Methyl alcohol

Synonyms & Trade Names

Carbinol, Columbian spirits, Methanol, Pyroligneous spirit, Wood alcohol, Wood naphtha, Wood spirit

CAS No.

67-56-1

RTECS No.

PC1400000

DOT ID & Guide

1230 131

Formula

CH₃OH

Conversion

1 ppm = 1.31 mg/m³

IDLH

6000 ppm
See: 67561

Exposure Limits

NIOSH REL

TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m³) ST 250 ppm (325 mg/m³) [skin]

OSHA PEL

TWA 200 ppm (260 mg/m³) See Appendix G

Measurement Methods

NIOSH 2000 , 3800;
OSHA 91
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods

Physical Description

Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.

Molecular Weight

32.1

Boiling Point

147°F

Freezing Point

-144°F

Solubility

Miscible

Vapor Pressure

96 mmHg

Ionization Potential

10.84 eV

Specific Gravity

0.79

Flash Point

52°F

Upper Explosive Limit

36%

Lower Explosive Limit

6.0%

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl.P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.

Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers

Exposure Routes

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Symptoms

irritation eyes, skin, upper respiratory system; headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting; visual disturbance, optic nerve damage (blindness); dermatitis

Target Organs

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract

Personal Protection/Sanitation

(See protection codes)
Skin:Prevent skin contact
Eyes:Prevent eye contact
Wash skin:When contaminated
Remove:When wet (flammable)
Change:No recommendation

First Aid

(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Water flush promptly
Breathing:Respiratory support
Swallow:Medical attention immediately

Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH/OSHA

Up to 2000 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 5000 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 6000 ppm:
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

Methyl alcohol

NIOSH REL

OSHA PEL

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