Hazard Alert: Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer might spill on floor or splash into an individual’s face/eyes when manually transferring from one bottle to another (e.g. when refilling a dispenser). This could cause a slippery surface and result in a fall or skin/eye irritation and damage.

Guidance:

When ordering hand sanitizer:

• Order manageable bottle sizes (e.g. 1L bottles) – preferably single use bottles.
• If ordering larger refill containers, order containers equipped with a pump. Large refill containers should not exceed 4L.

When refilling and handling hand sanitizer bottles:

• Where possible, do not manually transfer hand sanitizer from one bottle to another.
• If manual transfer is required:
  • use a pump as it can help to safely transfer hand sanitizer from one bottle to another;
  • equip yourself with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g. gloves and eye protection); and
  • do not carry or lift more than 23 kg.
• If transferring a large quantity of hand sanitizer (e.g. transferring multiple bottles), make sure to take regular breaks to prevent wrist/hand strain.

Hand sanitizer dispenser nozzles might clog, causing hand sanitizer to splash onto unintended parts of the skin or into the eyes of an individual when the dispenser pump is pushed. This could result in skin/eye irritation and damage.

Guidance: Perform regular maintenance on hand sanitizer dispensers as per manufacturer’s recommendations (e.g. clean dispenser nozzles regularly to prevent clogs). When doing so, make sure to equip yourself with the appropriate PPE (e.g. gloves and eye protection) and perform the maintenance in a well-ventilated area.

In addition, ensure dispensers only hold appropriate types/brands of hand sanitizer as outlined in the manufacturer’s recommendations (e.g. liquid dispensers should only hold liquid hand sanitizer).

The mixing of hand sanitizer types/brands might be occurring in some workplaces (e.g. when refilling hand sanitizer dispensers), which could result in irritation and damage to an individual’s skin when applied (due to a chemical or allergic reaction).

Guidance: Do not mix hand sanitizer types/brands. The type/brand of hand sanitizer identified on the bottle or dispenser should be the type/brand of hand sanitizer in the bottle or dispenser.

If pouring hand sanitizer from one bottle to another, the SDS* for the hand sanitizer must be reviewed and followed and the label on both bottles must match.

The placement of hand sanitizer bottles on inappropriate surfaces and at inappropriate heights might be occurring in some workplaces. This may cause bottles to fall or tip over when used – and hand sanitizer to spill onto the floor. This could cause a slippery surface and result in a fall.

Guidance: Place hand sanitizer bottles on solid, flat surfaces and at heights that are appropriate for use. In addition, ensure that the hand sanitizer is stored in original containers.

Some individuals in the workplace might not know how to properly apply hand sanitizer to their hands. If an individual applies hand sanitizer incorrectly, this could result in:

• The individual transferring germs or a virus to another employee/client (e.g. If the individual does not apply the hand sanitizer to all parts of their hands.); and/or
• An injury (e.g. If the individual applies too much hand sanitizer to their hands and some of it falls to the floor. This could create a slippery surface and cause someone to slip/fall.).

Guidance: Ensure appropriate signage (PDF Version, 190 KB) that outlines how to properly apply hand sanitizer is placed near hand sanitizer dispensers and at locations where hand sanitizer bottles are present.

Hand sanitizer dispensers and bottles might be located near heat sources in some workplaces, which could result in a fire.

Guidance: Do not place hand sanitizer dispensers and bottles near heat sources. In particular, during summer months do not place hand sanitizer dispensers and bottles in direct sunlight. Refer to the product’s SDS* for more info.

Large amounts of hand sanitizer could be present and located near heat sources in some workplaces, which could result in a sizeable fire.

Guidance: If possible, consider storing hand-sanitizer at an off-site warehouse or storage facility.

If storing hand sanitizer off-site is not possible and you are storing hand sanitizer in the workplace:

• Ensure that the workplace is able to meet the storage and handling requirements;
• Only order required/minimum quantities in order to limit the total quantity stored in the workplace;
• Ensure an inventory of the volume of all hand sanitizer stored in the workplace is maintained and documented;
• Break up the bulk quantity (>25L) into smaller groups and store in different areas throughout the workplace;
• Do not store in the basement or in areas containing plausible sources of ignition and ensure no other substances are stored with the hand sanitizer that could react or be ignitable due to the combination; and
• Ground floor storage is preferred as it is easier to access during an emergency.

Contact the Chief Financial Officer Branch (CFOB) if you require storage equipment or space to safely store hand sanitizer (e.g. a storage cabinet or warehouse).