Hazmat people here?I need a real fast course on Lithium.Problem is one of my customers has some PPE which has been exposed to lithium smoke for an extended period of time.The fd wants me to decon the clothing.I am aware that Lithium by itself will react with water.Any imput or,do I suggest they purchase new PPE.

 

[QUOTE+Wikipedia]Lithium metal, due to its alkaline tarnish, is corrosive and requires special handling to avoid skin contact. Breathing lithium dust or lithium compounds (which are often alkaline) can irritate the nose and throat; higher exposure to lithium can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, leading to pulmonary edema. The metal itself is usually a handling hazard because of the caustic hydroxide produced when it is in contact with moisture causing an explosion. Lithium should be stored in a non-reactive compound such as naphtha or a hydrocarbon[/QUOTE]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium

Doesn't sound pleasant. I would get rid of it soon. Properly disposed of course.

 

Your city should have a hazardous waste or chemical hotline to call. They would be the best to contact.

 

Well, according to all the MSDS's I could find here, it calls for washing of contaminated clothing and disposal of contaminated shoes. I don't know what you'd do with contaminated SCBA, helmets or other stuff lke that as they make no mention of those articles.

chaikwa.

 

And now the rest of the story.The fd called the manuf. of the ppe and was told that ther is no way to guarantee complete removal of he contamination.So,if you guys get into a lithium situation,you get new ppe.Thanks for all the responses.