SAFE HANDLINGGUIDE FORLITHIUM METAL
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DISCLAIMER
In preparing this guide, Livent has utilized the best
information known and available at the time ofprinting. Livent recognizes that over timetechniques, methods and equipment related to thesafe handling of lithium metal will evolve, dating
the information within this guide.
Additionally, the information presented in thisGuide has been written to address most typicalsituations, environments and facilities, based upon
Livent’s experiences. However, Livent recognizes
that each customer’s situation is different andnecessitates specific solutions to fit thoserequirements.
Livent seeks to provide up-to-date solutions to thequestions or concerns that our customers mayhave. Please contact us to discuss your specificneeds.

2CONTENTS

4 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
9 HAZARDS
Hazards
Physical
HealthToxicological
Environmental

14 HANDLING
Handling
PPE
StorageTransportation
Waste Disposal

20 EMERGENCY GUIDELINESFirst Aid Measures
Fire Fighting
Contact Information
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PHYSICALPROPERTIES
4PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM METAL
Lithium:• A somewhat soft, silver-white metal inelemental form

• The lightest metal (d=0.534 g/cm3)• Has a high electrochemical potential(more negative standard electrodepotential relative to SHE)
• Flammable and air and water sensitive

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PROPERTIES OF LITHIUM METAL
Lithium metal, like other alkali metals, is very reactive toward water and air. The degree ofthe metal’s reactivity is proportional to its surface area. Large pieces of lithium metal willreact relatively slowly with air and water while lithium metal as a finely divided powder
can react very rapidly.
2 Li + H2O → Li2O + H2Lithium will react with nitrogen in the air to form lithium nitride. This reaction is catalyzed
by the presence of moisture in the air. Lithium should be stored under argon.
6 Li + N2 →2 Li3N

For this reason, lithium metal is usually handled under argon, in oil and/or in a dry room.
Even in a dry environment, however, finely divided dry lithium powder will react with theoxygen in the air unless it is protected with an inert coating. These coatings allow evenfinely divided lithium metal powder to be handled in a dry room environment forextended periods of time.
4 Li + O2 →2 Li2O

6LITHIUM METAL PRODUCT OFFERING
Grades:BatteryAlloy
TechnicalForms:
BulkIngot
Stabilized Lithium Metal Powder (SLMP®)
See Product Data Sheets or contact Livent directly for more details

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance

Silvery-white soft metal solid

Molecular FormulaLi

Molecular Weight

6.941

Atomic Number

3

Melting Point

180.5 oC

Boiling Point

1317 oC

Autoignition Temperature

179 oC

Solubility in Water

Reacts violently with water

Density (g/cc)

20 oC
200 oC

0.534
0.507
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HAZARDS9HAZARDSLithium is highly reactive in contact with many substances, releasinglarge quantities of heat and/or hazardous products.
Lithium can react violently with water, even the humidity in the air,and the moisture in other substances, releasing hydrogen gas, which
may catch fire explosively. Corrosive fumes of lithium oxide and/or
lithium hydroxide are also released.
Lithium is incompatible with acids, oxidizers, oxygen and nitrogen.
Reactivity of lithium increases with surface area.

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PHYSICAL HAZARDSGHS Classification: Water reactive, Category 1
Water and air reactive solid
Not sensitive to static discharge. Does not polymerize
Autoignition temperature 179 ºC (essentially melting point)
Molten lithium is pyrophoric

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HEALTH HAZARDSGHS Classification: Skin corrosive Category 1B
Lithium is extremely reactive with body moisture and is corrosive toskin, nose, throat, stomach and eyes (may cause blindness)

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Corrosive and Water reactive

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ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Lithium reacts violently with water
The hydrolysis products consist of hydrogen gas and lithium hydroxide
The hydroxide ion may affect the pH of the water

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HANDLING
14HANDLINGLithium should only be handled by trained personnel wearing
proper personal protective equipment.
Solid lithium can be handled in open atmosphere at room
temperature, either coated in mineral oil or where relative
humidity is maintained below 50%. To maintain best quality,
humidity levels of less than 2% are recommended.
Reactivity increases with temperature and surface area, somolten, dispersions, and powders require special handling.
Mineral oil or Argon is recommended for dispersions andpowder, while molten lithium can only be handled underArgon.

15PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Eyes and Face:
Safety goggles for solid Lithium

Full flame-resistance face shield required if Lithium is in molten state
Respiratory:
None
Protective Clothing:
Dry rubber gloves for solid Lithium
Wear full flame-resistant clothing if Lithium is in the molten state
Work Hygienic Practices:
Quick-drench eyewash and safety shower

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STORAGE
Store lithium in original unopened shipping container in a cool, dry location

Once opened either store under Argon, in a dry room, or under mineral oil
Do not use a water fire-suppression system in Lithium storage area
Keep away from water, humid air, acids and oxidizing materials
Keep away from heat, sparks and flame

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TRANSPORTATION
Proper Shipping NameLithiumClassification

Class 4.3, Dangerous When Wet

UN NumberUN1415

Packing GroupI

Marine Pollutant:

No

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WASTE DISPOSAL
Waste containing lithium metal should be disposed of only by a reputable
licensed hazardous waste disposal facility experienced in handling
reactive chemicals.
Strict packaging guidelines exist for shipping lithium metal as a hazardous
waste and are available from the disposal firms.
Livent is not a licensed hazardous waste and treatment facility and cannot
accept shipment or returns of material that meet the criteria of ahazardous waste.

Contact Livent if you need further information or industry contacts onproper lithium disposal.

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EMERGENCY
GUIDELINES
20FIRST AID MEASURES
Eyes:
Immediately flush with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. See
physician immediately.

Skin:
Quickly wipe off as much as possible, the immediately flush with plentyof water. Remove contaminated clothing, wash with soap and water.
Ingestion:
Quickly wipe material from mouth and rinse with water. Do not induce
vomiting. See a physician immediately.
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If breathing difficulty occurs and persists, see aphysician. If breathing has stopped give artificial respiration.
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FIRE FIGHTING
Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) approved forfire fighting. This is necessary to protect against the hazards of heat, products ofcombustion and oxygen deficiency. Do not breathe smoke, gases or vapors generated.
Lithium fires can throw off molten lithium metal particles. Burning lithium releases
corrosive lithium oxide dust and fumes. Lithium metal can reignite after fire is initiallyextinguished.
Never leave extinguished fire unattended. After all material has apparently burned andcooled, carefully turn over remaining residue and be prepared to re-extinguish should
reaction occur.

Carefully place residue in steel drum, using a long-handled shovel, and cover withextinguishing media.
For additional fire fighting information, see National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Standard NFPA 484.
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FOR FURTHERINFORMATION
Liventlithium.customer.service@livent.com
For Emergency
CHEMTREC 800-424-9300

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