UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Lithium Carbonyl
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Lithium carbonyl is a pyrophoric chemical that should be treated with caution. It is produced from the
reaction of carbon monoxide with lithium. It can detonate violently with water producing flammable gases. As
with all pyrophoric chemicals, special care should be taken.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: N/A
Class: Pyrophoric, flammable, water reactive
Molecular Formula: LiCO
Form (physical state): N/A
Color: N/A
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Lithium Carbonyl
1
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Pyrophoric. Reacts violently with water igniting the gaseous products formed. May also ignite or react
explosively upon contact with moist air. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Fire can produce irritating
and toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or death.
Engineering Controls
Lithium carbonyl should be used in a glove box. Handle under argon gas.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand Protection
Handle with gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with lithium carbonyl.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved, tight-fitting safety glasses/goggles. Face shields are recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant lab coat preferably made of antistatic material, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting lower and upper eyelids and removing
contact lenses. Consult a physician. Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
Lithium Carbonyl
2
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid inhalation and ingestion.
Provide adequate exhaust ventilation. Use spark-proof and explosion-proof equipment. Keep away from
sources of ignition – No smoking. Prevent the build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Never allow
contact with water or moist air. Incompatible with oxidizing agents. Handle and store under argon gas.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Lithium Carbonyl
3
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
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Procedure:
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NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Lithium Carbonyl
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)