Material safety data sheet

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET COMPLIES WITH 29 CFR 1910.1200. OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION RULE DATE OF LAST REVISION: 05-13-96
LITHIUM METAL
LITHIUM METAL
7439-93-2
TLV: not established
not established
Silver, soft metallic solid, odorless
0.534gm/cc
Effectively zero at 20C
180.5C
FIRE,EXPLOSION & PHYSICAL HAZARD DATA No flash point
Flammable solid
FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Fire will generate a white, caustic smoke (lithium oxide). Avoid
skin contact & inhalation. Molten Lithium reacts explosively with water or concrete flooring.
Solid lithium in water will liberate hydrogen and under certain conditions will explode. The
rate of reaction increases the greater the surface area.
REACTIVITY DATA: Lithium will react with air, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
Incompatible with water, acid, halogens, and many other chemicals.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Lithium fires are very hot and difficult to extinguish unless they are
caught early. Lith-X is recommended for lithium fires. It acts by smothering the lithium. Lith-X
tends to sink in and re-expose burning lithium. Re-ignition can occur if the Lith-X blanket is
disturbed. If a lithium fire reaches large proportions, nothing can be done but to let it burn.
DO NOT USE WATER OR CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHERS.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: Never fight a lithium fire alone. Self-contained
breathing apparatus and fire fighting entry suits are required when fighting fires in confined
spaces. There is no known fabric which offers complete protection from burning lithium. It is
recommended to layer fire-retardant clothing such as Kelvar or Nomex and an aluminized
overcoat.
OTHER PHYSICAL HAZARDS: Flammable solid, dangerous when wet.
SKIN: Yes

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Lithium reacts with body moisture to form lithium
hydroxide causing a burning sensation. If such symptoms occur, flush area with water. Follow
with neutralizing solution and seek medical attention.
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: There is no known long-term hazard from lithium in its solid
state, when not found in respirable dust. The primary health hazard is from burning lithium.
See fire fighting and emergency first aid for more information.
POTENTIAL FOR CARCINOGENICITY: Lithium is not listed as a carcinogen or potential
carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Public Health Service, nor has it
been found to be a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by OSHA or the International Agency
for Research on Cancer.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
SOLID LITHIUM: (a) On contact with skin, remove all solid metal and wash thoroughly
with water to avoid a caustic burn from lithium reacting with body moisture to from
lithium hydroxide. Follow with a neutralizing solution. (b) On contact with eyes, flush
with potable water for 15 minutes with the burned eye nearest the floor so that the
chemical is not washed into the other eye. Seek medical attention.
MOLTEN LITHIUM: (a) Burning lithium particles must be removed as rapidly as
possible. Flood the area with mineral oil and scrape the lithium from the affected area.
Follow with a neutralizing solution and treat the victim for shock. Seek immediate
medical attention.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: return material to a
sealed container and coat with white mineral oil. If lithium begins to react with the moisture in
the air, remove to an isolated area and allow it to burn. If the lithium cannot be removed from
the area, follow fire fighting procedures.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Material which has not deteriorated or been contaminated may,
with prior approval, be returned to Angstrom Sciences in DOT approved containers for re-
processing. Heavily nitrided metal may be disposed of by slow ambient air oxidation in an
open area protected from rain. Collect the solution. DO OT ALLOW IT TO CONTAMINATE
GROUND WATER. Follow local, state and federal regulations for disposal.

VENTILATION AND ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Lithium should only be exposed in an area
that minimizes water vapor and totally avoids liquid water. This is usually achieved with dry
inert gaseous atmospheres or dehumidified air. Note that nitrogen is not an inert gas to
lithium.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
SOLID LITHIUM: wear eye protection and rubber or surgical gloves. Fire fighting
clothing should be readily available.
MOLTEN LITHIUM: complete head to foot protection is required including a hard hat,
face shield, fire retardant clothing, aluminized overcoat, gloves and safety shoes.

SAFE HANDLIN, USE AND STORAGE: lithium should be stored in an isolated area free from
sources of water, including sprinkler systems. Avoid elevated temperatures, open flame and
spark-generating equipment. The area should be free of other combustible materials. Buckets
of Lith-X and Lith-X fire extinguishers should be readily available.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES DURING REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE: if vapors from molten
lithium condense on equipment, clean before exposing to air to avoid a flash fire. There
should be no water in the repair area. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment to
avoid contact with skin or eyes.
OTHER: Lithium is conventionally packaged in DOT approved containers including
hermetically sealed cans backfilled with argon or drums in which the metal is coated with
white mineral oil. Lithium should be used as soon as possible after receipt.

PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Lithium Metal (UN 1415)
HAZARDOUS LABEL (S) REQUIRED: Flammable Solid/Dangerous When Wet
The data in this Material Safety Data Sheet relates only to the specific material designated herein and does not relate to us e
in combination with any other material or in any other process. The information set forth herein is based on technical data
that Angstrom Sciences believes to be reliable. It is intended for use by persons having technical skill and at their own
discretion and risk. Since conditions of use are outside our control, we make no warranties, expressed or implied, and
assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. Nothing herein is to be taken as a license to operate
under a recommendation to infringe any patents. Any use of this data and information must be determined by the user to
be in accordance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.

Source: http://www.angstromsciences.com/sites/default/files/files/msds/Lithium.pdf