Arielle Cruz
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have become increasingly common, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their high alcohol content, typically between 60% and 95%, means that they are flammable and can pose a fire risk. The flash point of a liquid is the lowest temperature at which its vapours will ignite, and liquids with a flash point below 21°C are considered 'easily flammable'. The flash point of alcohol-based hand sanitizers varies depending on the concentration of alcohol, with ethanol (68% and above) and isopropanol (70% and above) considered easily flammable. Understanding the flash point of these products is crucial for safe storage and handling, as they are often packaged in large containers and present in various settings, including shops and healthcare facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flash point | Liquids with a flash point below 21°C are considered 'easily flammable' |
| Flash point of 73°F or higher and below 100°F is categorised as Class 1C | |
| Flash point of 93°C or lower is considered a "flammable liquid" | |
| Pure ethanol has a flash point between 12°C and 16°C | |
| 60% alcohol by volume is flammable and can be easily ignited | |
| 68% ethanol or above is considered easily flammable | |
| Iso-propanol with 70% alcohol or higher is easily flammable | |
| n-propanol with 82% alcohol or higher is easily flammable | |
| Flammable liquids are categorised as Class 1 liquids | |
| Class 1 liquids are subdivided into Class 1A and Class 1B | |
| Class 1A liquids have a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point of 100°F | |
| Class 1B liquids have a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point of 100°F or above | |
| ABHS is considered a flammable liquid (Class 1C) |
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What You'll Learn
Flash point defined
The flash point of a material is defined as the lowest temperature at which vapours above a volatile combustible substance will ignite when exposed to an ignition source, such as a flame. It is the temperature at which the vapour pressure of the liquid provides a vapour concentration that is equal to the lower flammability limit.
Liquids with a flash point below 21°C are considered 'easily flammable'. This includes hand sanitisers with an alcohol concentration of 68% ethanol or above. The flash point of a liquid is an important concept in fire investigation and fire protection, as it is the lowest temperature at which a risk of fire exists with a given liquid.
There are two basic types of flash point measurement: open cup and closed cup. In open cup devices, the sample is contained in an open cup that is heated, and a flame is brought over the surface at intervals. The measured flash point will vary with the height of the flame above the liquid surface. Closed cup testers, on the other hand, typically give lower values for the flash point than open cup methods. They are a better approximation of the temperature at which the vapour pressure reaches the lower flammable limit.
The flash point is sometimes confused with the autoignition temperature, which is the temperature that causes spontaneous ignition. The fire point is also distinct from the flash point, as it is the lowest temperature at which the vapours keep burning after the ignition source is removed. The flash point is an empirical measurement and the measured value will vary with equipment and test protocol variations.
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Alcohol-based hand sanitiser flammability
Alcohol-based hand sanitisers (ABHS) are considered flammable liquids due to their alcohol content, which is typically between 60-95%. The flash point of these sanitisers depends on the concentration of alcohol and the specific alcohol used. For example, ethanol with a concentration of 68% or higher is considered easily flammable, with a flash point below 21°C. Iso-propanol becomes easily flammable at concentrations of 70% or higher, while n-propanol is highly flammable at 82% concentration and above.
The flammability of ABHS has been demonstrated in tests, where even a 60% alcohol solution could be easily ignited, producing flame temperatures between 500° and 1000°F (260° and 538°C). Despite the low fire hazard of small dispensers, the risk increases when larger volumes are stored. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to safe storage guidelines for ABHS, especially in public spaces and businesses.
According to the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), ABHS are classified as Category 2 flammable liquids. This classification necessitates specific labelling, packaging, and storage requirements. For instance, SafeWork NSW in Australia mandates that a manifest document be prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities when storing 2500 litres or more of Category 2 flammable liquids. Additionally, an emergency plan must be prepared and lodged with Fire and Rescue NSW.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States stipulates that the storage of ABHS should not exceed 10 gallons outside of dispensers. Furthermore, the storage location is crucial, with the International Fire Code (IFC) prohibiting the storage of ABHS in basements or below-grade areas. These regulations are designed to minimise the risk of fires associated with the flammable nature of ABHS.
To mitigate the risks associated with ABHS flammability, it is essential to control the generation of flammable vapours during manufacturing, decanting, bottling, or storing processes. Even small quantities of flammable liquids can produce static electrical discharges, which may result in fires when combined with flammable vapours. Therefore, competent personnel should design and implement bonding and earthing systems for flammable liquid transfers, ensuring that all containers are at ground potential.
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Regulations and guidelines for storage
The flash point of alcohol-based hand sanitizers depends on the concentration of alcohol and the type of alcohol used. Alcohols commonly used in hand sanitizers include ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol. Liquids with a flash point below 21°C are considered easily flammable, and hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of 60% or higher are flammable and can easily ignite.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) are considered flammable liquids due to their high alcohol content, typically containing 60% or more ethyl alcohol. As such, there are regulations and guidelines in place to ensure their safe storage and handling.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) classifies ABHS as a Category 1 flammable liquid. This classification dictates the quantity that can be stored and the conditions under which it must be stored. For example, in Massachusetts, a permit is required to store more than 10 gallons of ABHS, and storing above this threshold triggers an extensive review process of the building's construction, fire safety systems, and current inventory of hazardous materials.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also provides guidelines for the storage of ABHS. According to the NFPA, the storage of ABHS should not exceed 10 gallons outside of dispensers, and it should not be stored in a basement or below grade. The NFPA also outlines specific conditions for the storage of larger quantities of flammable liquids, such as Class 1 flammable liquids, which include requirements for the maximum height of storage piles, unobstructed access to egress, and fire-resistant construction of storage rooms.
