People at risk for a gunpowder-related burn:
(1) fireworks maker, seller or user
(2) black powder gun enthusiast
(3) ammunition reloader
(4) anyone at a shooting range
(5) ammunition hoarder (which can be a major problem for fire fighters)
(6) military
(7) police
(8) criminal
Risk factors for burn injury while handling gunpowder:
(1) loose or incompletely burnt powder
(2) improper gunpowder storage
(3) carelessness
(4) intoxication
(5) flammable materials nearby, including gas vapors
where:
• Burn injury may be caused by the gunpowder or its ignition of flammable materials.
Things that can ignite gunpowder:
(1) smoking
(2) electrical short
(3) gun discharge
(4) spark from impact on iron or other metal
(5) open flame
(6) intense sunlight, especially if focused
(7) static electricity
If gunpowder is stored at the site then there is an additional risk for explosion and blast injury.
