Pollution
Humain
Environnement
Economique

A blast occurred at 7:10 am on a black powder pellet manufacturing installation at a fireworks factory. The building in question consisted of a staff safety and control room and of 2 cells where the automatic black powder casing and the mechanical compression pelleting units were located. These 2 units are never operated at the same time. The blast of 30 kg of powder, which started in the pelletiser, caused moderate damage: blackened walls, composite material roof blown off (as was designed to happen) with the scattering of debris over 15 m. The building’s walls were designed to remain intact during explosions in order to protect the staff. The casing installation sustained no damage. The technicians inside the control room were not physically present in the units in accordance with the operating procedures, therefore no one was injured.

As no evidence was discovered as to the cause of the explosion, the operator mentioned the presence of a foreign body causing a spark due to friction or a mechanical operating anomaly causing overheating due to friction. This event follows a similar incident on 09/09/2003 (no. 25561). A prefectural order dated 10/02 ordered the suspension of the production that caused the explosion and made any resumption of the pelleting activity subject to the submission of a detailed analysis report on the accident with special emphasis on seeking the possible causes common to both accidents. A new safety report was also required for the entire black powder sector.

The operator has implemented several measures:

  • more frequent and more thorough maintenance

  • more stringent requirements for the charcoal raw material.

On 18/02, an unannounced inspection was carried out by 2 inspectors for classified facilities and one labour inspector on the black powder manufacturing activities as soon as the staff arrived at their work stations at 4:40 am. Compliance with the safety guidelines was checked but one discrepancy was recorded: incorrect location of a trailer of black powder during the operation of the sieving workshop. The instruction was therefore amended and explained to the technicians. The corresponding action plan (consolidation of knowledge, understanding and applicability of the instructions) was presented on 27/02 during a working meeting with the authorities.