Following recent incidents in healthcare facilities WorkSafe has issued a Safety Alert about the risks associated with the misuse of alcohol-based hand sanitiser in workplaces.
Gel and liquid alcohol-based hand sanitiser is commonly used for infection control purposes in healthcare settings and containers of the substance are located in many areas of facilities – often accessible by the public and patients. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser contains high amounts of ethanol or ethyl alcohol (generally between 60%-95%).
In a recent incident a patient with a known history of alcohol intoxication consumed approximately 300mls of a 70% alcohol sanitiser in an emergency department and was subsequently admitted to intensive care.
A second incident involved a patient setting fire to their bedding using alcohol-based sanitiser as an accelerant. The substance was also thrown at an employee causing an eye injury.
Where vulnerable people are present the easy accessibility of alcohol-based hand sanitiser can pose risks. Accidental or deliberate misuse of alcohol-based hand sanitiser by members of the public can cause health risks to members of the public and employees such as:
- alcohol poisoning
- fire, if used as a fire accelerant
- eye injuries
Conducting a risk assessment of accessible areas to consider where vulnerable patients may be present can assist in identifying areas of increased risk. Measures to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-based hand sanitiser include:
- using brackets, dispensers and tamper-proof lids to restrict access
- reduce the volume of sanitiser by using smaller containers
- use a different form of hand sanitiser e.g. gels, wipes
Alcohol-based substances in the workplace should be managed in the same way as any other hazardous substance in accordance with the Compliance Code: Hazardous Substances. HSRs can find more information about hazardous substances, including an HSR action plan, on our Hazardous Substances (Chemicals) - OHS Reps page.
Read more: Alcohol-based hand sanitiser in healthcare facilities | WorkSafe Victoria