 4-1 through 4-3/4-4 Revision 2 5-1 and 5-2 Revision 2 6-1/6-2 Revision 2 7-1/7-2 Revision 2 8-1/8-2 Revision 2 9-1/9-2 Revision 2 10-1/10-2 Revision 2 11-1/11-2 Revision 2 12-1/12-2 Revision 2 13-1 through 13-3/13-4 Revision 2 AB-1 and AB-2 Revision 2

Document History Document Number Version - Change Date

SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 Original January 3, 2013

SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 DCN 001 March 21, 2013

SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 DCN 002 May 9, 2013

SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 Revision 1 June 20, 2016

SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 Revision 2 August 29, 2016

vii SCNS-SLR-PLAN-0003 Revision 2

Contents

Preface ........................................................................................................................... iii

Section 1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 1-1Background .............................................................................................. 1-1Applicable Documents ............................................................................. 1-1Reference Documents ............................................................................. 1-1

Section 2. Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 2-1SCNS SLR Manager ................................................................................ 2-1SCNS MOBLAS Custodians .................................................................... 2-1SCNS MOBLAS Users ............................................................................. 2-2SCNS Mission Assurance Manager ........................................................ 2-2

Section 3. Hazards ...................................................................................................... 3-1Open Beam Path ..................................................................................... 3-1Electrical Hazards .................................................................................... 3-1Radio Frequency Energy ......................................................................... 3-1Laser Energy ........................................................................................... 3-2

Section 4. Controls ...................................................................................................... 4-1Inspection ................................................................................................ 4-1Entrance-way Labels and Control Measures ........................................... 4-1Laser Safety Features ............................................................................. 4-2LASER PPE ............................................................................................. 4-3

Section 5. Operating Procedures ............................................................................... 5-1Personnel ................................................................................................. 5-1General .................................................................................................... 5-1Maintenance ............................................................................................ 5-1

Section 6. Emergency Procedures ............................................................................ 6-1

Section 7. Training ...................................................................................................... 7-1Authorized Employees ............................................................................. 7-1Authorized Users and Custodians ........................................................... 7-1Refresher Training ................................................................................... 7-2

Section 8. Alignment Procedures .............................................................................. 8-1

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Section 9. GSFC Radiation Safety Office/FAA Approval Coordination .................. 9-1

Section 10. Quality Records ..................................................................................... 10-1

Section 11. Forms ..................................................................................................... 11-1

Section 12. Authorized Operators............................................................................ 12-1

Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................ AB-1

List of Figures Figure 12-1. MOBLAS 4 and 7 Laser Room Layout ................................................... 12-2

List of Tables Table 3-1. Specifications for Laser Output ................................................................... 3-2Table 12-1. MOBLAS 4 Authorized User ................................................................... 12-1Table 12-2. MOBLAS 7 Authorized User ................................................................... 12-1Table 12-3. MOBLAS 4 and 7 Custodians ................................................................. 12-2

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Section 1. Introduction

Mobile Laser Ranging System (MOBLAS) 4 and 7 are used for satellite tracking and data acquisition as part of the Ground Network (GN) of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) systems. The lasers used in the Systems are of the class 3B and Class 4 rating. The class 3B is an alignment laser, and the class 4 laser is used to track satellites.

Background This Safety Plan addresses the MOBLAS 4 and 7 System located at Monument Peak, California, and the Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory (GGAO), respectively. Although these stations are remote from each other, operations are the same with a few minor differences. The minor differences that have an impact on safety are noted in this plan. The lasers used in the System are of the class 3B and Class 4 rating requiring a Laser Safety Plan. The information for each of the lasers can be found under their respective Docket numbers illustrated in Table 3-1.

Applicable Documents The following documents are applicable for the Space Communications Network Services (SCNS) MOBLAS 4 and 7 Laser Safety Plan:

a. IEEE C95.1, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure toRadio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

b. IEEE C95.7, Recommended Practice for Radio Frequency Safety Programs 3 kHz to300 GHz.

c. SCNS-SLR-FORM-0012, Laser Eyewear and Interlock Inspection Form.d. NSLR-06-0012, SLR Safety Logbook.e. AC No: 70-1, Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular on Outdoor Laser

Operations.

