Safe handling and storage of Methylated Spirits

Method C304

1. Intent
2. Description
3. Use
4. Storage
5. Spill
6. Disposal
7. Hazard
8. First Aid
9. Technical 

1. Intent

This laboratory technique describes the processes for use, storage, spill resolution and disposal for methylated spirits. The technique also provides information on fire, explosion and hazards as well as first aid treatment.

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2. Product description

Methylated spirits is a Class 3: Flammable Liquid and has damaging properties as follows:

Methylated spirits toxicity information

Inhalation	Vapour levels of 5,000 to 10,000 ppm will irritate the mouth, throat, nose andrespiratory system. Inhalation may lead to coughing, intoxication, nausea, dizziness, initial mental excitement, drowsiness, stupor and coma.
Ingestion	Bitter taste. Can cause intoxication, flushing, mental excitement, central nervous system depression, headache, nausea, dizziness, incoordination, impaired judgement, dullness, stupor and coma.
Skin	Will dry out the skin, which may lead to redness and irritation. Reported to be absorbed through damaged skin, leading to similar symptoms as when swallowed.
Eye	Liquid is a severe irritant. Vapour levels of 5,000 ppm will cause irritation and tearing.
Chronic Effects	Chronic exposure to vapour may result in headache and symptoms of central nervous system depression. Absorbed into the body by inhalation and ingestion. Excessive acute absorption may cause central nervous system depression. Excessive chronic absorption may result in liver injury. Excessive ingestions can lead to alcoholism.

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3. Use of methylated spirits

3.1 Mandatory PPE

When handling methylated spirits, utilise the following mandatory PPE:

• Long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt and full-length 100% cotton trousers. For additional protection, a knee-length 100% cotton laboratory coat (with long sleeves which clip at the wrist) can also be worn.
• Nitrile, super nitrile or butyl rubber gloves.
• Eye protection: either safety glasses, spectacles, goggles or face shield (complying with AS 1337).
• Enclosed safety shoes (complying with AS 2210).

3.2 Precautions

When handling methylated spirits:

• It is advisable to apply a barrier cream to the hands prior to use.
• Always have at least one other person present in the laboratory.
• Keep containers closed and in an upright position when not in use.
• Keep containers away from sources of heat (including hot plates, Bunsen burners, ovens and sunlight).
• Use only in a well ventilated area.
• Maintain a high level of personal hygiene when using methylated spirits, by always washing hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using toilet facilities.
• It is advisable to apply a moisturiser after washing hands.

3.3 Decanting

When decanting methylated spirits, the following must be observed:

• Decanting must be carried out in a fume cupboard (do not inhale vapours).
• Decanted aliquots can be stored in reagent bottles.
• Never return decanted aliquots to the supply container.
• Dispose of unused aliquots in an appropriate manner (see Section 6: Disposal).
• Before decanting from one metal container to another metal container, connect an earthing strap between the containers or have one or both of the containers connected to an earthing rod.

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Video transcript

Decanting methylated spirits from containers in the laboratory must be carried out in a well ventilated area or fume cupboard, ensuring vapours are not inhaled.

In this example, decanting from a larger storage container into a wash bottle will be demonstrated in a fume cupboard.

• Open the doors to the bunded, vented, flammable liquid storage cabinet. 
• Take the larger storage container over to the fume cupboard. 
• Open the lid of the wash bottle and insert a funnel. 
• Next, open the lid of the larger storage container and carefully pour the methylated spirits into the bottle.
• Once filled to the desired level, take out the funnel and put the lids back on both containers. 
• Return the larger storage container to the flammable liquid cabinet. 
• If there is any methylated spirits remaining in the containers, dispose of it, using the appropriate disposal method for methylated spirits.

So, when decanting methylated spirits, remember to:

• Carry out the decanting in a well ventilated area or fume cupboard, making sure vapours are not inhaled.
• Prevent contamination by never returning decanted aliquots to the original supply container; and
• Dispose of unused aliquots in the appropriate manner.

3.4 Labelling

Containers must be appropriately labelled.

Containers with a capacity larger than 500 mL:

Figure 1: Labelling on containers >500 mL

Labels on containers require the following information:

• Product and chemical name.
• Dangerous goods class (e.g. Class 3: Flammable Liquid).
• United Nations (UN 1170) Number.
• Ingredients and formulation details where relevant.
• Risk phrases.
• Safety phrases.
• First aid procedures.
• Emergency procedures.
• Details of manufacturer or importer.
• Reference to MSDS.

Containers with a capacity smaller than 500 mL:

Labels on containers require the product and chemical name.

Figure 2: Labelling on wash bottle <500 mL

3.5 Carrying methylated spirits

Methylated spirits containers are to be transferred as follows:

• Wash bottles and flasks <1.5 L may be transferred by hand.
• Small (<2.5 L) and medium containers (up to 2.5 L) must be carried using a laboratory carrier.
• Containers with a mass of 20 kg or larger must be transferred using a trolley.

