LITHIUM HYDRIDE

A white or translucent crystalline mass or powder. The commercial product is light bluish-gray lumps due to the presence of minute amounts of colloidally dispersed lithium.

• Strong Reducing Agent
• Water-Reactive
• Air-Reactive

Burns readily in air, particularly if powdered. May ignite spontaneously in moist air. Reacts rapidly with water to form caustic lithium hydroxide and hydrogen [Bretherick 1979 p. 107].

In a fire, irritating alkali fumes may form. Lithium hydride can form airborne dust clouds which may explode on contact with flame, heat, or oxidizing materials. Additionally, spontaneous ignition occurs when nitrous oxide and lithium hydride are mixed. Lithium hydride also forms explosive mixtures with liquid oxygen. Contact with heat, moisture or acid causes exothermic reaction and evolution of hydrogen as well as lithium hydroxide. Incompatible with air and moisture, nitrous oxide, strong oxidizers, and liquid oxygen. Lithium hydride may ignite spontaneously in air and should be maintained and handled out of contact with air and moisture. Any contact with nitrous oxide; airborne powders may ignite upon reaching moisture. (EPA, 1998)

This material is relatively toxic to people. It is more likely to cause irritation of skin and mucous membrane tissues rather than death. Its effects are primarily acute. A massive exposure to the eyes and by inhalation may be lethal. Those experiencing any ailment of the upper respiratory tract (e.g., bronchitis or pneumonia) are at a greater risk. (EPA, 1998)

LITHIUM HYDRIDE is a strong reducing agent. May decompose violently in contact with most oxidizing materials [© AAR, 1999]. Reacts exothermically with water to form caustic lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas; the hydrogen may ignite. May ignite spontaneously in moist air. Mixtures with liquid oxygen are explosive. Ignites on contact with dinitrogen oxide [Mellor, 1967, vol. 8, suppl. 2.2, p. 214].

• Metal Hydrides, Alkyls and Aryls

Wear protective goggles or face shield, rubberized gloves, flame-proof outer clothing, respirator, and high boots or shoes. Large fires: withdraw from area and let fire burn, as lithium hydride may continue to re-ignite. A fire, once started, cannot be extinguished by ordinary methods.

Do not use water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or halogenated extinguishing agents such as carbon tetrachloride. Use dry graphite; or ground dolomite-based dry chemical extinguishers such as "Lith-X". Fires may be smothered by inverting a can over them. (EPA, 1998)

Do not use water. Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Keep material dry. (AAR, 2003)

Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.

Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.

Wash skin: Brush (DO NOT WASH)

Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premise.

Provide: Eyewash fountains should be provided in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided (when concentration is >0.5 mg/m3) within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2003)

Warning: Lithium hydride is an alkaline-corrosive agent. Contact with eyes may result in severe damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, and blood vessels. Caution is advised.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lithium Hydride Exposure: Acute exposure to lithium hydride may result in irritation and burning of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Increased salivation, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), abdominal pain, and spontaneous vomiting may occur. Stridor (high-pitched, noisy respirations), dyspnea (shortness of breath), and pulmonary edema are also common. Apathy and mental confusion may develop, with progression to coma and death.Emergency Life Support Procedures: Acute exposure to lithium hydride may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to lithium hydride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to lithium hydride.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Activated charcoal is of no value.
5. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are conscious and alert.
6. Transport to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• HIDRURO DE LITIO (DOT SPANISH)
• HYDRURE DE LITHIUM (DOT FRENCH)
• LITHIUM HYDRIDE(LIH)
• LITHIUM MONOHYDRIDE