UN 2680 — Lithium hydroxide
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2680 At a Glance
UN 2680 (Lithium hydroxide) 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 2680 is Lithium hydroxide, a strongly corrosive alkali hydroxide solid assigned to ERG Guide 154. Moisture creates caustic heat and runoff hazards.
Hazard overview: STRONGLY CORROSIVE alkali hydroxide solid; dust or solution can cause severe burns. Hygroscopic solid absorbs moisture and forms strongly alkaline corrosive solution. Dissolves in water with heat release; splattering or steam generation may occur.
Response guidance: For UN 2680, 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 2680 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 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 should be stored in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with ventilation, secondary containment and segregation from acids, metals where incompatible and reactive materials.
UN 2680 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2680
- STRONGLY CORROSIVE alkali hydroxide solid; dust or solution can cause severe burns.
- Hygroscopic solid absorbs moisture and forms strongly alkaline corrosive solution.
- Dissolves in water with heat release; splattering or steam generation may occur.
- Non-combustible, but contact with some metals may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
- Runoff may be strongly alkaline and harmful to waterways.
- Containers may fail when heated or exposed to moisture.
- Avoid dust generation and direct unprotected contact.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to grayish-white crystalline powder or granules, hygroscopic solid. Odorless. Exists as anhydrous or monohydrate form at room temperature.
| Also known as | Lithium hydrateLithium hydroxide monohydrateLiOHCaustic lithium |
| CAS Number | 1310-65-2 |
| Appearance | White to grayish-white crystalline powder or granules, hygroscopic solid. Odorless. Exists as anhydrous or monohydrate form at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible inorganic solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes at 924C/1695F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Dissolves readily in water generating heat; aqueous solution is strongly alkaline and corrosive |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2680
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 2680 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 2680 — Lithium hydroxideUse 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.