Important Things to Keep in Mind When Using Methyl Alcohols

Methylated spirits, also known as metho, are basically a mixture of 95% ethyl alcohol and 5% methyl alcohol. One of the main uses of ethyl alcohol or ethanol is consumption in alcoholic beverages. Methyl alcohol or methanol, on the other hand, is considered toxic or poisonous. Therefore, the mixture is identified as “methylated” to warn people of the dangers associated with ingesting methanol. The substance is also highly flammable. Another thing to consider is that its flame is clear, almost invisible in normal daylight conditions.

Due to some properties of this mixture of alcohols that can be harmful or that can cause accidents, it is important to take into account certain safety measures that must be taken when storing or using the substance. Also, it’s quite upsetting to know that even though it has a poisonous characteristic, there are still people who consume metho, which can lead to blindness or even death.

Here are some helpful tips when storing or using the method:

One thing to keep in mind is to keep your container tightly closed to prevent spillage and inhalation of the substance. Another thing is to keep it away from sources of ignition. As mentioned, the method is highly flammable. The areas where it is used and stored must be “No Smoking” areas. It is also not recommended to store it in the kitchen as heat and sparks in kitchens, including electrical and heating equipment, are potential sources of ignition.

Regarding recharging a method burner, wait until the burner is cool enough to touch. This is a way to avoid accidentally igniting the fuel bottle. Also, it is common sense not to store the substance in a container that will later be used to hold drinking water, as you will not be able to get rid of the bad taste.

When handling the method, make sure that it does not come into contact with the eyes and skin; it is strongly recommended to wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. Also, to avoid taking the method from another substance, be sure to label the vial that contains it.

However, there are cases where accidents just happen. Therefore, it would be very helpful if you know some first aid measures that you can take regarding accidents involving methylated spirits.

If you or someone inhales the alcohol, move to fresh air and rest. If you don’t find any improvement, get medical attention. In case of eye contact, flush contaminated eye with water for at least 15 minutes. Be careful not to wash the chemical from one eye to the other. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Regarding ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Give the victim plenty of water to drink. Be careful with aspiration if vomiting occurs. Also, seek medical attention immediately.

It is true that this type of alcohol has many different uses. It is used as a cooking fuel and is a useful solvent for cleaning applications such as removing water-based paints and stains. It can also be useful to eradicate mealybugs. In the paint industry, it is used as a solvent for shellac in knotting, alcohol varnishes and French polish. But, as much as it can be useful in many different ways, it wouldn’t hurt if we knew how to use it responsibly. It’s not that we’re always anticipating accidents, but it would also help if we knew the right things to do in case accidents do happen.