Accident 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.
“After the Rainbow” is a CSB video safety message focusing on preventing accidents in high school chemistry labs
Investigation Status
The CSB’s safety bulletin was released at a news conference in Denver, CO on October 30, 2014.