Reference Documents The following documents are referenced in this document.

a. ANSI Z136.1-2014, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers.b. ANSI Z136.6-2015, American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers Outdoors.c. GPR 1860.2, Goddard Procedural Requirement: Laser Radiation Protection.d. ME-8681, Operations and Maintenance Manual YG402DP.e. NSLR-03-0017, Radar Technical Manual.f. NSLR-03-0028, Safety Interlock Chassis Technical Handbook.g. NSLR-05-0003, MOBLAS Laser Ranging System Stations 4 through 8 Operations

Procedures.h. NSLR-06-0003, Laser Hazard Reduction System and Laser Interlock Verification

Procedure.i. NSLR-06-0013, SLR Safety Handbook.


j. SCNS-PMO-PLAN-0017, SCNS Safety and Health Plan.k. SCNS-PMO-SOP-0023, SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for the Control of

Hazardous Energy (Lockout Tagout).l. SCNS-PMO-SOP-0024, SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for Performing Live

Electrical Work.


Section 2. Responsibilities

SCNS SLR Manager a. Ensures the safety of personnel and the public through the overall implementation of

this plan at both MOBLAS 4 and 7.b. Ensures that all employees receive the training as outlined per this plan.c. Ensures operating procedures, including, but not limited to, start-up, operations,

maintenance, shutdown, and verification procedures, are documented and beingimplemented to protect personnel and the public from hazards.

d. Designates SLR resources to work with the SCNS Mission Assurance Office tocomplete and verify indoor and outdoor laser safety calculations.

e. Coordinates all proposed changes (e.g., procedures, systems, interlocks, equipment)that may impact laser safety with the SCNS Mission Assurance Office, and gainsSLR CRB approval in accordance with SCNS Configuration Management (CM)procedures.

f. Reviews and approves all Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Form 23-6L and 23-35LUs submitted by SCNS Custodians and Users. Forwards all approved forms tothe SCNS Mission Assurance Office for coordination with the GSFC Code 360Radiation Safety Office.

g. Ensures preventive maintenance is completed, documented, and performed byqualified personnel, in accordance with SLR procedures.

SCNS MOBLAS Custodians a. Account for all sources of hazardous radiation within their control.b. Ensure the proper use and storage of laser radiation sources under their

custodianship.c. Ensure all safeguards protecting personnel remain in place and are not defeated, and

that all personnel wear appropriate laser eyewear.d. Complete monthly inspections to ensure safe working conditions in all work areas.e. Submit immediate incident reports to SCNS Mission Assurance Office for all

incidents, including any exposure to non-ionizing radiation greater than theMaximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limit in accordance with the SCNS-PMO-PLAN-0017, SCNS Safety and Health Plan.

f. Coordinate and provide training, as applicable, to all users operating sources withintheir control.

g. Ensure all changes to laser or laser safety systems, including hardware, software,firmware, and operating procedures, are approved by SLR Management, SLR CRB,and SCNS Mission Assurance Office prior to implementation.

h. Complete the Laser Hazard Reduction System (LHRS) and Laser Interlock (LI)Verification Checklists in accordance with the SLR Safety Logbook.


i. Complete the GSFC Form 23-6L for any proposed new laser to be used in support ofSCNS operations or for renewals of current MOBLAS laser systems. GSFC Form23-6L shall be provided to SLR Management.

SCNS MOBLAS Users a. Complete training required per the Laser Radiation Protection and this plan prior to

requesting user approval.b. Complete GSFC Form 23-35LU and submit to SLR Manager for approval.c. Maintain certification license issued by GSFC at all times while operating lasers at

GSFC facilities.d. Ensure all SCNS and SLR procedures, including this plan, are followed at all times

to protect personnel and the public.e. Shut down the system and perform Lockout/Tagout in accordance with SCNS-PMO-

SOP-0023, SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for the Control of HazardousEnergy (Lockout Tagout), in the event of a safety system failure or unexpectedoperation of the system.

f. Inspect and clean eyewear before every use and always wear eye protection in thelaser control area.

