Manufacturing Company Fined After Worker Burned During Pyrotechnic Waste Disposal

Brief Summary

A worker was burned when pyrotechnic composition ignited during an informal disposal method inside a production building; the employer had no suitable risk assessment or safe system of work, did not provide appropriate personal protective equipment and stored explosives in unlicensed areas. The prosecution and fine demonstrate the consequences of not following approved disposal procedures and licence conditions.

What Was The Incident?

Two workers were disposing of waste pyrotechnic composition using a metal tray inside the production building when a quantity of composition contacted the hot tray, ignited and produced a flash. The worker suffered burns to hands face and legs. The regulator found there was no suitable risk assessment or documented safe system of work for the task the approved disposal procedure was not followed the unapproved method had been used informally for years and the activity took place in an area that was not licensed for storage or disposal. The employer also failed to provide suitable personal protective equipment which may have prevented or reduced the injuries.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 7 of the Explosives Regulations 2014. The company was fined 800 000 and ordered to pay 10 306 in costs following the prosecution on 2 October 2026. The investigation also recorded a breach of the explosives licence for storing pyrotechnics in unlicensed parts of the building.

Key Points To Consider

Risk assessment and safe working procedures. Review and document risk assessments for disposal tasks confirm a written safe system of work for pyrotechnic handling and require staff to use the approved disposal procedure without exception.

Personal protective equipment and training. Confirm suitable personal protective equipment is specified supplied maintained and used for disposal operations record issue and provide training on correct use and limitations.

Licence compliance and designated disposal areas. Check that storage and disposal locations comply with the explosives licence move disposal activity to designated licensed areas and follow published guidance for burning and disposal grounds with documented oversight.

HSE Prosecution Link