International Chemical Safety Cards

LITHIUM HYDRIDE ICSC: 0813

LITHIUM HYDRIDE
LiH
Molecular mass: 7.95
CAS # 7580-67-8
RTECS # OJ6300000
ICSC # 0813
UN # 1414; 2805 (fused solid)
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Highly flammable. Gives off irritating alkali fumes in a fire. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
NO water, carbon dioxide, foam, halons or halogenated extinguishing agents such as carbon tetrachloride. Inert gases, dry graphite, or ground dolomite can be used to smother fires.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with airborne dust clouds with flame, heat, or oxidants occurs.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Nausea. Vomiting. Tremors. Twitching. Confusion. Blurred vision. Laboured breathing. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Skin burns.
    		Protective gloves.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention if irritation or pain persists.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Severe deep burns.
    		Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Dizziness. Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhoea (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. Drink 120-240 ml of water. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Dry. Keep under inert gas.
    		Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
    UN Hazard Class: 4.3
    UN Packing Group: I
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0813 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    LITHIUM HYDRIDE ICSC: 0813

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     ODOURLESS WHITE TO GRAYISH HYGROSCOPIC SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS (INCLUDING POWDER). DARKENS RAPIDLY ON EXPOSURE TO LIGHT.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air. The substance decomposes exothermically on heating to about 500°C or in contact with moisture or acids, producing flammable gas (hydrogen - see ICSC # 0001). Reacts violently with strong oxidants. Reacts with water to form lithium hydroxide which is very caustic, and flammable hydrogen gas. Reacts with lower alcohols, carboxylic acids, chlorine and ammonia at 400°C to liberate hydrogen gas. Lithium hydride powder and liquid oxygen are detonable explosives.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 0.025 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1991-1992).
    PDK not established.
    OSHA PEL: TWA 0.025 mg/m3
    NIOSH REL: TWA 0.025 mg/m3
    NIOSH IDLH: 0.5 mg/m3


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Decomposes below boiling point at 850°C
    Melting point: 680°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 0.76-0.77
    Solubility in water: Reacts
    		 Flash point: see Notes°C
    Auto-ignition temperature: 200°C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: see Notes
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    NOTES
    The substance is highly flammable but no flash point is available in literature. Explosive limits are unknown in literature. Addition of small amounts of a flammable substance or an increase in the oxygen content of the air strongly enhances combustibility. Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water, carbon dioxide, foam or halogenated compounds such as carbon tetrachloride. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Do NOT take working clothes home.
    NFPA Code: H3; F4; R2;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0813 LITHIUM HYDRIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.