Methanol MSDS

Methanol MSDSMATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

This Material Safety Data Sheet complies with the Canadian Controlled Product Regulations and the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hazard communication standard.

Click here to download PDF version

1. Product and Supplier Identification

Product: Synonyms:	Methanol (CH_3OH) Methyl alcohol, methyl hydrate, wood spirit, methyl hydroxide	Non-Emergency Tel. #: Emergency Tel. #: (CHEMTREC)	(604) 661-2600 1-800-424-9300 (Canada and US)
Product Use:		Solvent, fuel, feedstock
Company Identification:	Methanex Corporation, 1800 Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3M1	Note: CHEMTREC number to be used only in the event of chemical emergencies involving a spill, leak, fire, exposure or accident involving chemicals.
Importer:	Methanex Methanol Company Suite 1150 – 15301 Dallas Parkway Addison, Texas 75001 Telephone: (972) 702-0909

2. Composition

Component	% (w/w)	Exposure Limits*	LD₅₀	LC₅₀
Methanol (CAS 67-56-1)	99-100	ACGIH TLV-TWA: 200 ppm, skin STEL: 250 ppm, skin notation OSHA PEL: 200 ppm TLV Basis, critical effects: neuropathy, vision, central nervous system	5628 mg/kg (oral/rat) 20 ml/kg (dermal/ rabbit)	64000 ppm (inhalation/rat)

Methanol

3. Hazards Identification

Routes of Entry:

Skin Contact: Moderate Eye Contact: Moderate Ingestion: Major Inhalation: Major

Effects of Short-Term (Acute) Exposure:

Inhalation: Inhalation of high airborne concentrations can also irriate mucous membranes, cause headaches, sleepiness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, digestive and visual disturbances and even death. NOTE: Odour threshhold of methanol is several times higher than the TLV-TWA. Depending upon severity of poisoning and the promptness of treatment, survivors may recover completely or may have permanent blindness, vision disturbances and/or nervous system effects. Concentrations in air exceeding 1000 ppm may cause irritation of the mucous membranes.

Skin Contact: Methanol is moderately irritating to the skin. Methanol can be absorbed through the skin and harmful effects have been reported by this route of entry. Effects are simialr to those described in "Inhalation"

Eye Contact: Methanol is a mild to moderate eye irritant. High vapour concentration or liquid contact with eyes causes irritation, tearing and burning.

Ingestion: Swallowing even small amounts of methanol could potentially cause blindness or death. Effects of sub lethal doses may be nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and visual disturbances ranging from blurred vision to light sensitivity.

Effects of Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure: Repeated exposure by inhalation or absorption may cause systemic poisoning, brain disorders, impaired vision and blindness. Inhalation may worsen conditions such as emphysema or bronchitis. Repeated skin contact may cause dermal irritation, dryness and cracking.

Medical Conditions Aggravated By Exposure: Emphysema or bronchitis.

4. First Aid Measures

Note: Emergency assistance may also be available from the local poison control centre.

Eye Contact: Remove contact lenses if worn. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of clean running water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eyelids occasionally. Obtain medical attention.

Skin Contact: In case of contact, remove contaminated clothing. In a shower, wash affected areas with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation occurs or persists. Wash clothing before reuse.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, restore or assist breathing if necessary. Obtain medical attention.

Ingestion: Swallowing methanol is potentially life threatening. Onset of symptoms may be delayed for 18 to 24 hours after digestion. If conscious and medical aid is not immediately

Methanex Corporation - 2 - October 13, 2005

Methanol available, do not induce vomiting. In actual or suspected cases of ingestion, transport to medical facility immediately.

NOTE TO PHYSICIAN: Acute exposure to methanol, either through ingestion or breathing high airborne concentrations can result in symptoms appearing between 40 minutes and 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms and signs are usually limited to CNS, eyes and gastrointestinal tract. Because of the initial CNS’s effects of headache, vertigo, lethargy and confusion, there may be an impression of ethanol intoxication. Blurred vision, decreased acuity and photophobia are common complaints. Treatment with ipecac or lavage is indicated in any patient presenting within two hours of ingestion. A profound metabolic acidosis occurs in severe poisoning and serum bicarbonate levels are a more accurate measure of severity than serum methanol levels. Treatment protocols are available from most major hospitals and early collaboration with appropriate hospitals is recommended.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Flash point: 11^{oC (TCC)}

^{Autoignition temperature: 385 oC (NFPA 1978), 470
oC (Kirk-Othmer 1981; Ullmann 1975)

Lower Explosive Limit: 6% (NFPA, 1978)

Upper Explosion Limit: 36% (NFPA, 1978), 36.5% (Ullmann,
1975)

Sensitivity to Impact: Low

Sensitivity to Static Discharge: Low

Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic gases and
vapours; oxides of carbon and formaldehyde.

