UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Lithium Carbonate
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Department:
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Type of SOP:
☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Purpose
Lithium carbonate is a FDA approved drug for the treatment of manic episodes in bipolar disorder. It has
many dangerous side effects, such as death, dehydration, nausea and headache. It is used in ceramics and
glasses. Lithium carbonate is also used in fireworks to produce a red emission. It has also been used in solid
state carbon dioxide detectors. Lithium cobalt oxide, a useful component in lithium ion batteries, is made
from lithium carbonate. Lithium carbonate is a suspected teratogen.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 554-13-2
Class: Reproductive Toxicant
Molecular Formula: Li2CO3
Form (physical state): Crystalline Solid
Color: White
Melting point: 618 oC
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Lithium Carbonate
1
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. Harmful to aquatic life.
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory 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 nitrile or chloroprene gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal
technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of
contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and
dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with lithium carbonate
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 safety glasses or goggles.
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats must be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of sufficient length to prevent skin exposure
while wearing gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that
are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothes. Wash thoroughly and immediately after handling. Remove any
contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Get medical attention immediately.
In case of skin contact
Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Get medical attention immediately.
Lithium Carbonate
2
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. Get medical attention
immediately.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. If victim is conscious and alert, rinse
mouth with 2-4 cupfuls of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with
water. Get medical attention immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Conditions for safe storage: Store in secondary containment with a “Reproductive Hazard” label on the
primary container, secondary containment and the storage location. Keep containers tightly closed in a dry,
cool, and well-ventilated place.
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)
Lithium Carbonate
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
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:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Lithium Carbonate
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)