Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi Police issues warning on misuse of hand sanitisers

Abu Dhabi Police issues warning to public about safe use of hand sanitisers. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Abu Dhabi Police issued a warning over the weekend advising residents to take care when using hand sanitisers as they can increase the risk of fire if not used correctly.

In a post on its Facebook page, the public were advised to avoid exposure to things such as open flames and gas cooking stoves immediately after using sanitisers.

Police said some hand rubs and gels contain alcohol and are considered “flammable”.

When applying the gel, liquid or foam scrubs, users should ensure their hands and arms are "completely dry" before handling or working near flammable sources.

Individuals were also urged to avoid keeping large amounts of hand sanitiser in their vehicles, especially as temperatures rise during the summer months.

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, health authorities around the globe say one of the best ways to avoid spreading infection is to wash your hands with soap and water, or when that is not an option, rub them with hand sanitiser.

Earlier, the World Health Organisation recommended the use of hand gels and scrubs with at least 60 per cent alcohol.

As per this new warning, police said while hand sanitisers were an effective precautionary measure against the virus, it appealed parents to play their part in raising awareness of the risks of misuse to children and domestic workers.

In March, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi recalled several hand sanitisers from the market due to low alcohol content.

The department said the affected products included Rosa Bella, Dyna+ and Lulu hand sanitiser with Aloe and Vitamin E.

Pedestrians protect themselves with face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic while crossing the street at downtown Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Municipality gardeners trim some trees along the Corniche in preparation for the eventual reopening of Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Commuters at a bus stop protect themselves with face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic along Zayed the First Street. Victor Besa / The National

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A woman exercising in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed/The National

A worker wearing a hard hat walks past a mural in the Gulf emirate. AFP