Correction June 24 6pm: NHS property services said: "It is now our understanding that the risks associated with hand sanitisers in vehicles only become apparent when in contact with a spark. We will be issuing a formal alert to our frontline teams to clarify this situation.”
NHS bosses have warned people about storing hand sanitiser in cars as hot weather is expected this week.
The warning comes from NHS property services, which manages hospitals around the country, and who have asked their NHS colleagues to remove sanitiser from vehicles.
They've received a number of reports of hand sanitiser being the cause of fires when left in vehicles due to the heat.
Experts say that when alcohol-based hand sanitiser heats, flammable vapours are released. These vapours then reach their ‘flashpoint’ and then ignite in normal air conditions, setting fire to flammable components within the car.
The NHS body, however, advised that people should continue to use hand sanitiser as part of their hygiene routine where you cannot use soap and water.
"Hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods to stop the spread of COVID-19 following indirect contact," a statement added.
The alert included a photograph of the inside of a car with part of the passenger door destroyed by a fire.
Today's figures show the number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus has now reached 42,927.
The toll is up by 171 deaths from the day before at 42,647, and includes a further 109 deaths that occurred in April, May, and June.
