Hang this poster inside the flammables cabinet door, so the checklist is in front of whoever takes the bottle out.
What is on the poster
Handling it
- Indirectly vented splash goggles, gloves and a lab coat. It passes through skin, and the smell does not warn you.
- Only in a working fume hood or a properly ventilated space. Never near food or drink.
- The smallest amount the work needs, from a small container. Never a bulk container at a demonstration.
- Never near an open flame, a hot plate, a spark or static. Vapor spreads along the bench and can flash back to you.
If it catches fire
- Get everyone out of reach. Decide first whether to fight it at all.
- Small fire only: dry chemical (ABC) or carbon dioxide extinguisher at the base. The flame is pale blue and hard to see.
- Anything larger: evacuate and pull the alarm.
If someone is exposed
- Skin: clothing off, wash with plenty of water. Eyes: eyewash for 15 minutes. Breathed in: fresh air.
- Swallowed or any doubt: 9-1-1 and Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 at once. Do not wait for symptoms.
Feeling fine means nothing: symptoms can take 1 to 72 hours. As little as two tablespoons can kill an adult, and less can blind.
Built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard
This poster carries the SSTS mark. Like every Science Safety course, it is built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard (SSTS): every rule on it is taken from the body that governs it, at its current edition, and the source is printed on the poster, so you can check it yourself.
Stay current
When you get this poster, it is saved to your Science Safety account. If we revise the poster, or the Methanol Safety module it comes from changes, we will email you, and the latest version will be waiting under Downloads in your account. Every revision carries its revision number and date at the bottom of the poster, so you can tell at a glance whether the copy on your wall is current.
Printing and hanging
- One-page PDF, US letter (8.5 by 11 inches).
- White background, so it prints clearly on any office or classroom printer without using much ink.
- Hang it inside the flammables cabinet door, at eye level.
- The QR code in the blue title band opens this page, so anyone can get their own copy.
- The QR code at the bottom opens the Methanol Safety module.
Learn more
The Methanol Safety module teaches the full topic this poster comes from.
Sources:
- Methanol: Systemic Agent, Emergency Response Safety and Health Database – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- NIOSH Pocket Guide, methyl alcohol – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- Key Lessons for Preventing Incidents from Flammable Chemicals in Educational Demonstrations, 2014 – U.S. Chemical Safety Board (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- Poison Help, 1-800-222-1222 – America's Poison Centers (reviewed September 30, 2026)
Poster SSP-0027, Rev. 1, September 2026.
