Ignited hand sanitiser

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 5 May 2020
  • Generated on 21 June 2025
  • IMCA SF 15/20
  • 1 minute read

What happened?

A man had his hands burnt when alcohol-based hand sanitiser caught fire.

The man was using alcohol-based hand sanitiser as recommended during the Corona pandemic.

The man touched a surface before his hands were completely dry.

Due to static electricity, fumes from the hand sanitiser ignited with an almost invisible flame on both hands.

The man quickly reached a sink to extinguish the flames.

Consequence: First and second degree burns!

consequence: first and second degree burns!

What were the causes? What went wrong?

The man did not ‘identify all energy sources’ – alcohol based sanitiser is inherently flammable and hence a potentially hazardous source of energy.

Actions

Members may wish to refer to:

  • Guidance on crew management during the COVID-19 outbreak (IMCA HSS 01/20)

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