Accident Prevention Program

The leading black powder production plant in Chwalisław, PROCHEMIST Sp. z o.o., confirms that it is subject to regulations in the field of preventing industrial accidents, and that it has reported the plant to the District Fire Brigade Commander in Ząbkowice Śląskie and the Voivodship Inspector for Environmental Protection in Wrocław. The plant operator has also provided these bodies with an Accident Prevention Program.

The plant’s operations, which pose an industrial accident risk, involve the manufacture and processing of black powder. The classification of the plant as posing an increased risk of industrial accident is due to the amount of this material that can be found on its premises.

Black powder is a pyrotechnic material and is used, among other things, as an explosive for fracturing in open-pit mining plants. Black powder is also used as a shooting, hunting, sports, priming material, as a thunder-gunpowder, initiator and for fuses. Black powder is also used in the production of fireworks.

In accordance with the provisions of Regulation No. 1272/2008 (CLP), black powder is classified as an explosive of subclass 1.1, H201, which poses a risk of mass explosion. In accordance with transport requirements (ADR/RID), black powder is classified as UN 0027 Class 1.1 D.

In the event of an industrial accident occurring at the plant in Chwalisław, i.e., the explosion of black powder, the consequences of this event should be contained and affect only the plant’s premises. People outside the plant premises will not be exposed to any danger, however, in order to enable an efficient rescue operation, the population representatives should observe the following rules.

Remain in homes, which should not be left without need. Close windows, doors, and do not stay near them. If staying in an open area, do not approach the plant, do not block access roads for emergency services. In the event of bodily injuries caused by the event, immediately alert the Emergency Services by calling 112. In the event of damage to property caused by the event, secure any damage and document it as far as possible, for example by taking photographs. Listen to announcements in local and national media (radio and television) and those broadcast by emergency services directly at the scene of the incident. Strictly adhere to all instructions from emergency and order services.

Ways of alerting the public:
Internal plant acoustic-light signalling. Verbal commands issued by supervision service staff, emergency services, or authorised persons.