known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood spirits, Chemical formula : CH3OH Modern methanol is produced in a catalytic industrial

l process directly from carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

 Fuel for vehicles Methanol is used on a limited basis to fuel internal combustion engines. the resulting organic methanol (bioalcohol) has been suggested as renewable alternative to petroleum-based hydrocarbons. to produce biodiesel via transesterification reaction. Methanol fuel has been proposed for ground transportation.

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About 40% of methanol is converted to formaldehyde, and from there into products as diverse as plastics, plywood,paints a methanol to gasoline process was developed by Mobil for producing gasoline ready for use in vehicles. Replaced chlorofluorocarbons as an aerosol spray propellant.

 Energy carrier Methanol is also useful as an carrier energy. It is easier to store than hydrogen, burns cleaner than fossil fuels, and is biodegradable. Methanol is a traditional denaturant for ethanol, the product being known as denatured alcohol or "methylated spirit". This was commonly used discourage consumption of bootleegged liquor

 TERATOGEN -A drug/other substances that capable of

intefering with development of embryo fetus

-May lead to birth defect or

developmental interfere

 FLAMMABLE
-may burn or ignite, causing fire or combustion

ORGAN HAZARD
-blood, eyes, intestines, stomach -blurred vision, diarrhea, vommiting, nausea

 Smoking must be prohibited Vehicle access should be controlled Ventilation must be sufficient to cope with the maximum expected vapor levels in building. Ventilation requirements should be determined on a site-specific basis, but the ultimate target is to ensure that methanol concentrations in air do not reach or exceed 200 ppm. Positive pressure may be required for methanol free areas such as controls, switch and smoking room.

 Storage tanks vents to atmosphere should be sized for fire-heated emergency vapor release. Electrical equipment must be explosion-proof to meet with national electrical code requirements. Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (ARAFFF) with 6% foam proportioning (with water) equipment is advised for use on methanol fires. Dry chemical extinguishers should be accessible for small fires. Hydrant should be strategically placed with adequate hoses. Lighting should be grounded. Tall vessels and structures should be fitted with lightning conductors that are securely grounded. Safety glasses with wide shield or safety goggles and task appropriate gloves are recommended.