Figure 3: Labelling on reagent bottle <500 mL

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4. Storage of methylated spirits

To prevent injury to personnel, damage to equipment and to meet legislative storage requirements, methylated spirits is to be stored as follows:

4.1 Storage general

Methylated spirits, being a flammable liquid is to be stored as follows:

• Monitor containers for deficiencies such as damage or leaks on a monthly basis.
• Store in an approved container with appropriate labelling.
• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and protected against physical damage.
• Prevent vapours collecting in enclosed or low lying areas.
• Never store with food, beverages or food packaging.

Methylated spirits cannot be stored with any of the following substances:

Class	Definition	Chemicals included in this class
1	Explosives	-
2.1	Flammable Gases	Liquid Petroleum gas, Dymark Spray and Mark Aerosol (paint), Hydrogen (compressed).
2.3	Toxic Gases	-
4.2	Spontaneously Combustible Substances	Activated Charcoal.
5.1	Oxidising Agents	Ammonium Nitrate, Hydrogen Peroxide, Perchloric Acid, Silver Nitrate, Potassium Permanganate, Chromic Acid.
5.2	Organic Peroxides	-
6	Toxic Substances (where toxic substances are cyanides and corrosives are acids)	Ammonium Oxalate, Mercuric Iodide, Phenol crystals and solution, Barium Chloride (6.1), Chloroform (6.1), Methyl Orange (6.1), Potassium Chromate (6.1), Trichloroethylene (6.1).
7	Radioactive Substances	Americium/Berylium, Cesium.
9	Miscellaneous Dangerous	Goods Lead (metal plate), Magnesium (tooling plate/slab).

4.2 Laboratory storage

• For quantities of 20 litres or less, store in a bunded, vented flammable liquid storage cabinet (complying with AS 1940).
• Storage cabinets must be located away from sources of heat such as hot plates, Bunsen burners, ovens and sunlight.
• Have appropriate fire extinguishers available near any storage area. Suitable extinguishers include carbon dioxide, dry chemical and foam.

4.3 Bulk storage

• For bulk storage, eg. 200 litre drums, store in a secure, well ventilated, bunded storage area.
• Have appropriate fire extinguishers in and near any bulk storage area. Suitable extinguishers include carbon dioxide, dry chemical and foam.

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5. Spill resolution

Spills or leaks of methylated spirits must be cleaned up immediately.

5.1 Mandatory PPE

• Long-sleeved 100% cotton shirt and full-length 100% cotton trousers. For additional protection, a knee-length 100% cotton laboratory coat (with long sleeves which clip at the wrist) may also be worn.
• Respiratory Equipment e.g. Half-Face Filter Respirator Class A1P2 (complying with AS/NZS 1715) for spills in excess of 1 litre.
• Nitrile, super nitrile or butyl rubber gloves.
• Eye protection: either safety glasses, spectacles, goggles or face shield (complying with AS 1337).
• Enclosed safety shoes (complying with AS 2210).

5.2 Immediate action

• Stop any leak if safe to do so.
• Evacuate all unnecessary personnel.
• Turn off all sources of heat.
• Keep combustible materials away from the immediate area of the spill.
• Turn off air conditioning (if possible).
• Open windows and doors to increase ventilation (if possible).
• Use a water spray to prevent vapours from entering the atmosphere.
• Inform the local authority and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if contamination of sewers or waterways occurs.

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• Audio description (MP3, 2.5 MB)

Video transcript

Spills or leaks of methylated spirits must be cleaned up immediately. However, before attending to any methylated spirits spill, it’s imperative the correct PPE is worn. For methylated spirits spills, this includes: 

• Enclosed safety shoes which comply with Australian Standard 2210.
• A knee length 100% cotton laboratory coat with long sleeves that are clipped at the wrist.
• Safety glasses; and 
• Chemical gloves from the chemical spill containment kit.

If the spill is greater than 1 litre, respirator equipment such as a half faced filter respirator class A1P2 must be worn.

Following a spill, you must stop any leak if it’s safe to do so.

• Evacuate all unnecessary personnel, making sure there’s at least 2 people remaining in attendance.
• Keep combustible materials away from the immediate area of the spill.
• If possible, increase ventilation by opening doors and windows.
• Turn off air conditioning and heat sources like ovens or hot plates; and
• Gather the spill kit suitable for cleaning up the chemical.

In this example, a flammable liquids or hydrocarbon spill kit is required.

If contamination of sewers or waterways occurs, relevant local authorities and EPA must be informed in accordance with local regulations.

With the correct PPE and spill kit, the spill can now be attended to. Cover the spilled methylated spirits using:

• Chemsorb
• Bentonite or
• Vermicullite

In this demonstration, a proprietary product called EcoSweep is being used.