SCNS Mission Assurance Manager a. Acts as the SCNS Laser Safety Officer (LSO). The LSO must have been trained and

have the knowledge, skills, and ability to monitor and enforce the laser safetyprogram to the degree of hazard associated with the laser safety program, and inaccordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards and theLaser Radiation Protection document.

b. Coordinates audits the Laser Safety Program on an annual basis.c. Approves and coordinates the internal submission and approval of GSFC forms with

the GSFC Code 350 Radiation Safety Committee (RSC).d. Maintains required documentation outlined in this plan (see Section 10).e. Attends and participates in the GSFC Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee

(NIRSC).f. Reviews all changes submitted by the SLR team that may impact personnel, the

public, or systems safety.g. Completes laser hazard analysis calculation in unison with SLR engineering and

ensures controls are in place to protect personnel and the public.h. Provides laser safety training to personnel (Section 7).i. Reports all incidents including injuries, illnesses, exposures, or close calls to GSFC

Code 360, the Radiation Safety Office, GSFC Code 453 Customer, and NMIS inaccordance with the SCNS-PMO-PLAN-0017.

j. Coordinates the investigation of any mishap or close call involving non-ionizingradiation or associated safety systems.

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k. Performs inspections of laser eyewear and interlocks at least annually and documentsthis inspection on SCNS-SLR-FORM-0012, Laser Eyewear and Interlock InspectionForm which is posted to DM.


Section 3. Hazards

Open Beam Path Potential hazards involve eye or skin contact with the beam, or reflected laser beam. The design of these systems requires both vertical and horizontal beam orientations which typically require some portion of the beam path to be open and exposed. To minimize employee exposure to an open beam, the laser table has been enclosed, the laser propagation room doors are kept closed during operation, and entrance-way (Including anteroom, laser room and mount area) controls are in place (See Section 4.2).

Electrical Hazards As with most lasers, a high-energy power supply is used to generate the laser energy. As a function of normal operations, maintenance and troubleshooting of the power supply has to be performed. The power supply is capable of operating at 15 kilovolt (kV) (typically operated at 1.5kV) and up to 1 ampere (A). Employees are not permitted to work on the power supply alone; there is a two-person rule in effect. Where applicable, the power supply is locked-out and reduced to a zero-energy state in accordance with the SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout Tagout). If work around live electrical components or testing or troubleshooting is required, the work must be in accordance with SCNS-PMO-SOP-0024, SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for Performing Live Electrical Work. Personnel performing this work must be qualified for the task and included on the SCNS inventory of qualified personnel. Any live electrical work, including testing and troubleshooting on energized high voltage equipment (e.g., laser power supply) shall be performed at the Walker Drive SLR Laser Lab unless approved in writing by the SLR Manager.

Radio Frequency Energy The MOBLAS 4 and 7 system utilizes a radar system as defined in Section 4. The Radio Frequency (RF) energy of this system is tested on an annual basis and the radar has been surveyed below the IEEE C95.1 Lower Tier (action level) and Upper Tier (Maximum Exposure Limit) outside the protective housing of the radar. A GSFC 23-28RF Form and hazard assessment completed for this RF Source and is maintained as a quality record. Although the RF energy outside the radar protective dome is below the Lower Tier Limit (action level), the radar should be turned off prior to accessing the radar on the trailer roof to maintain RF exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). Caution: Lockout/Tagout of the Laser Power Supply is required prior to accessing the trailer roof in accordance with SCNS-PMO-SOP-0023. Based on the RF hazard assessment performed, there is a chance that the RF energy could exceed the Lower Tier Limit inside the dome. The laser and the radar shall be powered off and the Lockout/Tagout of the radar shall be performed in accordance with SCNS-PMO-SOP-0023 to control the hazardous motion energy potential prior to removing the protective dome. If testing or troubleshooting of the radar is necessary with the RF transmission active, a hazard assessment specific to the task being performed shall be completed and approved by SCNS EHS Department prior to work. The hazard assessment shall ensure personnel work from behind the radar to maintain RF exposures below the Lower Tier Limit and the radar motion controlled.


