In a pyrotechnics facility, an explosion occurred during the destruction by incineration of blasting caps of a composition containing mercury fulminate and lead tricinate. The technician emptied onto a separation sieve a plastic milk jar filled with production wastes stored in carbonated water. These wastes had been preserved for some 4 to 5 months. The technician shook the jar to loosen an agglomeration of capsules stuck to the bottom, and this movement caused the explosion. The technician was injured by the exploding pieces on his thighs and right hand, while another person received flying debris in the face.

The operator reviewed the method employed to neutralise these products as well as the destruction frequency adopted. The pouring of containers holding wastes scheduled for destruction would thereafter be performed from behind a protective screen.