Pollution
Humain
Environnement
Economique

In a firm dedicated to destroying pyrotechnic products at the end of their useful life, a flash occurred while disposing of fireworks (class 1.3.G, containing 20-mm candles, shells, full 30-mm strikes). With the oven loaded, technicians perceived a white lightning bolt and felt intense heat. All products present operated successfully. A technician was burned on his hands, face and torso despite wearing protective gear (gloves, goggles, fire-retardant suit) and another was slightly injured. Several hypotheses were forwarded, the most plausible of which points to friction created on the floor with a friction-sensitive pyrotechnic product. As for feedback from this accident, experts have underslined the attention to be paid to operations involving the destruction of pyrotechnic products (which, by definition, have become degraded and more sensitive). In the case of this incident, the nearby presence of a water tank allowed one of the injured technicians to immerse himself, thus limiting the extent of his burns. Yet the technician was not wearing the anti-static gear and safety shoes recommended in the draft safety report (not yet approved).