Section
10: Chemical Specific Information
Lithium Aluminum
Hydride
Overview
Lithium aluminum hydride (LAH) is an odorless solid that reacts violently
with water, acids and oxygenated compounds. LAH can ignite in moist
air or because of friction or static sparks. It is highly corrosive
to eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Conventional ABC or BC fire
extinguishers can intensify a fire involving LAH and should never be
used.
Emergency Procedures
Skin Contact: Brush
off any visible solids. Rinse with copious amounts of water
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention as needed. Thoroughly
clean shoes before reuse.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. Drink 2-3 glasses of water and seek medical
attention immediately.
All other exposures:
Follow regular Emergency Procedures guidelines
for eye exposure or inhalation. Seek medical attention as needed.
Fire: Use
Class D extinguisher, such as Met-L-X or Lith-X or smother the fire
with dry sand. Do not use water, carbon dioxide or halogenated
extinguishing agents.
Spill: Control
all sources of ignition. Wearing personal protective equipment,
cover the spill with sand. Scoop spilled materials with spark-resistant
tools and place in a container for disposal. DO NOT USE WATER
or combustible materials, such as saw dust.
Handling
Wear safety glasses, impervious gloves and a fire-retardant laboratory
coat.
Control ignition sources and avoid dust formation. Avoid contact with
water or moisture. Keep a supply of dry sand available in the
work area and ensure there is a Class D extinguisher immediately available.
When large quantities of powdered LAH will be used, work under an
inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, in a fume hood or glove box. Avoid
contact with water or moisture.
LAH is incompatible with alcohols, transition metal salts, oxidizing
agents, and a wide variety of other materials. LAH reacts violently
on contact with powerful oxidizers.
Do not grind LAH or heat it. Upon contact with water, acids
or when heated, LAH produces an exothermic reaction involving release
of
hydrogen gas.
Storage
Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool dry place, separate from
combustible materials.
Disposal
Store wastes in tightly sealed containers. Dispose as hazardous
waste.
For More Information
See material safety data sheet from CHEMINFO
sheet from CCOHS.
 Section
10: Chemical Specific Information
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