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NIOSH

LITHIUM HYDRIDE

ICSC: 0813

LiH
Molecular mass: 7.95
ICSC # 0813 		CAS # 7580-67-8
RTECS # OJ6300000
UN # 1414
December 04, 2000 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.
NO open flames.
Inert gas, special powder, dry sand, NO other agents. NO hydrous agents.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

•INHALATION Cough. Nausea. Vomiting. Confusion. Laboured breathing. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Redness. Skin burns. Blisters. Pain.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Severe deep burns. Pain. Blurred vision.
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. Diarrhoea Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. Tremors. Twitching. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. 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. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
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
ICSC: 0813 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

LITHIUM HYDRIDE

ICSC: 0813

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS WHITE TO GREYISH HYGROSCOPIC SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS . TURNS DARK 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. Reacts violently with oxidants halogenated hydrocarbons, acids and water forming flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC0001) and, in the case of water, lithium hydroxide which is very caustic. On contact with hot surfaces or flames this substance decomposes forming irritating alkali fumes.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.025 mg/m3 as TWA (ACGIH 1999).
MAK: IIb (not established but data is available) (DFG 2007).
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.025 mg/m3
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.025 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: 0.5 mg/m3 See: 7580678


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:
The substance is corrosive to 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:
reaction
Auto-ignition temperature: 200°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: see Notes

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

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.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-43G04

NFPA Code: H3; F4; R2; W
Card has been partially updated in March 2008: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0813 LITHIUM HYDRIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
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 NIOSH IDLH values.
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