People are being warned not to keep large amounts of hand sanitiser in their home or car because of the risk of fire.
Dublin Fire Brigade says the high alcohol content means it needs to be treated with the same care as any other accelerant.
But it says a claim circulating on social media that it could catch fire in a hot car is unproven.
Last week council staff in Limerick were warned not to leave hand sanitiser behind if they parked up in the sun in a safety leaflet showing apparent fire damage to a car door.
Station Officer Darren O'Connor says hand sanitiser is an essential item at the moment. However he says it has to be handled with care;
"We would advise people to keep as little as possible in your car, in an enclosed space, inside your home, keep it away from ignition sources. If you're going to use it on your hands, make sure it's evaporated, your hands are completely dry before you use cigarettes, before you go to use a BBQ etc."
He's warned that hand sanitiser is 70 per cent alcohol at least and burns with no flame.
