September 29, 2021
Storage of hand sanitizers in university facilities
Submitted by Shauna-Kay Walder
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have been utilized across Kansas State University facilities to minimize the spread of COVID-19. These sanitizers in use on campus contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol or 70% isopropanol. The fire code limits the amount of hazardous and flammable materials that can be stored in a fire area. These are aggregate totals, so the amount of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other chemicals in the room or hallway also count toward the total quantity permissible, which differs depending on various building factors.
Departments are encouraged to purchase or accept alcohol-based hand sanitizers in quantities that they will use in the next six months. The alcohol-based hand sanitizers purchased or accepted in large quantities may be subject to storage limits and excess amounts not used may become hazardous waste, which is expensive to dispose of. Do not dispose of excess product down the drain or in the regular trash, which poses a fire risk. Please contact Environmental Health and Safety for waste pickup of excess alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Contact Environmental Health and Safety at safety@k-state.edu or 785-532-5856 before purchasing or accepting large donations of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.