METHANOL

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHANOL

ICSC: 0057

METHANOL
Methyl alcohol
Carbinol
Wood alcohol
CH₄O/CH₃OH
Molecular mass: 32.0
CAS # 67-56-1
RTECS # PC1400000
ICSC # 0057
UN # 1230
EC # 603-001-00-X

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	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.	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. Unconsciousness. Vomiting (further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Wash away spilled liquid with plenty of water. Remove vapour with fine water spray (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

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

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
F symbol
T symbol
R: 11-23/25
S: (1/2-)7-16-24-25
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0057

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHANOL

ICSC: 0057

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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 (OELs):
TLV: 200 ppm; 262 mg/m³ as TWA (skin) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
TLV (as STEL): 250 ppm; 328 mg/m³ (skin) (ACGIH 1992-1993).

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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in loss of consciousness. Exposure by ingestion 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 persistant 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: 385°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 6-35.6
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.82/-0.66