Businesses that use and store ABHS are required to conduct systematic health, safety, and environmental (HSE) work to identify risks and implement appropriate measures. This includes training staff on the proper handling and storage of flammable liquids, as well as staying updated on changing regulations and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
When shipping hand sanitizers, they are classified as hazardous materials, and specific regulations and guidelines must be followed depending on the carrier and the destination. For example, USPS has restrictions on the type of shipping service and the total quantity of flammable materials that can be shipped. International shipping of hand sanitizers also presents additional challenges due to varying regulations across different countries.
Overall, the storage and handling of alcohol-based hand sanitizers require adherence to regulations and guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with local and international standards. It is important for businesses and individuals to stay informed about the latest regulations and to implement proper storage and handling procedures for ABHS.
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Fire risk evaluation
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) are typically composed of ethyl alcohol (60% or more), which is a flammable liquid. Liquids with a flashpoint below 21°C are considered easily flammable, and ABHS formulations with concentrations of 68% ethanol or higher fall into this category. The flashpoint of a liquid is the temperature at which it gives off enough vapour to create an ignitable mixture in the air.
When evaluating the fire risk of ABHS, it is important to consider the following factors:
Storage and Handling
ABHS should be stored in accordance with regulations and guidelines. In the US, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) stipulates that the storage of ABHS should not exceed 10 gallons outside of dispensers. Additionally, ABHS should not be stored in basements or below grade. In Norway, Brann- og Sikkerhetsrådgivning AS (BSR) was hired to assess the fire technical issues related to the use and storage of alcohol-based disinfectants, and they found a lack of compliance with regulations and guidelines.
Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are a common cause of fires, and it is important to ensure that electrical wiring and lines are properly maintained and up to standard.
Structural Problems
The physical structure of the building should be evaluated to identify any potential issues that could lead to a faster spread of fire or increase the risk for employees and customers. This includes blocked escape routes and the absence of firewalls.
Fire Safety Arrangements
Existing fire safety arrangements should be analysed and improved if necessary. This includes evacuation plans, signage, and lighting.
Training and Education
Employees should receive adequate safety training to prepare them for a potential fire emergency. This includes training on how to use safety equipment and what to do in the event of a fire.
Identification of Hazards and People at Risk
Fire hazards and individuals at risk should be identified. This includes determining which equipment and areas pose the highest fire risk and which team members are most vulnerable in the event of a fire.
By conducting a thorough fire risk evaluation and implementing preventive measures, businesses can minimize the impact of fires and ensure the safety of their employees and customers.
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Testing and labelling
The flash point of a substance is the lowest temperature at which it can form an ignitable mixture with air. Liquids with a flash point below 21°C are considered 'easily flammable'. The flash point of alcohol-based hand sanitizers varies depending on the concentration of alcohol in the product. According to a 2010 study, hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol by volume proved to be flammable and could be easily ignited.
The United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) provides guidelines for the classification and labelling of hazardous substances. The GHS system classifies hand sanitizers as flammable liquids.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the contents and manufacturing conditions of hand sanitizers, which are considered over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The FDA requires that manufacturers accurately identify a product's content, concentration, and volume. Labels must include safe dosage and usage information.
The flash point of a hand sanitizer product must be determined and included on the label. The Closed-cup Flash Point test method is commonly used to determine the flash point of flammable liquids, including hand sanitizers. This test is legally required for potentially flammable liquids and is performed in accredited laboratories. The results are included in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which provides information on the maximum quantities and conditions of storage for these products.
The hazard classification and labelling of chemicals are crucial to ensuring the safe use and handling of hand sanitizers. The GHS system provides a standardized approach to classifying and communicating the hazards associated with chemical products, including hand sanitizers. By following the GHS guidelines, manufacturers can ensure that their products are properly labelled and that users have access to the necessary information to use and store these products safely.
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Frequently asked questions
The flash point of alcohol-based hand sanitiser varies depending on the concentration of alcohol and the type of alcohol used. For example, ethanol with a concentration of 68% or higher will be considered easily flammable, with a flash point of between 12°C and 16°C. Isopropanol is easily flammable at 70% concentration or higher, and n-propanol is easily flammable at 82% concentration or higher.
A flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form a vapour that will ignite when it comes into contact with a flame.
A flammable liquid is a liquid with a closed-cap flash point below 100°F. Flammable liquids are further categorised into a group known as Class 1 liquids, which are subdivided into Class 1A and Class 1B depending on their boiling points.
Always rub hand sanitiser into your hands until they feel completely dry before handling activities that may involve heat, sparks, static electricity, or open flames.
