At a pyrotechnic plant, a composition made from potassium chlorate and coal caught fire during its preparation. At the beginning of the workstation shift, the operator had positioned the bowl containing the composition on the pneumatic stirrer. She removed the dry parts on the edges using a wooden spatula and then homogenised the mixture. In trying to release the magnetic stirrer, she dipped a magnetised bar into the bowl. She then heard a hard banging sound (perhaps a spark?) and observed a very upright flame. She dropped the bar to the ground, quickly exited the premises and closed the doors behind her. She was not injured and the workstation only sustained minor damage.

An electric discharge caused solvent vapours to ignite. The system seemed to act like a charge accumulator, especially due to stirring of the solution within the non-conductive plastic box.

The pneumatic stirrer was grounded by means of an earth strap. A conductive bowl was to be used for the mixtures. The operator verified the appropriate grounding of all working surfaces and updated the workplace safety report relative to this specific workstation.