UN 2679 — Lithium hydroxide, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2679 At a Glance
UN 2679 (Lithium hydroxide, solution) is listed as DOT Class 8 Corrosive and is assigned to ERG Guide 154. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2679 is Lithium hydroxide, solution, a strongly corrosive alkali solution assigned to ERG Guide 154. Concentration controls burn severity and heat of dilution.
Hazard overview: STRONGLY CORROSIVE alkali hydroxide solution; contact can cause severe burns to eyes, skin and respiratory tissue. Mist or spray can injure lungs and mucous membranes. Non-flammable aqueous solution, but contact with some metals may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
Response guidance: For UN 2679, isolate the area, avoid mist or splash exposure and use SCBA where vapor/mist is present. Contain alkaline runoff, keep acids away and verify concentration controls with SDS and ERG 154.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2679 should emphasize caustic burns, mist/vapor control, heat of dilution, acid incompatibility, decontamination and alkaline runoff containment. Use ERG 154, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Lithium hydroxide, solution is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Lithium hydroxide, solution should be stored in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with ventilation, secondary containment and segregation from acids, metals where incompatible and reactive materials.
UN 2679 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2679
- STRONGLY CORROSIVE alkali hydroxide solution; contact can cause severe burns to eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Mist or spray can injure lungs and mucous membranes.
- Non-flammable aqueous solution, but contact with some metals may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
- Mixing with acids can release significant heat and cause splattering.
- Runoff may be strongly alkaline, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Containers may fail or leak when heated or damaged.
- Exact concentration affects heat of dilution and burn severity.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to slightly turbid colorless aqueous solution. Odorless. Strongly alkaline with soapy feel.
| Also known as | Lithium hydroxide solutionLithium hydrate solutionLiOH solutionCaustic lithium solution |
| CAS Number | 1310-65-2 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly turbid colorless aqueous solution. Odorless. Strongly alkaline with soapy feel. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100C (212F), varies with concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Already dissolved in water; dilution generates heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2679
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, mist, dust, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2679 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 154, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2679 — Lithium hydroxide, solutionUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.