A RF Notice Sign is posted at the Mobile Optical Mount System (MOMS) trailer at both MOBLAS 4 and 7 to communicate the potential for RF exposure above the Lower Tier Limit inside the radar protective dome.

Laser Energy There are two lasers used in the MOBLAS 4 and 7. The operations laser is an Nd:YAG. A continuous-wave laser is used for alignment purposes only. Specifications for laser output are as follows:

Table 3-1. Specifications for Laser Output

Station Docket # Wavelength (nm) Pulse Width Energy Output Class

MOBLAS 7 04-0034b 532 150 (pico sec) 100 mJ @ 10 Hz 4

MOBLAS 7 04-0034a 1064 200 (pico sec) 200 mJ @ 10 Hz 4

MOBLAS 7 04-0035 632 CW 5 mW 3B

MOBLAS 7 04-0033 632 CW 5 mW 3B

MOBLAS 4 04-0055a 1064 200 (pico sec) 200 mJ @ 10 Hz 4

MOBLAS 4 04-0055b 532 150 (pico sec) 100 mJ @ 10 Hz 4

MOBLAS 4 04-0053 632 CW 5 mW 3B

MOBLAS 4 04-0054 632 CW 5 mW 3B


Section 4. Controls

Inspection The laser operations areas are inspected by the laser custodian and LSO to verify the System has established adequate safety and control measures. The laser custodian performs monthly inspections and the laser safety system verification procedures outlined in the SLR Safety Logbook. The SCNS LSO performs an annual audit of the laser safety program and other unannounced audits. The LSO also performs an inspection of laser eyewear and interlocks at least annually and documents this inspection on the SCNS-SLR-FORM-0012, Laser Eyewear and Interlock Inspection Form. Laser users are encouraged to participate in monthly inspections and are responsible for reporting all unsafe conditions, acts, and mishaps immediately.

Entrance-way Labels and Control Measures a. MOBLAS 4 and 7 are equipped with a laser warning display and door interlock

system provided by Laser Safety Systems. The System provides a warning lightmounted between the two anteroom doors. The warning light provides a status ofeither “Laser Safe” or “Danger Laser On.” “Laser Safe” denotes that the laser(Oscillator Cavity) shutter on the table is engaged. The warning light and high-quality shutter are connected to magnetic door interlocks at both the anteroom doorsand the single door accessing the laser control area from outside. Anteroominterlocks are set up in parallel, and in the event both doors are open simultaneously,the system is tripped activating the shutter on the laser table and inhibiting the laser.If only the single door is accessed, the system is also tripped. Once tripped, the lasercan only be re-enabled by closing the open door(s) and pushing the “arm” button onthe room interlock control. The system provides an audible alarm and a couple ofseconds delay before unblocking the laser shutter on the table.

b. Pressure sensors are present on the steps to the laser transmitter area (mount area)and are connected to the Laser Interlock (LI), which blocks the laser (See Section4.3).

c. The entrance to the System is clearly marked with an ANSI Z136.1 approved laserwarning sign, which indicates the class and type of laser in use. Note: In the latestversion of the ANSI standard, the laser signage for the MOBLAS Class IV lasers haschanged from Danger to Warning. Both are still acceptable to GSFC Code 360 aslong as they are consistently used at the MOBLAS Station.

d. The audible pulsing of the laser is another clue that the laser is operating.e. Anyone entering the laser control area (laser room), while the laser is operating, must

don the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) prior to entry, as stated inSection 4.4. If laser is turned off and power supplies are locked out, work can beperformed in the laser control area without eye protection.

f. Laser equipment does bear a label indicating the maximum potential output.The MOBLAS 4 and 7 Laser Room layouts can be found in Figure 12-1.


