Introduction
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser warning This report is in relation to a Company customer with an employee who used alcohol-based hand gel sanitiser, as per the current recommendations for COVID-19 personal hygiene requirements.
After application, but before the liquid sanitiser had fully evaporated and dried, the individual touched a metal surface where a build-up of static created an ignition source and the sanitiser ignited, resulting in an almost invisible flame on both hands.
The individual managed to extinguish the flames but was left with first and second degree burns
Background
What went wrong?
Hand sanitiser gels contain concentrations of alcohol. Once the hand sanitiser is applied, individuals must make sure the gel has suitable time to dry.
In the interest of safety, remember that alcohol vapours can ignite if exposed to an ignition source, such as light switches or cigarette lighters.
Actions required
Corrective actions and recommendations
a. When using the alcohol-based hand gel sanitisers, ensure the gel is given suitable time to fully dry/evaporate.
b. Avoid touching any surface until the gel has fully dried. Any form of ignition source has the potential to cause the same issues as experienced by the individual.
c. If unsure about using the alcohol-based sanitisers, washing hands with hot soapy water has the same effect as the hand gel.
General Note
Source HeliOffshore Infoshare 2020-013