Safe handling of LiBH4

[amavropoulos]

Hi!

I am new to IBEX and before starting my first experiment, my EH&S team has raised concerns regarding the use of LiBH4.

I'd like to ask how the solid chemical is stored (SDS states that it should be stored under inert conditions) and how liquid waste (dilutions) and solid waste (weighing paper contaminated with the chemical) should be disposed off.

Thank you very much in advance for your help!

Anastasia

[zivy]

Hello @amavropoulos,

While this is completely outside my wheelhouse, there is relevant information in the Knowledge-Base:

1. Q&A section question titled "Is LiBH4 safe to use?".
2. The tutorial video titled "Demonstration of making 1mg/mL of LiBH4".

As a side note, there are a number of tutorial videos on the KB that you might find useful.

I'll defer to the subject matter experts on this forum for an answer that actually addresses your concerns.

[amavropoulos]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply Zivy! The tutorial video is very helpful and I had found the relevant question in the Q&A section.
What isn't addressed through is the disposal of solid waste (i.e weighing boat, serological pipette as shown in the tutorial video) and liquid waste. I read an article about a fire incident started by solid residues disposed in the trash.
Any information on this would be very helpful to allow me to use this chemical in my lab.

Thank you.

[radtkea]

Hi @amavropoulos,

Thank you for your question. Thank you @zivy for your answer.

Solid waste disposal:

1. We arranged pick up of unused LiBH4 powder with our institute waste disposal team. We recommend ordering small aliquots (<1 gram) to minimize the amount of chemical present in your lab at any one time.
2. We used plastic weigh boats. We rinsed thoroughly with water before throwing in general waste. This ensured that any traces of LiBH4 were removed.
3. The serological pipette can also be disposed in general waste. To be extra careful, you could rinse the pipette with water before throwing in general waste.
4. We rinsed spatulas used to weigh out the powder thoroughly with water before disposing of plastic spatulas or placing metal spatulas back in the drawer.

Liquid waste disposal

1. I would discuss with your local safety team. We kept the solution in sealed falcon tubes. Once it is in solution, it is no longer reactive. They might advise you to collect all liquid waste in a glass container and then arrange pick up.

Do not throw solid waste or any item with residual LiBH4 into the trash! For instance, a Kimwipe used to wipe a spatula that weighed powder should not be discarded in the trash. The residual powder might react if something wet is placed in the same trash bin.

Best of luck and please don't hesitate to reach out if something is unclear. We are here to help you.
Andrea

[amavropoulos]

Thank you so much for your reply Andrea!

[zivy]

Hello @amavropoulos,

Thank you for helping us improve the Knowledge-Base (KB). Your question and the answer are now part of the KB Questions and Answers section.