Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure for:

Alkali – Li, Na, K

Principal Investigator (PI) Approval is Required Prior to Performing this Procedure

Description The handling and usage of metals, specifically , , and .

Potential Hazards Alkali metals react very vigorously with resulting in the formation of gas. This gas can then spontaneously ignite, causing . Additionally, if inhaled, the dust of alkali- can cause damage to the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tracts. Contact of any of these metals with the skin or eyes may results in burns. Caustic oxides are formed as the metals burn.

Of these three, potassium and the of potassium and sodium are the most reactive, while lithium is the least reactive.

Engineering Controls Ensure adequate ventilation.

Work Practice Controls Use of lithium, sodium, or potassium metal requires proper training and demonstration of correct technique by an appropriate lab member. The MSDS sheets should also be consulted before first use.

These metals must not be used when working alone.

Lithium, sodium, and potassium metals should only be used in a dry environment away from sparks or any source of ignition. Good ventilation and access to a dry chemical or dry powder extinguisher are also necessary. The area where the metals will be handled should be free of other chemicals and flammable objects.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Respiratory Protection Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) respirator cartridges as a backup to controls. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US).

• Hand Protection Handle with gloves.

• Eye Protection Safety .

• Skin and Body Protection A -retardant lab coat must be worn while handling these compounds.

• Hygiene Measures Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday. Alkali Metals SOP – 12/2013 Page 1

Storage Requirements • Store in a dry, cool place away from any source of ignition. Store under paraffin , oil, or . When cutting or weighing out sodium or potassium, they must be kept under hexanes or toluene as much as possible to prevented them from reaction with the moisture in the air.

• The container holding the metal must be kept closed, and the amount of material exposed to the air kept to a minimum. N2 is not an for lithium, as lithium is formed and can also react violently with water. Lithium should therefore not be kept under for a prolonged of time (use Ar instead).

Decontamination

All materials – disposable gloves, wipers, bench , etc. - that are contaminated with pyrophoric chemicals should be disposed as hazardous waste (after appropriate quenching of the compound, see section 10 of Safety Data Sheet).

Spill Procedures • EHS&S (509-963-2338 or 2252) and Campus Safety should be called in the event of a large spill or fire: (Emergencies: 911; Non-emergencies 509-925-8534)

• DO NOT use water to attempt to extinguish a reactive material fire as it can actually enhance the combustion.

• Do not use combustible materials (paper towels) to clean up a spill, as these may increase the risk of igniting the reactive compound. Soda ash (powdered ) or dry sand should be used to completely smother and cover any small spill that occurs.

• A container of soda ash (powdered lime) or dry sand should be kept within arm’s length when working with a reactive material.

• If anyone is exposed, or on fire, smothering the fire is a better course of action than washing with water because water can fuel the fire.

• Class D extinguishers are recommended for combustible metal fires.

• Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance and for assistance with all fires, even if extinguished.

Waste Disposal After completion of the cutting process, the weigh boat or other weighing container should be rinsed carefully with a which will react with the excess metal much more slowly than with water (i.e. methanol, isopropanol).

• Disposal of Pyrophoric Any container with a residue of reactive materials should never be left open to the .

Any unused or unwanted reactive materials must be destroyed by transferring the materials to an appropriate reaction flask for and/or neutralization with adequate cooling.

Training of Personnel All personnel are required to complete the Chemical Hygiene Plan training. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling the chemical.

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Certification I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab manager if I plan to modify this procedure.

Name Signature CWU ID # Date

Principal Investigator Revision Date

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