What Happened?
A researcher was preparing an experiment with lithium borohydride, a water reactive chemical. He weighed the chemical and placed it into a beaker. Having checked the weighing paper for residuals, the researcher disposed of the paper into the general trash. Approximately a minute or two later, another member of the lab noticed that the trash was smoking and alerted other lab members. One of the lab-members grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire in the trash can. After the fire was extinguished, the researcher called the EH&S Hotline and reported the incident.
What Was The Cause?
A small amount of lithium borohydride left on weighing paper caused the fire.
What Corrective Actions Were Taken?
In this incident, the lab members took the correct action:
- Co-workers were immediately notified when the fire was noticed
- A CO2 fire extinguisher was used to extinguish the fire
- The incident was reported to EH&S
How Can Incidents Like This Be Prevented?
Lithium borohydride in contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
- Dispose weighing material that came in contact with borohydride into a dry container that can be disposed as chemical hazardous waste
- Equipment and bench tops should be wiped off with ethanol
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