Assessing the fire risk for a historic Hangar

NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) is evaluating options of reuse of its historic Hangar 1. As a part of this evaluation, a qualitative fire risk assessment study was performed to evaluate the potential threat of combustion on occupants and air vehicles. The study focused on the fire risk trade-off of either installing or not installing a Special Hazard Fire Suppression System in the Hangar 1 deck areas. The assessment methodology was useful in discussing the important issues among various groups within the Center. Once the methodology was deemed acceptable, the results were assessed. The results showed that, at least qualitatively, the risk remained similar, whether Hangar 1 does or does not have a Special Hazard Fire Suppression System. The assessed risk results were then communicated to management and other stakeholders.