(53ad) Investigating the Root Causes of the 2007 Xcel Energy Hydroelectric Plant Penstock Fire

This poster investigates the root causes of the 2007 Xcel Energy Hydroelectric Plant Penstock Fire near Georgetown, Colorado. Investigation was performed through reading various material covering the incident including the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) Investigation Report and various news coverage articles covering the incident. Additional research on specific relevant chemicals and practices used was performed using web resources. The investigation confirmed the CSB’s conclusions and recommendations involving the incident as well as added an additional safety suggestion not previously covered. The primary root causes for the fire include lack of an initial Safety and Health Hazard Assessment Survey, failure to eliminate the project contractor RPI Coating due to poor previous safety record, failure to treat the penstock as an OSHA permit-required confined space with additional safeguards and overlooking safety concerns associated with dangerous and flammable Methyl Ethyl Ketone solvent. I support all recommendations given by the CSB and suggest an additional recommendation of allowing for a second escape point from the penstock or safe room inside the penstock as seen in similar confined spaces.