Standard Operating Procedures
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Lithium / Potassium azide
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department:________________________
Date when SOP was written:_______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ___________________
Principal Investigator:___________________________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:___________________________________
Laboratory Phone:____________________ Office Phone:_____________________
Emergency Contact:____________________________________________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:__________________________________________
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Lithium azide is the chemical compound having the formula LiN3. Lithium azide is the lithium salt
of hydrazoic acid. It is an unstable and toxic compound that decomposes into lithium and nitrogen
when heated.
Potassium azide is the chemical compound having the formula KN3. It is the potassium salt of
hydrazoic acid, and crystallizes in a tetragonal structure. Upon heating or irradiation with
ultraviolet light, it decomposes into potassium metal and nitrogen gas. Unlike heavy-metal azides,
it is not sensitive to shock, but may explode if heated rapidly.
These are of practical importance as explosives, as industrial chemicals, and as possibly useful
photographic materials at low temperature. It is the subtle difference in bonding in the azides that
leads to large differences in stability and decomposition behavior. These chemicals also have a
use in commercial products as well. In aerospace they are used as ingredients for propellants. In
the manufacturing sector they are used to make fungicides and herbicides. And, in the
automotive industry, they are used as a fuel in airbags.
1
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#:
LiN3  19597-69-4
KN3  20762-60-1
Class:
Toxic and explosive
Molecular formula:
Lithium azide
 LiN3
Potassium azide  KN3
Boiling Point:
Not available
Melting Point:
Lithium azide
 103 °C
Potassium azide  350 °C (in vacuum)
Decomposition Temperature:
Not available
LiN3
KN3
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Toxic and explosive. Hygroscopic monoclinic crystals.
Potential Health Effects:
Eye: May cause eye irritation.
Skin: May cause skin irritation
Ingestion: Poison by ingestion
Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this substance
have not been fully investigated.
2
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles
Skin: Viton gloves must be worn while handling
Clothing: Wear long pants, closed toed shoes and a lab coat
Respirators: A NIOSH/OSHA approved air purifying dust or mist respirator
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosure, local exhaust ventilation, or other
engineering controls to control airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. In other
words, work with this chemical in a fume hood.
First Aid Procedures
Eyes: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and
lower eyelids. Get medical aid.
Skin: Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes.
Ingestion: Get medical aid immediately. Wash mouth out with water.
Inhalation: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give
artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide
appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Avoid shock and friction. Keep
away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from
incompatible substances, heat, sparks, flames or other ignition sources.
3
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing dust. Ensure
adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Pick up and arrange disposal without
creating dust. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
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 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 for
assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in
emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S
at x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with
water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor
and EH&S at x59797 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
(or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley
Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF),
x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the
School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797
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 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted and then enter your
extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA
Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be
reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
4
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Waste disposal procedures
General hazardous waste disposing guidelines:
Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Waste Containers:
• A UCLA Hazardous Waste Tag must be placed on each hazardous waste container upon
start of accumulation.
• The On-Line Tag Program (OTP) can be used to print hazardous waste tags right from your
printer.
• One account on the On-Line Tag Program (OTP) can be used for the entire lab. See the OnLine Tag Program1 more information and to get your lab signed up.
Hazardous Waste Storage:
• Hazardous waste must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 90 days of being
generated.
• Waste containers must be in secondary containment at all times to adequately contain the
contents of the container/spilled materials.
• Hazardous waste must always be appropriately labeled with a UCLA waste tag at all times.
• Containers must be closed when not in use.
• Storage of hazardous waste in fume hoods or under sinks is not recommended.
• Hazardous waste that meets the quantity threshold of 55 gallons of hazardous waste or 1
quart of extremely hazardous waste1 must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 3
days of reaching these set volumes.
• Report damaged containers to EH&S. EH&S can provide assistance to transfer the contents
to an appropriate container.
• Mark storage areas according to the type of chemicals kept there (e.g. “Corrosive”,
“Flammable”, etc.).
• Containers should be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or deterioration.
Hazardous Waste Disposal:
• Don't dispose of chemicals down the drain!
• Don't dispose of chemicals via trashcans.
• Don't use hoods to intentionally evaporate chemicals.
• Transport the hazardous waste to your designated pick-up location using a sturdy cart and
secondary containment.
• Consult the hazardous waste pick-up schedule1 for the building specific times and locations of
disposal.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy or electronic copy must be available.
Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
Protocol/Procedure
(Add specific description of procedure.)
Note: Any deviation from this SOP requires written approval from PI.
5
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
6
Date