Laser Safety Features The laser used in the systems meets all ANSI Z136.1-2007 and ANSI Z136.6-2005 safety requirements including:

a. Key Control: The laser is key-switch operated and cannot be energized if the key isremoved. When the system is not in operation, control of the key must bemaintained so that only authorized users have access.

b. Safety Interlock Chassis: The System is equipped with a Safety Interlock Chassis,otherwise known as the LI System, not to be confused with the door interlocksystem. A complete description of the LI system is provided in the NSLR-03-0028,Safety Interlock Chassis Technical Handbook. Highlights of the system are providedbelow:1. The System is designed with multiple automatic failsafe disable interlocks. The

System interfaces with the pressure sensors on the steps to the laser transmitterarea (mount area), and the Aircraft Detection System that blocks laser duringactivation, aircraft detect, or malfunction. The System also provides an interfacewith the Optical Density Filter noted below.

2. The System is designed with multiple manual disable interlocks that allow thelaser to be blocked by hitting buttons located on the control console, laser roomcontrol box, and the mount area remote box.

3. A camera is aligned with the mount that also has pan and tilt features to view themount area and the surrounding countryside, including calibration targets.

4. A Series of high-quality beam blocks (10 ND Block and Oscillator CavityBlock) are activated by automatic and manual disable modes from the System.

5. Fail safe solenoids are enabled by the system and lifted out of the beam path. Ifa solenoid device (ND insert, oscillator block or amplifier 10 ND insert) iscommanded to fall into place but does not, the laser external fire pulse isdisabled.

6. Interlock Bypass Switch (Key) In order to “BYPASS” the Safety InterlockChassis to perform service or maintenance, the 2 beam stops must be in placeand the key to the Bypass Switch, before the system will allow the LI solenoidsto remove ND attenuation and blocks (See Section 5.3 Maintenance Proceduresbelow).

c. Beam Stop: The beam is appropriately terminated to eliminate beam transmission.See Door Interlock System and LI System in Sections 4.2 and 4.3, respectively, forautomatic and manual beam stop. A manual (LI) beam stop is also available toprevent transmission beyond the laser control area.

d. Optical Density Filter: When the laser is operated below 10 degrees of the horizon atMOBLAS 7, or below 20 degrees of the horizon at MOBLAS 4, normally duringcalibration operations, a beam filter with an optical density of 5.6 is automaticallyinserted into the beam path to attenuate the laser energy to eye-safe levels. Thisprovides adequate eye protection at the ground level as calculations require anoptical density of 4.2. See the Laser Control System Airspace Hazard Analysis(Quality Record) for details regarding the determination of operation angle.


e. Activation Warning System: The Laser power supply emits an audible signal whenin operation and the laser door interlock system provides an audible alarm prior toremoving the beam block when the system is initially armed or re-armed after beingactivated.

f. Aircraft Detection System: The MOBLAS 4 and 7 systems utilize the LHRS for theprotection and avoidance of aircraft illumination. This radar system is bore-sightedto the gimbal of the laser, placing a 3 degree RF cone of energy around the laserbeam being transmitted. Any aircraft detected by the radar stops the transmission ofthe laser beam. See quality record Laser Control System and Airspace HazardAnalysis for additional information on calculations. NSLR-03-0017, RadarTechnical Manual, provides operation and maintenance procedures for the RadarSystem.

g. LHRS Verification Test: The LHRS and LI Verification Procedure as described inthe NSLR-06-0013 are completed to ensure LHRS and LI system is operatingnominally. This procedure is completed:1. Anytime there is a change to any LHRS and LI hardware, software, or firmware.2. Anytime there is a change at the SLR Stations such as but not limited to changes

to other hardware, software, firmware, operation or facilities that may impact thenominal operation of the LHRS and LI System.

3. At least every 3-months.Completion of the LHRS Verification Test will be documented and retained in the station SLR Safety Logbook and in Maximo against the applicable work order.