• Pour the Ecosweep over the spill to absorb the solvent.
• Once the methylated spirits has been absorbed, sweep up the mixture into a bucket and place this in a closed fume cupboard, free from any heat source to allow the solvent to evaporate using the air from the exhaust system.
• Once the contaminated absorbent material is dry, place it into a plastic bag and seal.
• Finally, place this bag into general waste.

To recap the procedures following a methylated spirits spill:

• Ensure correct PPE is worn.
• Secure the site.
• If necessary, notify any relevant authorities.
• Use the flammable liquids or hydrocarbon spill kit.
• Dispose of waste correctly; and
• Ensure personal safety is maintained at all times.

5.3 Clean up

• Cover the spill with absorbent material such as Chemsorb, Bentonite or Vermiculite until all the fluid has been absorbed.
• Place the contaminated absorbent material in a closed fume cupboard free from any heat source and allow the solvent to evaporate using the air from the exhaust system.
• Once the contaminated absorbent material is dry, place it into a plastic bag and seal with a cable tie for subsequent disposal (see Section 6: Disposal).
• Ventilate the spill site to evaporate any remaining liquid and dispel vapours.

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6. Disposal

6.1 Pre-Treatment

• Empty methylated spirit containers (including 200 litre drums) should be thoroughly washed out with water. The washings are to be absorbed by an inert absorbent such as Chemsorb, Bentonite or Vermiculite.
• Labels on empty containers must be removed or fully obliterated.

6.2 Disposal method

The containers and inert absorbent material can be disposed of as follows:

• Absorbent material contaminated by washings is placed in a closed fume cupboard free from any heat source and the solvent is allowed to evaporate using the air from the exhaust system, until the absorbent material is dry.
• Any amount of liquid waste from containers can be collected and disposed of by a licensed disposal agency.
• Washed out supply drums can be recycled.
• Supply containers and degraded wash bottles must be placed in general waste.
• Contaminated dry absorbent material (in a sealed plastic bag) can be disposed of in general waste.

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7. Fire and explosion hazard information

In case of fire with methylated spirits present:

• Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, BCF or foam type extinguishers. Use water to cool fire-exposed containers. Spills and leaks may be washed with copious volumes of water, fog or spray.
• Specific Methods: In case of small fire or explosion use water. In case of emergency use PPE as required for chemicals present.
• Specific Hazards: Burns with a colourless flame. The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition is possible. Hazardous polymerisation will not occur. Incompatible with oxidising agents, aluminium containers should be avoided as aluminium alcoholates may be formed under certain conditions.

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8. First aid procedures

In case of exposure with methylated spirits:

• Inhalation: Remove from exposure, rest and keep warm. Apply artificial respiration if not breathing. In severe cases, seek medical attention immediately.
• Ingestion: If swallowed, and if more than 15 minutes from a hospital induce vomiting, preferably using Ipecac Syrup APF. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Skin: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Clean shoes thoroughly before reuse. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Eye: If in contact with the eye(s) hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water. Take care not to wash contaminated water into the non-affected eye. Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes or until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Advice to Doctor:Treat as for alcohol poisoning. If chronic exposure is suspected consider liver function tests. For advice call the Poisons Information Centre below.
• Symptoms and Effects: No adverse health effects expected if the product is handled in accordance with the MSDS and the product label.

Emergency contacts

• Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
• Australian Emergency Services: 000

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9. Technical information

Methylated spirits chemical and physical information

Molecular Formula	-
Appearance	Clear, colourless, mobile liquid. Miscible with water in all proportions.
Melting Point	-117 °C
Boiling Point	Approx 78 °C
Solubility in Water	Miscible with water in all proportions.
Specific Gravity	0.79
Flash Point	15 °C
Stability	Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible Materials	Strong oxidising agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products	Thermal decomposition may result in the release of toxic and/or irritating fumes including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Hazardous Polymerisation	Will not occur.
Hazardous Reactions	-

The following controls are used by TMR to minimise risks when handling methylated

Current Transport and Main Roads controls

Engineering Controls / Ventilation	Fume cupboard complying with AS 1807 and AS 2243.
Safe Work Procedures	As per this technique/MSDS.
First Aid Facilities	Eyewash station, safety shower, and normal washroom facilities.
Spill Procedures	Refer to Sections 5.2 and 5.3.
Waste Disposal Procedures	Refer to Section 6.2.
Fire/Explosion Hazard	Refer to Section 7.
Administrative Controls	Nil
PPE	Refer to Section 5.1.
Emergency Procedures	Phone 1800 638 556
Training Provided	Assessed element of competency.
Previous Monitoring Results	Nil
Storage & Handling Requirements	Flammable liquid cabinet complying with AS 1940 and bulk store complying with this technique.
Monitoring Required	No
Health Surveillance Required	No

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