Extinguishing Media: Small fires: Dry chemical, CO_{2,
water spray}

Large fires: Water spray, AFFF(R) (Aqueous Film
Forming Foam (alcohol resistant)) type with either a 3% or 6% foam
proportioning system.

Fire Fighting Instructions: Methanol burns with a
clean clear flame that is almost invisible in daylight. Stay upwind!
Isolate and restrict area access. Concentrations of greater that 25%
methanol in water can be ignited. Use fine water spray or fog to
control fire spread and cool adjacent structures or containers.
Contain fire control water for later disposal. Fire fighters must wear
full face, positive pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus or
airline and appropriate protective clothing. Protective fire fighting
structural clothing is not effective protection from methanol. Do not
walk through spilled product.

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) HAZARD
INDEX:

HEALTH: 1
FLAMMABILITY: 3
REACTIVITY: 0}
6. Accidental Release Measures

Overview: Flammable liquid which can burn without a visible flame. Release can cause an immediate risk of fire and explosion. Eliminate all ignition sources, stop leak and use absorbent materials. If necessary, contain spill by diking. Fluorocarbon alcohol resistant foams may be applied to spill to diminish vapour and fire hazard. Maximize methanol recovery for recycling or re-use. Restrict access to area until completion of cleanup. Ensure cleanup is conducted by

Methanex Corporation - 3 - October 13, 2005

Methanol trained personnel only. Wear adequate personal protection and remove all sources of ignition. Notify all governmental agencies as required by law.

Personal Protection: Full face, positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus or airline, and protective clothing must be worn. Protective fire fighting structural clothing is not effective protection from methanol.

Environmental Precautions: Biodegrades easily in water Methanol in fresh or salt water may have serious effects on aquatic life. A study on methanol’s toxic efffects on sewage sludge bacteria reported little effect on digestion at 0.1% while 0.5% methanol retarded digestion. Methanol will be broken down to carbon dioxide and water.

Remedial Measures: Flammable liquid. Release can cause an immediate fire/explosion hazard. Eliminate all sources of ignition, stop leak and use absorbent materials. Collect liquid with explosion proof pumps. Do not walk through spill product as it may be on fire and not visible.

Large Spills: If necessary, contain spill by diking. Fluorocarbon alcohol resistant foams may be applied to spill to diminish vapour and fire hazard. Maximize methanol recovery for recycling or reuse. Collect liquid with explosion proof pumps.

Small Spills: Soak up spill with non-combustible absorbent material. Recover methanol and dilute with water to reduce fire hazard. Prevent spilled methanol from entering sewers, confined spaces, drains, or waterways. Restict access to unprotected personnel. Full. Put material in suitable, covered, labeled containers. Flush area with water.

7. Handling and Storage

Handling Procedures: No smoking or open flame in storage, use or handling areas. Use explosion proof electrical equipment. Ensure proper electrical grouding procedures are in place.

Storage: Store in totally enclosed equipment, designed to avoid ignition and human contact. Tanks must be grounded, vented, and should have vapour emission controls. Tanks must be diked. Avoid storage with incompatible materials. Anhydrous methanol is non-corrosive to most metals at ambient temperatures except for lead, nickel, monel, cast iron and high silicon iron. Coatings of copper (or copper alloys), zinc (including galvanized steel), or aluminum are unsuitable for storage. These materials may be attacked slowly by the methanol. Storage tanks of welded construction are normally satisfactory. They should be designed and built in conformance with good engineering practice for the material being stored. While plastics can be used for short term storage, they are generally not recommended for long-term storage due to deterioration effects and the subsequent risk of contamination.

Corrosion rates for several construction materials:

<0.508 mm/year Cast iron, monel, lead, nickel

<0.051 mm/year High silicon iron

Some attack Polyethylene

Satisfactory Neoprene, phenolic resins, polyesters, natural rubber, butyl rubber

Resistant Polyvinyl chloride, unplasticized

8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: In confined areas, local and general ventilation should be provided to maintain airborne concentrations below permissible exposure limits. Ventilation systems must be designed according to approved engineering standards.

Methanex Corporation - 4 - October 13, 2005 Methanol Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved supplied air respirator when airborne concentrations exceed exposure limits.

Skin protection: Butyl and nitrile rubbers are recommended for gloves. Check with manufacturer. Wear chemical resistant pants and jackets, preferably of butyl or nitrile rubber. Check with manufacturer.