LASER PPE a. Laser Protective Eyewear

§ Eye-protection devices designed to protect against radiation from a specific lasersystem shall be used when engineering controls are inadequate to eliminate thepossibility of potentially hazardous eye exposure (i.e., whenever levels of accessibleemission exceed the appropriate MPE levels.)


Section 5. Operating Procedures

For detailed operational instructions, reference NSLR-05-0003, MOBLAS Laser Ranging System Stations 4 through 8 Operations Procedures.

Personnel a. Entrance to the Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ) will be limited to authorized personnel.b. Only personnel authorized by the GSFC RSC, and who are appropriately trained,

will operate the laser.c. The laser will be under the direct supervision of an individual knowledgeable in laser

safety.d. Personnel in the NHZ will wear appropriate eye protection. Eye protection will have

an optical density of >7 at 532nm, and >6 at 1064nm. Calculations are maintainedas a quality record (see Section 11).

e. Personnel will not perform satellite ranging operations unless the LHRS is operable.If the LHRS is not operable, Equipment Specific Energy Control Procedures will beimplemented.

General a. Specular reflections should be avoided wherever possible by removing or covering

specular surfaces around the laser, such as unused tools and hardware. Jewelry and badges shall be removed prior to entering the laser control area.

b. Windows, as applicable, will be covered and doorways will be blocked to preventaccidental laser viewing in areas adjacent to the NHZ.

c. Beam stops will be used to prevent laser light from leaving the NHZ.d. Housekeeping in the Laser Control Area will be maintained to prevent possible slips,

trips, and falls.e. The power of the laser shall not be adjusted above the power levels listed in Table

3-1. Specifications for Laser Output without written approval from both the SCNSSLR Manager and Mission Assurance Manager. Our laser approval and hazardcalculations are based on the values in Table 3-1. Specifications for Laser Output asa worst case scenario. Any adjustment of power levels must be communicated to theSLR Manager.

Maintenance a. Maintenance procedures are available and should be referenced, as applicable, for

the different systems that may require service. Any perceived inaccuracies in these procedures must be immediately reported to SLR Management to ensure they are updated appropriately.

b. If maintenance is performed on any of the laser safety features, the SLR SafetySystem Troubleshooting Tagout Procedure and the LHRS and LI Verification


Procedure located in NSLR-05-0003, MOBLAS Laser Ranging System Stations 4 through 8 Operations Procedures, shall be followed to ensure all safety features are properly returned to operational status.

c. In the event an employee could be exposed to hazardous energy, the radar or LI isnot functioning, the SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for the Control ofHazardous Energy (Lockout Tagout), for the laser shall be followed.

d. Only Laser Custodians in Table 12-3. MOBLAS 4 and 7 Custodians of thisdocument are permitted to make power adjustments or perform laser alignmentsunless qualified personnel are approved in writing by the SLR Manager.


Section 6. Emergency Procedures

If a hazardous condition is detected an emergency power-down of the equipment will be performed immediately. If powering-down does not fix the problem, dial 911. After disabling the power, the laser system must be locked-out using the Equipment Specific Energy Control Procedures developed in accordance with SCNS Standard Operating Procedure for the Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout Tagout). If someone has been injured and/or there are people in imminent danger of injury, immediately warn all affected personnel and evacuate to a safe area. Once you are in a safe area, call the GSFC Emergency Console Operator by dialing 911. Some typical conditions that require evacuation and notification of the GSFC Emergency Console Operator include:

a. Detection of flame, smoke, or other evidence of fire.b. Notification of an upcoming natural disaster.c. In the event of any mishap, close-call, near-miss, or other anomalous event involving

the laser or laser safety controls, the operator shall:1. Immediately STOP operations and perform lockout/tagout.2. Notify the SLR Engineering Manager.3. As directed by management, make available:

(a) Station hardware. (b) System software. (c) Operators log book. (d) Pass data for the laser and the radar. (e) Current operating procedures used by the operations and engineering staff.

4. Management will notify the Code 453 Government Project Office andCode 350.

For more information, refer to the SCNS Safety and Health Plan.


