Hazard Communication Sheet

METHANOL
Methyl Alcohol DESCRIPTION HEALTH HAZARDS
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CH3OH
Colourless, volatile liquid with a characteristic odour; m.p. -98 C; b.p. 65 C. Miscible with water. CAS: 67-56-1. UN number: 1230.

CAUTION : TOXIC
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Danger of cumulative effects from repeated exposure. Exposure to high vapour concentrations causes headache, nausea, dizziness, stupor, cramps and gastric disturbance. Long-term exposure to high vapour concentrations damages the central nervous system, especially the optic nerve, causing temporary or permanent blindness. Liquid degreases the skin. Repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis. Absorbed by skin contact causing toxic effects. Swallowing causes narcotic symptoms and nerve damage that may result in permanent blindness and death in extreme cases. Symptoms may be delayed by some hours. Has caused birth defects in animal studies.

FIRST-AID

Inhalation: Remove from source of exposure. If breathing stops or shows signs of failing apply artificial respiration. Use oxygen if breathing is laboured. Obtain medical help. Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Treat patient as for inhalation. Obtain medical help. Eyes: Flood with eyewash or water for at least 15 minutes. Obtain medical help. Ingestion: Wash out mouth with water. Treat as for inhalation. Obtain medical help. INCOMPATIBLE with acids, isocyanates, metals (alkali and alkaline, e.g. cesium, potassium, sodium), nitrides, peroxides and hydroperoxides, oxidizing agents, reducing agents and water reactive substances. EXPLOSION HAZARD. Forms flammable/explosive vapour/air mixtures. Take precautions against static discharges. Ground and bond containers when transferring bulk material. Use spark-proof tools and explosion proof equipment. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Flash point 12 C. Explosive limits 6-36.5% For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. Do not use straight streams of water. Use self-contained breathing apparatus if fire is large or in a confined space. Refer to local spillage/emergency procedures. Liquid can be absorbed using sand/proprietary adsorbent or transferred to a suitable closed container. Contaminated adsorbent should be transferred into a double polythene lined or other suitable container and disposed of as contaminated waste. Use non-sparking tools and avoid sources of ignition. Clean up spills immediately, observing precautions in the Exposure Controls section. Refer to local procedures/risk assessment for details of personal protective equipment requirements. Eye Protection and Chemical Protective Clothing suitable for protection against liquids must be worn where there is risk of body contact. Respiratory Protective Equipment and Local Exhaust Ventilation may be required to protect against vapour. Health & Safety Executive : Workplace Exposure Limits -3 -3 8-Hour TWA : 200ppm (266mgm ) 15 minute TWA : 250ppm (333mgm )
2009 REF. NUMBER: 011C99
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SAFETY HAZARDS

FIRE

SPILLAGE

EXPOSURE CONTROLS
CONTAINMENT LEVEL 2

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT

ISSUE DATE: Risk Assessment Services