Department of Defence issues safety alert for hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is one of this year’s hottest products, but it took a government department five paragraphs to explain how to use it.

The Department of Defence has confirmed that a five-point document sent to staff on how to safely use a hand sanitiser pump is indeed real.

An image of the document appeared on a military forum on popular board Reddit posted by a forum user identifying themselves as a member of the Australian Army.

It was sent out in the last week of May and provides detailed advice on how to use a hand sanitiser pump safely.

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The Department of Defence confirmed the document was legit.

It warns users should “ensure the nozzle is clear of dried sanitiser before use” to “reduce the risk of hand sanitiser spraying out of the pump nozzle under pressure and in the wrong direction”.

“Incidents of workers being sprayed in the face with hand sanitiser” happened not once but twice before the safety alert was sent out.

The alert recommended checking the pump nozzle before use.

“If a nozzle has become clogged you can remove the offending dried clump of sanitiser and dispose of it as general waste,” the alert advised.

“First aid treatment is to be in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions on the package. Flushing of the eye with saline is preferred over tap water. If pain persists after flushing seek medical attention.”

The alert was sent out by the Explosive Materiel Branch (yes, that’s the official spelling, “materiel” refers specifically to military equipment).

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A Royal Australian Navy Medic is swabbed as part of pre-quarantine health screening. Many have been using hand sanitiser to ward off COVID-19 for months now. Picture: Royal Australian Navy/AAP

According to the Department of Defence, that branch is usually responsible for “acquiring and sustaining Defence’s guided weapons and munitions”.

Other users on the military forum had a good laugh at the advice but lamented it was probably necessary.

“One of the things that most surprised me in the Army is the number of people who reached the age of 18 without learning how to use a toilet properly, so I’d say while it could be a piss-take, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t one either,” a user identifying themselves as a Singapore Army member said.

“It’s not just the equipment that’s made by the lowest bidder … sometimes it’s the recruit,” wrote another.

“Which country’s military is this from? I believe that country has just surpassed the brilliance of the US Marine Corps,” another wrote, perhaps proving their point by asking a question quite clearly answered in the letterhead of the document.