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Methanol COSHH sheet

Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol.

Methanol is used as a solvent, a fuel and a raw material. This sheet classifies it as toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or inhaled, as causing damage to organs, and as highly flammable.

Taken from the Methanol (industrial grade) safety data sheet from Methanex, revision 12 June 2023. Open the data sheet. Formulas differ between products, so check against the sheet for the product you actually buy. A producer's sheet dated June 2023, so over three years old. It gives no glove material or breakthrough time, so get that from your supplier. Page checked against the sheet on 14 November 2026.

Hazards on the data sheet

Signal word: Danger.

Precautions

Workplace exposure limit

Long-term (8-hour): 200 ppm or 266 mg/m³. Short-term (15-minute): 250 ppm or 333 mg/m³. EH40/2005 marks methanol Sk: it can be absorbed through the skin.

PPE

EyesTight sealing safety goggles conforming to EN 166.
HandsSuitable impervious gloves conforming to EN 374. No glove material or breakthrough time given.
BreathingSupplied-air respirator with full facepiece in pressure-demand/positive-pressure mode; or a properly fitted air-purifying or supplied-air respirator to an approved standard if risk assessment shows it is needed.
SkinSuitable protective clothing, long sleeves, chemical resistant apron, antistatic boots.

First aid

EyesRinse immediately with plenty of water, also under the eyelids, for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eye wide open. Do not rub. Get immediate medical attention.
SkinRemove all contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off immediately with soap and plenty of water. Get immediate medical attention.
Breathed inRemove to fresh air. Immediate medical attention is required. If breathing is irregular or stopped, give artificial respiration (not mouth-to-mouth; use a pocket mask with one-way valve). Trained personnel may give oxygen.
SwallowedDo NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get immediate medical attention. (Risk of blindness after swallowing; note to doctors names fomepizole as antidote.)

Storage, spills and what to keep it away from

StorageKeep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from heat, sparks, flame and other ignition sources. Not near combustible materials. Keep out of reach of children. Store locked up.
SpillsEvacuate, eliminate all ignition sources, ground equipment, use non-sparking tools. Keep out of drains and waterways. Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material into labelled containers. Vapour-suppressing foam may be used.
Keep away fromLead, Aluminium, Zinc, Oxidising agent, Strong acids, Strong bases, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nitriles.

What your assessment still has to cover

Because methanol is toxic through the skin, record what gloves are used and how long hands are in contact, as well as ventilation. Note where it is stored, how it is labelled if decanted, and what ignition sources are nearby.

Fill these in for your own workplace. HSE lists them as the points an assessment considers. For a full form, use the COSHH assessment template.

Workplace and location
Task and how the product is used
Who is exposed, including anyone more at risk
How often and for how long
Controls already in place
Further action needed, by whom and by when
Assessed by, and date
Review date

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