7 released from hospital ..................

The use of aluminium lithium alloys use in the aerospace industry is expanding at an exponential rate. More and more companies are interested in providing value added services to their products. But, the safe handling and care of lithium in our industry is hazard that some fail to realize. The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted incidents involving molten aluminum lithium explosions, and spills. Here is a recent story emphasizing the importance of safe handling of lithium.

Seven people were sent to the hospital for observation and precautionary measures following a chemical spill recently in a university in the United States.

University officials said no injuries were reported.

The chemical “spill” occurred late on morning during the week of June 11, 2015, causing a reaction that released a chemical cloud throughout the second floor of the building, according to a press release.

The university’s chemistry program is housed on that floor. According to a university risk management specialist, a small amount of lithium metal accidentally was dropped into a sink drain. The reaction of lithium with water in the drain trap caused hydrogen gas and lithium hydroxide to form.

Fire department crews responded to verify that the chemical reaction was complete and to ventilate the floor. One student and six staff members, whose names were not released, were exposed to the chemical cloud. They were sent to a nearby hospital for observation and precautionary measures. They were released later that same day.

Three hours later the building was ventilated, the scene of the spill secured and the ground, first and third floors of the building reopened.

Parts of the second floor will remain closed until further notice, along with the main elevator for the building, according to university spokesman. He did not know how many people were in the building at the time of the spill.

According to university risk management specialist, specifically for lithium metal, safety protocols are followed as directed by the university’s safety data sheet.

“The quick work of our (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) team under (university employee) and extra ventilating fans provided by the local fire department allowed for quick venting and minimization of the chemical,” wrote the university spokesman in an email. “We will be reviewing this incident in its entirety with the principal investigator, the chemical hygiene officer and the chair of chemistry (department).”

The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog prays that the injured personnel recover fully from their physical and mental injuries. We also pray that there are no long term health consequences of this incidents for these individuals.

It is imperative that the Material Safety Data Sheets be consulted when working with any new chemicals. This university has had a long history working with aluminium lithium in research in multiple areas. That history is dotted with various incidents involving explosions, spills, and exposure to hazardous fumes. Hopefully the latest incident will force the university to install a safety committee that will be responsible for ensure safe protocols are being followed with the handling and use of lithium on their campus. Thus ensuring that the continued series of incidents involving lithium end.

Please comment.