Any cleaning component left inside a firearm such as a cleaning rod, or metal bore brush, or debris from a previous round, could be ejected as a projectile from a blank fire. Additionally, gunpowder is really an explosive, so parts of the weapon can break and be ejected. I think this is more likely to happen with an older weapon, or a weapon firing high power rounds [1]
Suspect that Hollywood doesn't use blank firing adaptors like the US military which leads to a much more dangerous situation. Believe they do this for realism.
In the US military we'd take a number of steps to avoid these kind of mishaps.
safe weapon clearing procedures & intentional firing of weapon into sandbagged areas for hazardous conditions
Lots of Training about weapon safety
Team Leaders inspect fire teams
Squad Leaders inspect Squads
Platoon sergeants & LTs inspect platoons
Range Safety controls the whole show and may conduct their own inspections
Inspections include both weapons, magazines, and ammo pouches.
Our exercises never mix blanks with MILES gear, and actual live-fire exercises.
We don't fire weapons towards people at close range unless during warfare.
Suspect that Hollywood doesn't use blank firing adaptors like the US military which leads to a much more dangerous situation. Believe they do this for realism.
In the US military we'd take a number of steps to avoid these kind of mishaps.
safe weapon clearing procedures & intentional firing of weapon into sandbagged areas for hazardous conditions
Lots of Training about weapon safety
Team Leaders inspect fire teams
Squad Leaders inspect Squads
Platoon sergeants & LTs inspect platoons
Range Safety controls the whole show and may conduct their own inspections
Inspections include both weapons, magazines, and ammo pouches.
Our exercises never mix blanks with MILES gear, and actual live-fire exercises.
We don't fire weapons towards people at close range unless during warfare.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1449kJKxlMQ