PURPOSE. This NASA Procedures and Guidelines (NPG) provides guidance concerning how to respond to any mishap or close call from discovery through closure of the actions needed to prevent recurrence, and how to release that mishap information to the public. This NPG also includes instructions on how NASA organizations are to respond to the mishap reporting and investigating requirements of other agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The appendices contain mishap investigation techniques to be used.

APPLICABILITY. This NPG is applicable to NASA Headquarters and Centers, including Component Facilities; to JPL and other NASA contractors to the extent specified in their contracts; and to other organizations (i.e., commercial partners, other Federal Agencies, international parties, tenants on NASA Centers, etc.), as specified and described in written operating agreements. This document does not apply to investigative procedures concerning civil, criminal, or administrative culpability, or legal liability. Furthermore, the safety investigation process outlined in this NPG may not be used to direct or justify disciplinary action for mishaps or close calls.