Section 7. Training

Authorized Employees a. Authorized employees are permitted to be in the Nominal Hazard Zone, but only

those designated as a “User” or a “Custodian” are permitted to operate the MOBLAS4 or 7 laser systems.

b. All personnel designated as “Authorized” shall complete the following training,which meets the Laser Radiation Protection requirements found in Appendix CTable 3-1 of GPR 1860.2 Radio Frequency Radiation Safety. Specifications forLaser Output (the experience requirement does not have to be met to be designatedas “Authorized Employee”):1. Review the SCNS MOBLAS 4 and 7 Laser Safety Plan Training.2. Review the GSFC Laser Safety Awareness Course Presentation.3. Complete the GSFC Basic Laser Safety Course located in the System for

Administrative Training and Education Resource for the National Aeronauticsand Space Administration (NASA) (SATERN).

Authorized Users and Custodians Employees designated as a “User” are authorized to operate the MOBLAS 4 or 7 laser system and shall complete all requirements stated in 7.1, in addition to:

a. GSFC Code 350 Laser User Certification – 23-35LU.b. Practical MOBLAS system operations experience.1. Minimum of 24 hours of training in MOBLAS laser operations.2. Minimum of 40 hours of supervised On-the-Job Training in system operations.

c. LHRS and LI Verification Procedure Training, found in the MOBLAS Laser RangingSystem Stations 4 through 8 Operations Procedures.

d. Procedures for MOBLAS Laser Operations found in the MOBLAS Laser RangingSystem Stations 4 through 8 Operations Procedures.

e. In addition, employees designated as “Custodians,” are “Users” who must completeadditional training to meet Custodian and Outdoor Laser Operations requirementsdefined in Laser Radiation Protection, Appendix C, Table 2 of GPR 1860.2, RadioFrequency Radiation Safety. Training includes an overview of MOBLAS Eye-WearCalculations, applicable MOBLAS Laser Control Systems, and Air Space HazardAnalysis.

f. Custodians shall be trained and authorized by the SLR Manager to make poweradjustments or perform alignments on the laser.


Refresher Training Refresher training for Users and Custodians shall be conducted at least every 3 years, and the GSFC 23-35LU Form must be re-submitted to the GSFC LSO for approval. Applications should be submitted at least 2-weeks prior to need.


Section 8. Alignment Procedures

The majority of laser-related eye injuries occur during alignment. Only Laser Custodians in Table 4 of this document are permitted to perform laser alignments unless qualified personnel are approved in writing by the SLR Manager. The ME-8681, Operations and Maintenance Manual YG402DP, provides operation and maintenance procedures including alignment procedures. The following are highlights to ensure safe operation during alignment:

a. Use less powerful HeNe or diode laser for alignment operations.b. Precautions will be taken to assure that personnel do not look directly into the beam.c. The Laser table is at a height to prevent beam height from being at eye level for both

standing and sitting positions.d. The laser beam will be terminated, using beam stops at the end of its useful beam

path.e. Precautions will be taken to assure that the laser is not pointed at specular reflecting

surfaces. Tools and equipment will not be placed on the laser operations table.Jewelry, badges, and other reflective articles will be removed. Alignment paper usedduring alignment must be non-reflective.

f. Access to the NHZ will be limited to authorized personnel. All personnel in theNHZ will wear eye protection with an optical density of greater than 0.7 at 632nmduring alignment using the HeNe laser.

g. During calibration, 5.6 Neutral Density (ND) filters are automatically dropped intothe laser cavity to reduce power to be eye-safe during calibration.

For a more in-depth description of operations of the MOBLAS system, please refer to the MOBLAS Laser Ranging System Stations 4 through 8 Operations Procedures.


