COVID 19 - Hand sanitiser ignition - injuring haulier and causing vehicle fire
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
ALERT STATUS:
High Potential
DATE ISSUED:
09/06/2020 15:46:39
TITLE
COVID 19 - Hand sanitiser ignition - injuring haulier and causing vehicle fire
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
After opening the site gates, a haulier driver returned to his vehicle cab and used an alcohol-based hand sanitiser from a 1ltr container with pump and dispenser. After applying the hand sanitiser the haulier driver proceeded to light a naked flame which appears to have ignited the hand sanitiser residue on his hands, within the bottle and the cab. This caused an explosion and fire within the cab. The windscreen was blown out and thrown several metres down the road. The fire brigade extinguished the vehicle fire, and the haulier driver attended the local hospital where he was treated for burns to his hand and forearm.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
- Alcohol based hand sanitiser is a flammable substance with a low flash point
- After application of hand sanitiser you should continue to rub your hands until dry, for at least 20 seconds before touching anything or continuing with your work (as advised by the Centre for Disease Control and prevention CDC)
- If you are working with electricity, in the proximity of an ignition source, conducting any hot work, or within a confined space you should use soap and water instead of hand sanitiser to wash your hands before and after the activity.
- Be aware that it is illegal to smoke within a cab if it is shared by multiple drivers.
- Hand sanitisers should be stored in a cool, well ventilated location, and not within direct sunlight.
- Avoid leaving them within vehicles and on window sills Where there is a need to carry hand sanitiser on your person or within a confined space e.g. a vehicle, please do so in minimal quantities
- Following use, check that the container is tightly closed with no visible damage or leaks.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
ALERT STATUS:
High Potential
DATE ISSUED:
09/06/2020 15:46:39
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