In a latex glove manufacturing plant, fire broke out around 6:10 pm on a tank for washing the gloves; this tank normally contained water. The fire released black smoke and spread through the false ceilings and building roof. The facility’s fire detection system was activated. The operator evacuated the building and notified emergency services, but did not activate the liquid waste closure system to prevent discharging the fire extinction water. Rescue services intervened using three variable-flow water cannons and then removed the debris. The fire was brought under control at around 7:10 pm. Surveillance was maintained during the night, and patrols with a thermal camera were planned, one at 2 am the other at 8 am; 6 people were made redundant. The natural environment was not polluted and property damage was estimated at €600,000, while operating losses amounted to €400,000.

During the shift change at 6 pm, a technician was finishing his shift by emptying the cleaning tank filled with water but forgot to turn off power to the electrical resistance heater. The low-level water detector in the tank, which should have cut off power to the electrical resistance heater, did not operate properly and generated a fire on the tank walls (PVC lining).

The operator did not activate the closure system for the wastewater network, which was not compliant with the authorisation order. The Classified Facilities Inspectorate ordered the operator to release the shut-off valves. The operator pumped the collected fire extinction water for disposal. Formal notice was issued by the Prefect on 4th December, 2007. Following this accident, the operator intended to put into place a second low-level water detector in the tanks in order to cut power in the absence of water, as well as a warning light above each tank, thus enabling technicians to recognize when the electrical resistance heater is switched on.