NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Methyl alcohol

CAS
67-56-1

CH3OH

RTECS
PC1400000
Synonyms & Trade Names

Carbinol, Columbian spirits, Methanol, Pyroligneous spirit, Wood alcohol, Wood naphtha, Wood spirit
DOT ID & Guide
1230 / 131

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)
IDLH
6000 ppm See: 67561
Conversion
1 ppm = 1.31 mg/m3
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor.
MW: 32.1
BP: 147°F
FRZ: -144°F
Sol: Miscible
VP: 96 mmHg
IP: 10.84 eV

Sp.Gr: 0.79
Fl.P: 52°F
UEL: 36%
LEL: 6.0%

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

Strong oxidizers
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2000, 3800; OSHA 91
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
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
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
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0057   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0137