Avoid leaving hand sanitisers in hot vehicles after bottle explodes in girl’s face

With the global COVID-19 pandemic putting everyone on hand-cleaning ultra alert, alcohol based hand sanitisers have become a must for all in trying to battle the deadly virus. But with temperatures on the rise and lockdown beginning to ease, its more important than ever to make sure your sanitisers are not left in excessive heat.

Anyone who has ever driven a vehicle during sizzling temperatures will know that the cabin area can reach unbearable heights, especially when left parked in direct sunlight, so it’s important to remember not to leave any hand sanitiser exposed for the risk of explosion.

You may see the advice as a little extreme, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

An 11-year-old girl in Lancashire recently fell victim to a terrible accident where a hand sanitiser left in her mother’s car exploded, causing a jet of hot gel to spray into her eye and leaving her in burning agony.

Luckily, the young girl’s mother is a first aid instructor and was on hand to assist with the burns. As first reported by The Mirror, ophthalmologists said the girl suffered damage to her eyeball, although they weren't able to confirm whether it was the temperature of the gel or the force of the impact that caused the area of damage.

Hand sanitisers, especially those that are most likely to kill the COVID-19 virus germs, can contain a strong level of alcohol and should be stored in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight, as advised by experts and stated clearly on bottles.

Parked vehicles are at highest risk of reaching soaring temperatures, so it is important to make sure if you’re leaving your vehicle parked for long periods of time, you do not leave any hand sanitisers behind.

With taxi and private hire drivers up and down the UK remaining on the frontline of transport for many, drivers are making sure themselves and their passengers have access to sanitiser gels for each trip, so considering the placement of the bottles in the rear and front cabin areas should be approached with a level of caution.

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