Lithium safety data
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.
GHS classification
Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification
Hazard classes and categories
- Water-react. 1
- Skin Corr. 1
Hazard statements
H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement
Physical hazards
- H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
Health hazards
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements
P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal
Prevention
- P223Do not allow contact with water.
- P231 + P232Handle and store contents under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
Response
- P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
- P302 + P335 + P334If on skin: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
- P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
Storage
- P402 + P404Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
- P405Store locked up.
Disposal
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
First aid
General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell
Handling, storage and disposal
Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade
Safe handling
Fire: NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with water.
General: AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation: Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.
Skin: Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Eyes: Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, halons and other incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Keep under mineral oil.
Disposal
Waste Disposal: Package Lots. Place in a separate labeled container for recycling or disposal by burning. Burn in an open furnace. Use caution and limit to 100 g packages. Small Quantities. Wear eye protection, laboratory coat and nitrile rubber gloves. Work in the fume hood. Equip a 3-necked round-bottom flask with a stirrer, dropping funnel, condenser and heating mantle. Flush the flask with nitrogen and place the lithium (cut in small pieces) in it. Add 30 mL of 95% ethanol per gram of lithium at a rate that causes rapid refluxing. Stirring is started as soon as enough ethanol has been added to make it feasible. The mixture is stirred and heated under reflux until the lithium is dissolved. The heat is turned off, and an equal volume of water is added at a rate that causes no more than mild refluxing.
Exposure limits and toxicity
Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data
Short-term exposure: The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema.
Transport information
UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air
- UN number
- UN 1415
- Transport hazard class
- 4.3
- Packing group
- I
Shipping rules depend on mode, quantity and packaging. Confirm the classification with the supplier SDS and your freight forwarder.
Supplier safety data sheets
SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical
No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Lithium yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes
Safety questions
Quick answers about handling Lithium safely
Is Lithium hazardous?
Which GHS pictograms apply to Lithium?
What is the UN number of Lithium?
How should Lithium be stored?
Where can I get the SDS for Lithium?
GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error