Storing Hand Sanitiser Safely
Increased demand and use of hand sanitiser in workplaces, poses some fire and safety risks. WorkSafe Victoria have released a Safety Alert about manufacturing or storing alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) has also issued a Safety Alert on risks associated with use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, after a worker suffered burns. After application, before the liquid sanitiser had fully evaporated and dried, the worker touched a metal surface where a build-up of static created an ignition source and the sanitiser ignited, resulting in an almost invisible flame on both hands.
Further warning comes from a US fire department, about the danger of leaving alcohol-based hand sanitiser in vehicles on a hot day.
Storing Flammable Liquids
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser, when made to World Health Organisation (WHO) specifications, are are Class 3 dangerous goods - flammable liquids. Depending on the quantity stored, you may have additional obligations.
The control measures listed below should be considered for reducing risks associated with flammable materials.
Depending on the hand-sanitiser, your your obligations will vary. Hand-sanitiser with greater than 70% ethanol is Dangerous Goods (DG) Class 3 flammable liquid, packing group II. Hand-sanitiser with greater than 24 to 70% ethanol is packing group III.
Placarding quantity
If the total quantity of Class 3, packing group II onsite exceeds 250L or packing group III exceeds 1000L, your site needs DG placarding. This includes:
HAZCHEM placard at the vehicle entrances to the site;
DG Class Class 3 flammable liquid diamond placard at each building or storage area with flammable liquids.
Manifest quantity
If the quantity is very large, being more than 2500 litres of flammable liquids of packing group II or 10,000 litres of flammable liquids of packing group III, you must:
Notify WorkSafe of your quantities
Dangerous Goods Manifest and
Prepare an Emergency Plan in consultation with the fire brigade.
Storage
Australian Standard AS1940 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids also provides guidance in relation to controlling risks of fire and explosion.
The key storage considerations recommended by WorkSafe include:
Storage areas need to be adequately separated from on-site and off-site protected places e.g. dwellings, public buildings, offices, workshops, warehouses.
Incompatible dangerous goods need to be kept apart so they do not react and cause an incident.
Hazardous areas in and around the location need to be correctly classified beforehand, with explosion and fire risks controlled before commencing storage.
Control of ignition sources – do not smoke near or bring mobile phones into a storage area for flammable liquid. Staff should wear garments made entirely from natural fibres, e.g. cotton, to reduce the risk of static ignition.
Spill containment – storage areas need to be provided with spill containment to capture and contain spills. Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, using appropriate equipment and materials for dangerous goods.
Ventilation – flammable liquid storage areas need to be ventilated adequately.
Electrical equipment in hazardous areas, such as lights, light switches, electrical wiring, forklifts and ventilation fans, need to be suitable for use in hazardous areas.
Fire protection – adequate fire protection needs to be provided.
Operational safety – staff working in flammable liquids storage or handling areas need to be trained to work in those areas safely. Ensure staff are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including training on how to safely use, maintain and clean or dispose of PPE.
Labelling and packaging – hand sanitiser packaging and labelling must comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) and the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) or Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances, as required by relevant state legislation.
Safety data sheets (SDS) – manufacturers, suppliers and importers have duties under OHS and dangerous goods legislation to provide certain information about products in SDSs and labelling.
According to the WorkSafe Safety Alert, if you are not currently equipped to manufacture, store or handle flammable liquids, WorkSafe strongly recommends that you seek expert advice from a suitably qualified and experienced person (for example an industry consultant) before you start working with these chemicals.
Contact Safety Action if you need help.