METHANOL (ICSC)

METHANOL	ICSC: 0057

Date of Peer Review: April 2000

Methyl alcohol
Carbinol
Wood alcohol

CAS #

67-56-1

CH₄O / CH₃OH

RTECS #

PC1400000

Molecular mass: 32.0

UN #

1230

EC #

603-001-00-X

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable. See Notes.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidants.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water in large amounts, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID EXPOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN!
Inhalation	Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Weakness. Visual disturbance.	Ventilation. Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Convulsions. Unconsciousness. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. Remove vapour with fine water spray. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: F, T
R: 11-23/24/25-39/23/24/25
S: (1/2-)-7-16-36/37-45
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
UN Pack Group: II

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SAFE STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1230
NFPA Code: H 1; F 3; R 0;

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, food and feedstuffs. Cool.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities Š IPCS, CEC 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

METHANOL

ICSC: 0057

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA, 250 ppm as STEL; (skin); BEI issued; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 200 ppm, 270 mg/mł; Peak limitation category: II(4); skin absorption (H); Pregnancy risk group: C (DFG 2004).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, resulting in loss of consciousness. Exposure may result in blindness and death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system, resulting in persistent or recurring headaches and impaired vision.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 65°C
Melting point: -98°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.79
Solubility in water: miscible
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 12.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.1

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.01
Flash point: 12°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 464°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.5-44
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.82/-0.66

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

Burns with nonluminous bluish flame. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See section Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

Š IPCS, CEC 2004

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Methanol (EHC 196, 1997)
       Methanol (HSG 105, 1997)
       Methanol (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 48a)
       METHANOL (JECFA Evaluation)
       Methanol (PIM 335)