How to Safely Store Methanol and Prevent Fires

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Pure methanol is extremely flammable and toxic — but it also happens to be a good solvent and has some other uses, such as fuel. It's most commonly found in laboratory and industrial settings and should never be stored in large quantities inside a home. If you happen to be in a lab or workplace that uses methanol, though, you should know how to store it properly. Generally, methanol is kept in a dedicated, climate-controlled location and protected from any sources of heat or possible ignition.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Storage

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    Since methanol is highly flammable, you want to control static electricity. Since metal cans or drums can be grounded, they're generally the best containers. Metal cans or drums are the best containers for methanol because they can be grounded. [1] Plastic can't be grounded, so don't use containers like you would for gasoline. [2]
    • If you have several containers, wrap them together with metal cables or wires to bond them so that they're all grounded. Some containers come with bond wire to use for this purpose.
    • When filling or dispensing methanol, ground the equipment you use to transfer the methanol together with the holding containers. Use metal wire to attach the equipment to an object that's already grounded, such as a metal pipe or metal building framework.
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    Sealed containers keep fumes from leaking out and also prevent the stored methanol from absorbing moisture in the air. For safety, the container should be capable of holding at least 110% of the current volume to account for potential thermal expansion. Otherwise, the container could rupture.
    • If you frequently open the containers, make sure you have lids that can be repeatedly resealed after opening.
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    Include hazardous material warning labels on all sides of the container along with the word "METHANOL." Add icons on all sides indicating that the material inside the container is flammable and toxic. [3]
    • The specific labels you might need depend on federal and state regulations. If you're not sure, speak to someone who has experience in the regulation and management of hazardous materials or contact your local environmental office.
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    If you're not storing several large drums of methanol, you can normally keep it in a fire-proof chemical cabinet. Make sure the cabinet is well-ventilated and situated in a cool, climate-controlled area, such as a laboratory storage room. [4]
    • Ground the cabinet as well as all the containers inside it. If there are electrical or electronic components in the same room as the cabinet, enclose them to avoid the risk of accidental ignition.
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    If you're keeping several large drums or tanks, store them in a well-ventilated location surrounded on all sides by a concrete berm or curb. [5] Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated and equip it with vapor and heat detectors. [6]
    • Don't store methanol with any other chemicals and protect it from heat and ignition sources. If there is electricity running to the area, make sure it's fully enclosed.
    • Place signs on all sides and at the entrance to the facility to alert people that hazardous materials are being stored there.
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    In the event of spillage, exposure, or ignition of the methanol you have stored, time is of the essence to get the spill contained or to put out the fire. You may not have enough time to wait for first responders to get there. Keep at least the following on hand:
    • Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide detectors
    • Infrared combustion detectors
    • Fine water mist spray sprinklers
    • Alcohol resistant fire-fighting foam [7]
    • Eye wash and shower stations in case of accidental exposure
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Disposal

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    Wear nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask at all times while in the presence of methanol. If you get any methanol on your gloves, change them immediately. [8]
    • Use a lab coat or other protective hazardous waste suit to protect your clothing. If you get any methanol on your clothing, remove it immediately and treat it as hazardous waste — don't wash it or rinse it with water.
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    Use the same type of container you would use for good methanol. Even waste methanol is still highly flammable, so ground the containers to reduce the risk of accidental ignition from static electricity. When the container is full (not completely full — leave room for thermal expansion), close the lid and seal it properly so that no fumes can escape. [9]
    • Keep your waste containers separate from the rest of your methanol, preferably outside, until they can be taken to the proper disposal facility.
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    Write the words "METHANOL — HAZARDOUS WASTE" clearly on all sides of the container. Add "flammable" and "toxic" to designate the specific hazards associated with methanol.
    • If you have stickers or labels with hazardous waste symbols, affix these as well.
    • On the top of the container, write the date you filled the container.
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    Because empty containers likely contain methanol residue, treat them exactly the same as you would the methanol itself. Use the same hazardous materials procedures rather than simply throwing them away in the regular trash. [10]
    • Likewise, if you spill methanol on gloves or clothing, those items should also be disposed of as though they are hazardous materials.
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    Your city or county public works department can tell you how to arrange for disposal of small quantities of waste methanol. [11] For larger quantities, you typically would need to enter a contract with a commercial hazardous waste disposal facility. [12]
    • Methanol can be recycled by distilling it. Search online for nearby methanol distillation centers. Some universities have these on campus. [13]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can methanol be stored in glass bottles?
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Expert Answer
    Not really. According to the World Health Organization, clean and sealed containers made from steel are the preferred materials for methanol tanks that should also have an inert gas pad with a floating, internal roof.
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  • Question
    Is methanol easy to store?
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
    Gregory Cade, JD
    Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney
    Expert Answer
    It is technically easy, but the process involves several preventive measures in the area where it is stored. Well-ventilated and dry spaces are ideal, away from direct sunlight and oxidizing compounds due to explosive hazards.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • This article is based on US regulations for the handling and storage of methanol. Other countries may have different regulations.
        Thanks
      • Turn off mobile phones and do not use them or any other electronic devices within 20 feet (6.1 m) of stored methanol. They can ignite fuel fumes.
        Thanks
      • Never use mouth-suction to start a siphon transfer of methanol from one container to another. Ingesting as little as a teaspoon of methanol or inhaling methanol fumes can cause serious health problems, including blindness. [14]
        Thanks
      • Never carry methanol in your personal vehicle, even in relatively small amounts. Transportation of methanol requires training in hazardous materials and incident response, and drivers must have government authorization to transport hazardous materials. [15]
        Thanks
      • Even though methanol is a type of alcohol, never use it as a hand sanitizer or surface cleaner. It is highly toxic and not effective at killing viruses or bacteria. [16]
        Thanks
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      References

      1. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      2. ↑ http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MethanolDrumTransport.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MethanolDrumTransport.pdf
      4. ↑ https://sites.chemengr.ucsb.edu/~ceweb/faculty/scott/Chemical%20SOPs/Methanol.pdf
      5. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      6. ↑ http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MethanolDrumTransport.pdf
      7. ↑ http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MethanolDrumTransport.pdf
      8. ↑ https://sites.chemengr.ucsb.edu/~ceweb/faculty/scott/Chemical%20SOPs/Methanol.pdf
      9. ↑ http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/v105hsg.htm#SectionNumber:7.2
      1. ↑ https://sites.chemengr.ucsb.edu/~ceweb/faculty/scott/Chemical%20SOPs/Methanol.pdf
      2. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview. 13 October 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/household-hazardous-waste
      4. ↑ https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/greenlabs/solventrecycling
      5. ↑ http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MethanolDrumTransport.pdf
      6. ↑ http://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MethanolDrumTransport.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.methanol.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Methanol-Safety-During-the-COVID-19-Pandemic-3.pdf

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