Caution must be used when alcohol-based sanitisers are used to clean hands before touching metal surfaces, lighting cigarettes or other potential ignition sources.
The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) have issued a warning that all hand gel must be completely left to dry before touching certain surfaces after cleaning hands.
The IOGP also said:
"In the interest of safety, remember that alcohol vapours can ignite if exposed to an ignition source, such as light switches or cigarette lighters."
This advice comes after an incident reported of an employee using hand sanitiser and then touching a metal surface before it had fully dried. A static build up meant that the sanitiser ignited and caused almost an invisible flame on the employees hand. The individual was left with second and third degree burns.
Current recommendations for COVID-19 personal hygiene requirements do involve the use of hand sanitiser, but preference for washing hands if possible should be hot and soapy water.
