SAFETY ALERT:

SAFE STORAGE OF HAND SANITISER

2020-24

A High Potential Incident (HPI) occurred at

an operation external to Anglo American
where hand sanitiser ignited inside a vehicle
and damaged it. Fortunately the vehicle was
unoccupied at the time, but it could have led
to a potentially significant injury. It is suspected
that the sanitiser or its vapours escaped from
the container and were ignited because of the
hot ambient conditions (approximately 35°C).

KEY LEARNINGS
1 A review of common commercial hand sanitiser Safety Data Sheets (SDS) shows that most sanitisers with a higher than
60% alcohol content are classified as ‘flammable’ with a flash point of approximately 21°C (71° Fahrenheit).
2 When the ambient temperature is above the flash point, the risk of vapour ignition is greatly increased. Containers must be
tightly closed and kept in cool, well-ventilated areas and away from ignition sources, such as hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, etc.
3 Vapour flash-fires can ignite other materials in the area leading to a sustained fire.

4 Home-made sanitisers must not be used on Anglo American premises as these pose an unknown risk compared to commercial
products and should be managed as unauthorised chemicals.

REQUIRED ACTIONS
• Communicate and ensure that when using - Only suitable containers with hazard symbols and
hand sanitisers, employees: manufacturer’s warnings and instructions visible may be used
- Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated and a current SDS must be available.
area, away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open
flames and other ignition sources.
- Do not bring home-made hand sanitisers or other
unauthorised chemicals onto company premises.
• Ensure storage facilities are properly risk assessed as
outlined in the Group Technical Standard on Hazardous
Materials Management (AA TS 5002 001) and comply
with relevant local/national regulation.
- Do not store flammable liquids where they may block
exits, stairways, or areas used for the safe egress of people.
- Store separately to areas used for offices and ensure
storage cabinets are clearly labelled and are fire-rated.
- Storage in warehouses (or areas of buildings cut off by
standard firewalls) must be in accordance with applicable
local/national regulations. • Ensure emergency response plans are up-to-date and include
- Incompatible materials (e.g. energetic substances, or response to unplanned or uncontrolled ignition of flammable
oxidisers such as bleach) or materials that could enhance liquids. Carbon dioxide (CO2), powders, foams, or dry sand are
fire risk (e.g. paper, cardboard) or compromise integrity adequate to contain and suppress fires caused by hand sanitisers.
of packaging may not be stored in the same area. Water jets must not be used.

This document contains confidential information that should be used for internal business purposes only. It contains actions for immediate implementation or improvement by all
Anglo American sites. It does not apportion any blame for the incident on any person or company and does not constitute an admission of any liability or failure by any person or
Anglo American. It may be subject to change as and when new or additional information becomes available. For more information please contact lficoordinator@angloamerican.com