SIA Encourages Safe Working when Manufacturing Hand Sanitisers

The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has seen an increase in the number of companies entering the market to supply hand sanitisers to meet the hygiene demands of consumers and healthcare professionals. These products can contain ethanol, isopropanol or n-propanol, which are flammable liquids and should be handled using suitable packaging, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and have earthing procedures in place to prevent static discharge.

The Solvents Industry Association promotes the safe and responsible use of solvents and flammable liquids and would encourage all existing and potential manufacturers of these products to seek guidance on safe handling to avoid serious injury or damage to property.

The devastating effect of what can happen if safety procedures are not followed can be seen in the CCTV footage below.

The facility in Brazil experienced the incident because the operators were splash filling a flammable liquid into an unprotected plastic IBC. The liquid ignited through static discharge.

The SIA provides comprehensive guidance on how to handle solvents and flammable liquids safely. View our safety films on the Safe Handling of Solvents, Solvents and Static Electricity and Solvents and IBCs, along with our range of essential Guidance Notes for further information.

Visit our resource centre today https://www.solvents.org.uk/sia-information-centre/