Methanol Hazards

Here is another source for some info:

 

The Emergency Management and Response--Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the Methanol Safe Handling Manual (PDF, 918.7 Kb) published by the Methanol Institute. According to the Methanol Institute, the manual was designed to be a resource for current information on methanol's properties, potential environmental and health and safety hazards, safe handling practices, emergency response procedures, fire safety, and risk communication. 
Known as "wood alcohol," methanol is a clear, flammable liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor. Methanol occurs naturally and is produced synthetically. It is used in multiple products including plastics, paint, construction materials, as well as fuel in some race cars, monster trucks, go-carts, and model planes, boats, and cars. In addition, methanol is utilized for denitrification (i.e., nitrogen removal) in municipal wastewater treatment plants and can also be used as turbine fuel for electric power generation. 
Ingestion can cause irreversible injury to the nervous system, blindness or death. Methanol causes eye, respiratory system, and skin irritation. The manual explains that methanol fires generate less heat, have nearly invisible flames in daylight, and produce very little smoke. Considering the risks, first responders may find the Methanol Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF, 33.4 Kb) a quick reference and companion to the Methanol Safe Handling Manual. 
The EMR-ISAC confirmed that the Methanol Institute is offering a free DVD that can be another resource for training. The DVD discusses basic physical components, key risks of handling methanol, ways to minimize exposure, fire and release into the environment, and event response. For general operating procedures, first responders can also refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #131.