scope:

Description of Driving Event:

A machinist preparing to cut a Space Shuttle Main Engine turbopump part on a Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) noticed that the cutting fluid did not exhibit a white milky appearance as expected. The machinist also detected an unusual odor and consistency to the fluid. The machining operation was immediately terminated and area management was notified. The management team determined that the fluid was actually cleaning fluid introduced into the VTL over the weekend as part of normal routine maintenance. Although the cleaning fluid had not yet been removed there was no evidence of a Red Tag on the VTL to restrict its usage.