A technician was producing red comets by applying a compressive force with a mallet in a mould containing a chlorate pyrotechnic composition for fireworks (featuring potassium chlorate, strontium oxalate, aluminium, magnesium and black powder). Two other employees were performing different operations on the same work table.

Excessive compression, combined with either abnormal friction or the presence of a foreign object, caused an explosion at the compression station, in turn leading to the death of the technician and serious burns to the other two workshop employees. The building was also damaged.

Experts in the field point out that:

• the compression of chlorate compositions is in fact hazardous and must be performed in a protected zone;
• the sensitivity and behaviour of the products implemented must be well understood;
• to the greatest extent possible, it is necessary to substitute hazardous compositions with less sensitive ones;
• the execution of various activities on the same premises must not be undertaken without first adopting special measures;
• an individual apparatus must be used to complement the technician’s protective gear;
• technicians must be made aware on a regular basis of the risks they incur through a well-designed training programme.