Incident Description
Three accidents involving methanol which injured children during lab demonstrations are examined by the CSB. All the incidents involved demonstrations of flames – usually with a color additive – using methanol as the flammable liquid. In all three cases there was a flash back to the methanol bulk containers, and fire engulfed members of the viewing audience who were not protected by any physical barriers.
Investigation Status
The CSB’s safety bulletin was released at a news conference in Denver, CO on October 30, 2014.
A safety message reminding teachers, staff, and school administrators about the hazards of using flammable materials, such as methanol, during classroom science demonstrations.
FINAL REPORT: Back to School Safety AlertFINAL REPORT: Key Lessons for Preventing Incidents from Flammable Chemicals in Educational Demonstrations