Page "STS-114" Paragraph 31

The decision to make the repair balanced the risks of the EVA with the risks of leaving the protruding gap fillers as they were.

It is thought that gap filler protrusions of a similar magnitude were present on previous missions, but they were not observed in-orbit.

Consideration was also given to the risks of elements of the procedure which would involve the ISS arm being used to carry Stephen K. Robinson below the shuttle, possibly the use of a sharp tool which has potential to damage the EVA suit or shuttle tiles.

The possibility of making things worse by attempting a repair was given serious consideration.

Cameras on the shuttle arm and on Robinson's helmet were used to monitor the activities under the shuttle.