Fire risk of leaving hand sanitiser in car
This quick share is to alert all to the potential fire risk in vehicles, caused by alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
There have been a number of reports of hand sanitiser being the cause of fires when left in vehicles in the hot weather the UK has been experiencing.
The alcohol hand sanitiser is becoming heated, resulting in flammable vapours being released. These vapours are reaching their ‘flashpoint’ and then ignite in normal air conditions, setting fire to flammable components within the car.
What you need to do
Remove all alcohol-based hand sanitiser products from vehicles when they are not occupied, do not leave hand sanitiser in un-attended vehicles.
You should continue to use hand sanitiser as part of your hygiene routine where you cannot use soap & water. Remember: hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods to stop the spread of COVID-19 following indirect contact (picking up the virus up by touching contaminated surfaces and objects).