The technician placed a zirconium-based pyrotechnic compound to be destroyed by burning in a trail. He held the metal box with both hands and backed up by slightly shaking it so as to facilitate the smooth flow of its contents. The second 200-g box of compound was nearly empty when a deflagration occurred, most likely initiated by static electricity. The technician was wearing the set of individual protective gear: goggles, boots, leather apron, and fire-retardant outfit; he sustained serious burns on his hands and had his eardrums perforated. The capacity of the compound to instantly burn was not known with any accuracy, hence the operating procedure was poorly adapted. The plant operator reinforced the measures in place to prevent static electricity build-up.