May 5, 2004
2004-11
(External Distribution)
It has come to the attention of the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) that students
in some schools are misusing alcohol-based hand sanitizers. In one incident, students
placed a small quantity of an alcohol-based gel sanitizer on the floor, turned off
the lights and then lit it on fire. It is not known whether the product was obtained
through the school or was brought in by the students.
Most types of hand sanitizers in common use are gel or foam alcohol-based products.
Both are easily ignited and will burn very rapidly until all of the flammable components
are consumed. The OFM is concerned with the potential serious consequences of this
fire setting in the school environment. Although this activity may not be widespread
at this time, the OFM wishes to provide the fire service and the school boards with
an early warning of this practice.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MHLTC) recommends, “The best and simplest
method of hand hygiene in schools is hand washing with soap and water, and concurrent
delivery of a hand hygiene information program for students”. The MHLTC has also
confirmed that there are several non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers available which
would be suitable substitutes. School boards should consult the local health unit
or infection control specialists to determine the product that is appropriate in
their particular circumstances. The attached memo from the MHLTC provides information
on the effectiveness of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the school environment.
However, where schools continue to provide alcohol based hand sanitizers, the following
precautions are recommended:
As these hand sanitizers are normally dispensed and used in very small quantities,
they present minimal fire hazards under normal use.
Inquiries regarding alcohol-based hand sanitizers and fire hazards should be directed
to the Applied Research Section of the Office of the Fire Marshal at (416) 325-3100.
Attachment/
Communiqué 2004-11 was issued on May 5, 2004. In January 2005, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care issued an update to their memorandum on the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in schools, which was attached to Communiqué 2004-11.
Please use the updated memorandum, dated January 14, 2005, instead of the memorandum (April 20, 2004) distributed with the Communiqué.
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