IOGP safety alert - Alcohol-based hand sanitiser warning
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 (see picture).
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.
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.
Figure 1: Alcohol based hand sanitisers - burns
Source
HeliOffshore Infoshare 2020-013
IOGP Alert 314
IOGP Safety
Alerts https://safetyzone.iogp.org/
Disclaimer
Whilst
every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this publication, neither the IOGP nor any of its members
past present or future warrants its accuracy or will, regardless of its
or their negligence, assume liability for any foreseeable or
unforeseeable use made thereof, which liability is hereby excluded.
Consequently, such use is at the recipient's own risk on the basis that
any use by the recipient constitutes agreement to the terms of this
disclaimer. The recipient is obliged to inform any subsequent recipient
of such terms.
This document may
provide guidance supplemental to the requirements of local legislation.
Nothing herein, however, is intended to replace, amend, supersede or
otherwise depart from such requirements. In the event of any conflict
or contradiction between the provisions of this document and local
legislation, applicable laws shall prevail.
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