Methanol (CH₃OH), also known as methyl alcohol or “wood alcohol,” is the simplest form of alcohol. It is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a mild alcoholic odour. Although it looks similar to ethanol (drinking alcohol), methanol is highly toxic and unsuitable for human consumption.

Methanol is primarily produced industrially from natural gas through a process involving steam reforming and catalytic synthesis. It is widely used as a feedstock in the production of formaldehyde, plastics, paints, adhesives, and resins.

Although small amounts of methanol occur naturally in the atmosphere and can be produced during the decomposition of plant material, it is most commonly encountered in industrial and commercial environments.

It is highly flammable and produces vapours that can form explosive mixtures with air. It is also toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.

Rockall Safety supplies gas detection products to support the safe handling of hazardous substances such as methanol. This includes the Dräger Detection Tubes (Methanol 20/A), which are designed specifically for measuring methanol (CH₃OH) vapour concentrations in air.

For more information, please call  02920 759 683 or complete the form here.