Warning for those who use alcohol-based hand gel sanitizer, as per the current recommendations for COVID-19 personal hygiene requirements. Hand sanitizer gels contain concentrations of alcohol. Once the hand sanitizer is applied, individuals must make sure the gel has suitable time to dry.
Be sure that after application, the liquid sanitizer is fully evaporated and dried. It is possible that touching a metal surface where a build-up of static can create an ignition source and the sanitizer could become ignited, resulting in possible severe burns to the hands/applied surface.
In the interest of safety, remember that alcohol vapors can ignite if exposed to an ignition source, such as light switches or cigarette lighters.
Recommendations
- When using the alcohol-based hand gel sanitizers, ensure the gel is given suitable time to fully dry/evaporate.
- 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.
- If unsure about using the alcohol-based sanitizers, washing hands with hot soapy water has the same effect as the hand gel.