Injury does not occur when blanks are used as originally intended. However, when discharged at close range, blanks may cause severe injury. The minimum safe distance required is not known definitively, but soldiers occasionally fire within 10 meters of an opponent. Blank injuries from misuse of rifles, handguns, shotguns, and machine guns have been described. The mechanisms of injury include direct, indirect, intentional, and accidental discharge.
Direct discharge occurs when the soldier is too close to the opponent.
Indirect discharge injuries due to ejected cartridges can also occur. Intentional discharge can be suicidal. Accidental discharges often involve the hand, because soldiers habitually hold the weapon at the side with the hand over the blank adapter. The spectrum of injury types is broad. Most injuries are due to direct discharge to the face, eye, or hand.