Importance of Methanol

Because it is a hazardous material, methanol safe handling is extremely important.

Methanol is extremely useful for many industries. In fact, methanol is an important ingredient in a variety of familiar everyday products. For instance, methanol is part of the production of pesticides, plastics, paints, automotive antifreeze, and pharmaceuticals.

Methanol can also be an alternative fuel for cars and boats. Additionally, as a fuel additive, methanol reduces vehicle emissions. For this reason, the majority of the world’s methanol is used in an energy related field. 

As a result, hundreds of thousands of gallons of methanol are transported by truck, rail, or barge to chemical production facilities and distributors every year.

Methanol General Safety Precautions

Although methanol is a hazardous chemical, you can handle methanol safely if you understand the risks. 

With this in mind, if your job requires you to handle methanol, you should be  aware of:

• Symptoms of methanol poisoning
• First aid response when someone inhales or ingests methanol
• What to do if methanol comes into contact with the skin
• How to store methanol safely

Moxie’s Methanol Awareness and Safe Handling Program

Proper preparation and planning are essential for methanol safe handling. Consequently, operators should provide all personnel information pertaining to the hazards of methanol, procedures for storage and transfer, and the equipment used.

This program discusses the risks associated with methanol. Additionally, the program also outlines best practices for storing and handling this hazardous liquid. Specific topics include:

• Physical and health hazards
• PPE, detection equipment, and physical hazard controls
• Appropriate first aid measures to respond to the toxic effects of exposure to methanol
• Actions to take in the case of a methanol spill or fire

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