Accessibility.SkipToMainContent
Health and safety

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser led to second degree burns

6 May 2020

Seafarers have been warned to exercise caution when using alcohol-based hand sanitisers, after reports an offshore employee received second and third degree burns in one incident.

The employee used the hand gel sanitiser as per the current recommendations for COVID-19 personal hygiene requirements.

hand_sanitiser_burns_warning_web.jpg
The second and third degree burns experienced in the incident 

The individual touched a metal surface before the liquid sanitiser had fully evaporated. A build-up of static created an ignition source and the sanitiser ignited, resulting in an almost invisible flame on both hands.

Alcohol-based gels should be allowed to dry completely before touching metal surfaces, lighting cigarettes or other potential 'ignition sources', the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) said.

'In the interest of safety, remember that alcohol vapours can ignite if exposed to an ignition source, such as light switches or cigarette lighters.'

Seafarers that may be unsure about using alcohol-based sanitisers can wash hands with hot soapy water for the same effect as the hand gel.


Tags

More articles

Featured
Health and safety

Nautilus FAQs on Covid-19 Coronavirus

  • Telegraph
  • 17 March 2021
Members at work

Master Mariners speak out about Covid-19 concerns

  • Telegraph
  • 23 April 2020
Careers

Mentors sought for City ship-to-shore job scheme

Nautilus International has launched a new initiative with Maritime London to encourage seafarers who are looking to move ashore to consider moving to 'City' jobs.

  • News
  • 05 May 2020
Health and safety

Public Health England publish Covid-19 FAQs for maritime

Public Health England have published FAQs on Covid-19 for the maritime sector, which includes procedures for safe access for pilots on ships entering UK ports.

  • News
  • 24 April 2020
International

International unions condemn Panama Canal Authority's latest response to safety concerns

Nautilus and its international partners have expressed 'deep disappointment' at the Panama Canal Authority's (ACP) recent response to concerns about unsafe working practices.

  • News
  • 04 May 2020
Health and safety

Call to exempt physicians and ship inspectors from restrictions on port ship visits

International health, maritime and labour bodies have urged Port States to ensure physicians and ship inspectors are exempt where possible from national restrictions so they can help renew medical certificates for seafarers and ship sanitation certificates during the pandemic.

  • News
  • 29 April 2020
International

New OCIMF guidance for oil and gas ship inspectors

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has issued new guidance on coronavirus for ship inspectors, vessel operators, and companies in the offshore industry.

  • News
  • 28 April 2020
Education and training

'Overburdened with obsolete knowledge' – seafarers' opinions of STCW in the SkillSea project

  • Telegraph
  • 21 April 2020
Health and safety

Nautilus helps produce topical new guidance on seafarer wellbeing

  • Telegraph
  • 15 April 2020