Investigation Report
Xcel Energy Company Hydroelectric Tunnel Fire
Xcel Energy Company Hydroelectric Tunnel Fire
- CSB
- Investigation Report
- Confined SpaceHot Work and Fire
- Confined space hazardsFireHazardous substancesRegulation and legislationStatic electricity
- Confined space entryInspection and maintenance
- HoseProcess pipework and pipelines
- Contractor managementEvacuation, escape and rescueAtmospheric gas testingIgnition source control
Summary
Investigates the fatal Cabin Creek penstock fire during epoxy sprayer cleaning with methyl ethyl ketone. Static discharge was the most likely ignition source. The report examines confined-space monitoring, contractor selection, training and rescue arrangements, with recommendations on solvent substitution, ignition prevention and escape, supported by comparative incident research.
Classifications: Confined space hazards; confined-space hazards.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hazardous substances; hazardous chemicals; chemical exposure.
Classifications: Regulation and legislation; safety legislation; regulatory requirements.
Classifications: Static electricity; electrostatic discharge.
Classifications: Confined space entry; tank entry; enclosed space entry.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Hose; flexible hose.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Contractor management; contractor assurance.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Atmospheric gas testing; gas testing; atmosphere testing.
Classifications: Ignition source control; ignition prevention.
Themes: confined space, hot work and fire.