Ignited hand sanitiser
- Safety Flash
- Published on 5 May 2020
- Generated on 18 September 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!
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)
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 04/09
2 April 2009
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