AIR FORCE SAFETY CENTER
The Air Force Safety Center (AFSC) is a field operating agency with headquarters at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
Mission
The Air Force Safety Center develops and manages Air Force mishap prevention programs and the Nuclear Surety Program. It develops regulatory guidance, provides technical assistance in the flight, ground, and weapons and space safety disciplines, and maintains the Air Force database for all safety mishaps. The center oversees all major command mishap investigations and evaluates corrective actions for applicability and implementation Air Force-wide. It also develops and directs safety education programs for all safety disciplines.
Personnel
There are approximately 130 people assigned to the Air Force Safety Center, divided almost equally between military and civilians.
Organization
The Air Force chief of safety, who also holds the title of commander, Air Force Safety Center, heads the organization. The Air Force Safety Center is composed of nine divisions, including an Air Staff liaison division at the Pentagon.
The Aviation Safety Division manages Air Force flight mishap prevention programs for all manned aircraft. It furnishes technical assistance, information and analysis for flight safety issues, and manages the flight mishap investigative process. In addition, the division provides comprehensive flight engineering expertise, guidance in the human factor and life support arenas, and oversees both the USAF Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program and the Mishap Analysis and Animation Facility.
The Ground Safety Division develops ground safety programs and procedures to provide a safe work environment for Air Force personnel. It researches, writes and maintains Air Force Occupational Safety and Health standards to ensure compliance with federal laws. In addition, the division evaluates final mishap reports and provides lessons learned and analyses to field units.
The Weapons, Space and Nuclear Safety Division establishes and executes mishap prevention programs for all weapons, reactor, space and nuclear systems. The division provides nuclear systems design certification, explosive safety standards development, space and weapon safety consultation, as well as system inspection, oversight, education and staff assistance in its areas of responsibility.
The Policy, Plans and Programs Division ensures proactive and effective mishap guidance for all safety disciplines. It is responsible for the Operations Research Analysis function, USAF Operational Risk Management Program, Air Force Safety Awards Program, and administration of the USAF Safety Strategic Plan.
The Computer Operations and Programming Division provides AFSC with communications-computer infrastructure and expertise needed for effective productivity and mission accomplishment. It maintains the Air Force database of all safety mishaps.
The Education and Media Division publishes three Air Force special publications: Flying Safety, Road and Rec, and Nuclear Surety and Weapons Safety Journal. The Media Branch is responsible for producing videotape presentations on relevant safety issues to support mishap prevention programs. The Safety Education Branch manages, administers and sponsors 11 courses that encompass the safety disciplines: aviation, ground, weapons, space and missiles. The branch also manages the USAF Crash Laboratory used as a hands-on training facility with aviation safety courses.
The Resource Management, Manpower and Career Programs Division establishes policy and manages Air Force safety civilian and enlisted career fields. It is the functional manager for the Air Force safety manpower standard and variances. The division also establishes policy and manages AFSC military and civilian personnel actions. In addition, it is responsible for AFSC manpower requirements and managing the AFSC budget.
The Issues Division, a detachment in the Pentagon, provides a direct interface with members of the Air Staff. It facilitates responses to questions on safety related issues raised by the chief of staff and members of the staff. The division also represents the chief of safety at Air Staff meetings and boards.
The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate provides legal advice and general counsel on all aspects of mishap prevention programs and safety investigations. In addition, the office is responsible for maintaining the AFSC mishap report library and responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and non-FOIA requests for mishap investigation data.
History
After the Air Force became a separate department, the Air Force chief of staff designated the Office of the Inspector General to oversee all inspection and safety functions. These functions were consolidated in an Inspector General group at Norton Air Force Base, Calif., in the 1950s.
On Dec. 31, 1971, the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center was activated, replacing the 1002nd IG Group. The center was divided into the Air Force Inspection Agency and the Air Force Safety Agency in August 1991. Both agencies moved to Kirtland AFB in July 1993 due to the closure of Norton AFB.
On Jan. 1, 1996, the Air Force Safety Center was activated when the Air Force chief of safety and staff moved from Washington, D.C., to consolidate all safety functions at Kirtland.
Point of Contact
Air Force Safety Center, Office of the Commander; 9700 G Avenue SE; Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5670; DSN 246-0550 or (505) 846-0550.
September 2000
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