Safe Practices for the Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Rinse in Care and Treatment
Occupancies
This document provides information to address potential fire safety hazards
related to the installation and use of alcohol-based hand rinse in Care and
Treatment Occupancies (i.e. hospitals, nursing homes and long term care
facilities).
Containers of hand rinse are typically located on wall-mounted holders from
which a small amount can be dispensed prior to it being applied to hands. Two
types of hand rinse that have been identified are the gel type and the foam
type. The gel type product is classified as Class IB flammable liquid but is
exempt from Section 4.2 of the Ontario Fire Code as a pharmaceutical product in
closed containers having a capacity not more than 5 L [see Clause
4.2.1.1.(2)(d)]. The foam type product is classified as a level 1 aerosol
(NFPA-30B) and is not specifically addressed in the Ontario Fire Code.
Simple field tests have shown that a lit match can readily ignite the foam type
product (aerosol) and it will burn very rapidly until all of the flammable
components are consumed. As the product burns, the foam collapses to form a
liquid that can spread and continue to burn.
These products are dispensed and used in very small quantities; thus the fire
hazards they present are minimal. However, the following simple precautions are
recommended to enhance the level of fire safety in Care and Treatment
Occupancies.
- Avoid exposure to open flames during and immediately after application. A
warning should be provided to potential users of the product e.g. signage or
instruction to staff.
- Install the dispensers at least 3 feet (1 m) from any open flame or other
ignition source. Locate the dispensers away from sources of heat such as radiant
heaters that could raise the container temperatures to above 120 deg F (49 deg
C).
- Although not specifically covered by Section 4.2 of the Ontario Fire Code,
stock of gel type products not for immediate use should be located in a properly
protected storage room or cabinet in accordance with Subsection 4.2.9 or 4.2.10.
Subsection 3.2.5. of the National Fire Code of Canada (1995) should be used for
storage requirements for the foam type (aerosol) products.
- Where the dispensers are installed in corridors, not more than one dispenser
should be located at each entry into a room. This will minimize the potential
for fire spread.
