☣️ UN 1411 • CLASS 4
UN 1411 — Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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UN 1411 Quick Details
UN 1411
Product name: Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal
DOT Class: 4
Placard type: Dangerous When Wet
ERG Guide: 138 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 138: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m
Common Hazards of UN 1411
- Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
| Also known as | Lithium aluminum hydride ether solutionLAH in etherLithium tetrahydridoaluminate etherealLiAlH4 ethereal solution |
| CAS Number | 16853-85-3 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow solution of lithium aluminum hydride dissolved in diethyl ether or other ethers. Pungent ether odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -45C (-49F) due to ether solvent |
| Boiling Point | 35C (95F) for diethyl ether component |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) due to ether vapors |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing hydrogen gas and heat; ignition likely on contact with moisture |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1411
Extinguishing Media
Dry chemical (Class D for metal fires), dry sand, dry graphite; never use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level B minimum in well-ventilated areas; Level A for large spills or confined spaces; SCBA required; fire-resistant suit for fire involvement
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 138: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 138).
First Actions for a UN 1411 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
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📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1411 — Lithium aluminum hydride, etherealHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1411
Product: Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal
Class 4 / Dangerous When Wet / ERG 138
PPE: Level B minimum in well-ventilated areas; Level A for large spills or confined spaces; SCBA required; fire-resistant suit for fire involvement
ISOLATION: ERG 138: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1411 — Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal
Class: 4 | Placard: Dangerous When Wet | ERG Guide: 138
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow solution of lithium aluminum hydride dissolved in diethyl ether or other ethers. Pungent ether odor. Liquid at room temperature.
Water Reactivity: Reacts violently with water producing hydrogen gas and heat; ignition likely on contact with moisture
Extinguishing: Dry chemical (Class D for metal fires), dry sand, dry graphite; never use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents
PPE: Level B minimum in well-ventilated areas; Level A for large spills or confined spaces; SCBA required; fire-resistant suit for fire involvement
Isolation: ERG 138: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m
— Key Hazards —
• Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
• May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
• Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1411 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1411 Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal Cls4 ERG138 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1411SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1411
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Frequently Asked Questions about UN 1411
Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum in well-ventilated areas; Level A for large spills or confined spaces; SCBA required; fire-resistant suit for fire involvement
Water reactivity: Reacts violently with water producing hydrogen gas and heat; ignition likely on contact with moisture. Recommended extinguishing: Dry chemical (Class D for metal fires), dry sand, dry graphite; never use water, foam, CO2, or halogenated agents.
ERG Guide 138 recommendation: ERG 138: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind; if tank/rail car involved in fire isolate 800m
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 138 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.