Alcohol-based hand sanitiser – vehicle fires

June 24, 2019

We must remind all colleagues to the potential fire risk in vehicles, caused by alcohol-based hand sanitiser. We have received a number of reports of hand sanitiser being the cause of fires when left in vehicles in the hot weather the UK is currently 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.

We strongly advise removing all alcohol-based hand sanitiser products from vehicles when they are not occupied and advise against leaving hand sanitiser in unattended vehicles.

You should continue to use hand sanitiser as part of your hygiene routine where you cannot use soap and water.

Note: Please 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).

For more information please see Alcohol based hand sanitiser vehicle fires information sheet.