14 C.F.R. § 417.411

Current through November 30, 2024
Section 417.411 - [Effective until 3/10/2026] Safety clear zones for hazardous operations
(a) A launch operator must define a safety clear zone that confines the adverse effects of each operation involving a public hazard or launch location hazard. A launch operator's safety clear zones must satisfy the following:
(1) A launch operator must establish a safety clear zone that accounts for the potential blast, fragment, fire or heat, toxic and other hazardous energy or material potential of the associated systems and operations. A launch operator must base a safety clear zone on the following criteria:
(i) For a possible explosive event, base a safety clear zone on the worst case event, regardless of the fault tolerance of the system;
(ii) For a possible toxic event, base a safety clear zone on the worst case event. A launch operator must have procedures in place to maintain public safety in the event toxic releases reach beyond the safety clear zone; and
(iii) For a material handling operation, base a safety clear zone on a worst case event for that operation.
(2) A launch operator must establish a safety clear zone when the launch vehicle is in a launch command configuration with the flight safety systems fully operational and on internal power.
(b) A launch operator must establish restrictions that prohibit public access to a safety clear zone during a hazardous operation. A safety clear zone may extend to areas beyond the launch location boundaries if local agreements provide for restricting public access to such areas and a launch operator verifies that the safety clear zone is clear of the public during the hazardous operation.
(c) A launch operator's procedures must verify that the public is outside of a safety clear zone prior to a launch operator beginning a hazardous operation.
(d) A launch operator must control a safety clear zone to ensure no public access during the hazardous operation. Safety clear zone controls include:
(1) Use of security guards and equipment;
(2) Physical barriers; and
(3) Warning signs, and other types of warning devices.

14 C.F.R. §417.411