Inspection Detail

Inspection: 125836817 - Homewood Mountain Resort

Inspection Information - Office: Sacramento District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 2:45 p.m. on December 7, 1998, Employee #1, of Homewood Mountain Ski Resort, and a coworker were on the mountain testing out a new section of snowmaking equipment. Employee #1 was near the top of a new section of 6 in. pipe, checking for leaks as the water was turned on and the system pressurized to about 300 psi. He was allowing the air to escape through a valve connected to a 2 in. standpipe. As the water reached the valve, Employee #1 stepped over to shut it off. He was leaning over the valve when it blew apart. The standpipe flew up, striking Employee #1 in the face between his eyes. His coworker radioed for emergency medical help; the ski patrol responded immediately, along with fire department paramedics. Employee #1 was flown by Life Flight to Washoe Medical Center in Reno, NV, for treatment of severe head injuries.

Keywords: AIR PRESSURE, MAINTENANCE, STANDPIPE, EQUIPMENT FAILURE, HIGH PRESSURE, SHUT-OFF VALVE, STRUCK BY, FLYING OBJECT, FACE, PRESSURE RELEASE