Eye and Face Protection: Face shield and chemical splash goggles when transferring is taking place.

Footwear: Chemical resistant, and as specified by the workplace.

Other: Eyewash and showers should be located near work areas. NOTE: PPE must not be considered a long-term solution to exposure control. PPE usage must be accompanied by employer programs to properly select, maintain, clean, fit and use. Consult a competent industrial hygiene resource to determine hazard potential and/or the PPE manufacturers to ensure aadequate protection.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Liquid, clear, colourless

Odour: Mild characteristic alcohol odour

Odour Threshold: detection: 4.2 - 5960 ppm

(geometric mean) 160 ppm

recognition: 53 – 8940 ppm

(geometric mean) 690 ppm

pH: Not applicable

Vapour Pressure: 12.8 kPa @ 20^oC

^{Solubility: Completely soluble

Vapour Density: 1.105 @ 15 oC

Freezing Point: -97.8 oC

Boiling Point: 64.7 oC @ 101.3 kPa

Critical Temperature: 239.4 oC

Relative Density: 0.791

Evaporation Rate: 4.1 (n-butyl acetate =1)

Partition Coefficient: Log P (oct) = -0.82

Solubility in other Liquids: Soluble in all proportions in
other alcohols, esters, ketones, ethers and most other organic
solvents}
10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Yes

Incompatibility: Yes. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, strong mineral or organic acids, and strong bases. Contact with these materials may cause a violent or explosive reaction. May be corrosive to lead, aluminum, magnesium, and platinum.

Conditions of Reactivity: Presence of incompatible materials and ignition sources.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.

Methanex Corporation - 5 - October 13, 2005

Methanol

11. Toxicological Information

LD_50:_{5628 mg/kg (oral/rat), 20
ml/kg (dermal/rabbit)}

LC50: 64000 ppm (rat)

Acute Exposure: See Section 3

Chronic Exposure: See Section 3.

Exposure Limits: See Section 2.

Irritancy: See Section 3.

Sensitization: No

Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, or OSHA as a carcinogen.

Teratogenicity: No

Reproductive toxicity: Reported to cause birth defects in rats exposed to 20,000 ppm

Mutagenicity: Insufficient data

Synergistic products: None Known

12. Ecological Information

Environmental toxicity: Methanol in fresh or salt water may have serious effects on aquatic life. A study on methanol’s toxic effects on sewage sludge bacteria reported little effect on digestion at 0.1% while 0.5% methanol retarded digestion. Methanol will be broken down into carbon dioxide and water.

Biodegradability: Biodegrades easily in water.

13. Disposal Considerations

Review federal, provincial or state, and local government requirements prior to disposal. Store material for disposal as indicated in Section #7, Handling and Storage. Disposal by controlled incineration or by secure land fill may be acceptable.

14. Transport Information

Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG and CLR): Methanol, Class 3(6.1),

UN1230, P.G. II

Limited Quantity: ≤ 1 litres

United States Department of Transport (49CFR): Methanol, Class 3, UN 1230, P.G. II,

(Domestic Only) (RQ 5000 lbs/2270 kg)

Limited Quantity: ≤ 1 litres

International Air Transport Association (IATA): Methanol, Class 3(6.1), UN1230, P.G. II

Packaging Instruction: 305,

1 litre maximum per package,

International Maritime Organization (IMO): Methanol, Class 3(6.1), UN1230, P.G. II, Flash Point = 12 ^oC

EmS No. F-E, S-D

Stowage Category "B", Clear of living quarters

Methanex Corporation - 6 - October 13, 2005

Methanol

15. Regulatory Information

CANADIAN FEDERAL REGULATIONS:

CEPA, DOMESTIC SUBSTANCES LIST: Listed

WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: B2, D1A

UNITED STATES REGULATIONS:

29CFR 1910.1200 (OSHA): Hazardous

40CFR 116-117 (EPA): Hazardous

40CFR 355, Appendices A and B: Subject to Emergency Planning and Notification

40CFR 372 (SARA Title III): Listed

40CFR 302 (CERCLA): Listed

16. Other Information

Preparation Date: October 13, 2005

Prepared by: Kel-Ex Agencies Ltd., P.O. Box 52201, Lynnmour RPO, North Vancouver, B.C., V7J 3V5

Disclaimer: The information above is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. This document is intended as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product.

Methanex Corporation and its subsidiaries make no representations or warranties, either express or implied, including without limitation any warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose with respect to the information set forth herein or the product to which the information refers. Accordingly, Methanex Corp. will not be responsible for damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information.

Revisions: None

Methanex Corporation - 7 - October 13, 2005

Let us package your product! Come and see what we are all about at Progressive Packaging!