Section 9. GSFC Radiation Safety Office/FAA Approval Coordination

MOBLAS 4 and 7 operations must comply with the Laser Radiation Protection document. The MOBLAS 4 and 7 Laser Safety Plan is required to be submitted to the GSFC Radiation Safety Office after all non-administrative changes to the Plan or the Operations. If there are no changes to the document, the Laser Safety Plan is required to be submitted at least every 3-years. This is accomplished using the GSFC Form 23-6L Form. The Goddard Procedural Requirement: Laser Radiation Protection also requires MOBLAS 4 and 7 operations to maintain current Letters of Non-Objection from the FAA and approval from the Department of Defense (DoD) Laser Clearing House. SCNS completes FAA Form 7140-1 with the applicable Laser Control Systems Air Space Hazard Analysis and SLR Program Brief Description and submits to the GSFC Radiation Safety Office at least 60-days prior to expiration to request renewal of the FAA Letter of Non-Objection. All SLR tracking operations (MOBLAS, TLRS) submitted a request for approval to operate from the DoD Laser Clearing House. The DoD Laser Clearing House determined that the MOBLAS 4 and 7 operations do not exceed damage thresholds and, therefore, granted a waiver to operate. The FAA Letters of Non-Objection and DoD Laser Clearing House Waiver are maintained as quality records.


Section 10. Quality Records

The following completed forms will be maintained as quality records in the SCNS DM: a. Eye Wear Calculations.b. SCNS Laser Inventory.c. MOBLAS 4 Approved 23-6L, GSFC Laser Radiation Source Approval from GSFC

Code 350.d. MOBLAS 7 Approved 23-6L, GSFC Laser Radiation Source Approval from GSFC

Code 350.e. MOBLAS 4 FAA Letter of Non-Objection.f. MOBLAS 7 FAA Letter of Non-Objection.g. MOBLAS 4 Laser Control Systems Air Space Hazard Analysis.h. MOBLAS 7 Laser Control Systems Air Space Hazard Analysis.i. NASA SLR Program Brief Description of MOBLAS 4 Operations.j. NASA SLR Program Brief Description of MOBLAS 7 Operations.k. MOBLAS 4 RF Survey Results.l. MOBLAS 7 RF Survey Results.m. DoD Laser Clearing House Waiver issued for SLR Network (includes MOBLAS

4/7).n. SCNS-SLR-FORM-0012, Completed Laser Eyewear and Interlock Inspection

Forms.o. Completed GSFC From 23-28RF and Hazard Analysis, MOBLAS 4 and 7 RF

Source Radar Request and Hazard AnalysisAll records will be maintained for at least three (3) years.


Section 11. Forms

The following forms will be used in this operating procedure: a. GSFC Form 23-35LU, Laser User/Custodian Request Form.b. GSFC Form 23-6L, Laser Radiation Source Approval Request Form.c. FAA Form 7140-1, Notice of Proposed Outdoor Laser Operation.d. SCNS-SLR-FORM-0012, Laser Eyewear and Interlock Inspection Form.

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Abbreviations and Acronyms

Acronym Definition

A ampere

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable

CM Configuration Management

CRB Configuration Review Board

CW Continuous Wave

DCN Documentation Change Notice

DM Data Management

DoD Department of Defense

ES&H Environmental, Safety and Health

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

GGAO Goddard Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory

GHz Gigahertz

GN Ground Network

GPR Goddard Procedural Requirements

GSFC Goddard Space Flight Center

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

kV kilovolt

kHz kilohertz

LHRS Laser Hazard Reduction System

LI Laser Interlock

LSO Laser Safety Officer

mJ milliJoule

MOBLAS Mobile Laser Ranging System

MOMS Mobile Optical Mount System

MPE Maximum Permissible Exposure

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Acronym Definition

mW milliWatts

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ND Neutral Density

NHZ Nominal Hazard Zone

NIRSC Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee

Nm nanometer

NSLR NASA Satellite Laser Ranging

PMO Program Management Office

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

RF Radio Frequency

RSC Radiation Safety Committee

SATERN System for Administrative Training and Education Resource for NASA

SCNS Space Communications Network Services

SLR Satellite Laser Ranging

TLRS Transportable Laser Ranging System

VLBI Very Long Baseline Interferometry