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Flammability

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Description of key information

The study on flammability regarding the solid is technically not feasible for lithium as the EU method A.10 for solids can only be applied to powdery, granular or pastelike substances. Lithium metal is stored in heavy oil in order to prevent it from reacting with air moisture and is also merchandised as such. Further, lithium is known to violently react with water. The reaction yields lithium hydroxide and flammable hydrogen gas. It is therefore labelled as flammable and classified in accordance with Regulation 1272/2008/EC as water react. 1 (category 1) H260 (GHS). 

The study on flammability regarding the pyrophoric properties is technically not feasible for lithium as the EU method A.13 for solids can only be applied to powdery, granular or pastelike substances. Lithium metal is stored in heavy oil in order to prevent it from reacting with air moisture and is also marketed as such. Further, lithium does not meet the criteria for self-reactive substances and organic peroxides.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:
contact with water liberates highly flammable gases

Additional information

The study on flammability regarding the solid is technically not feasible for lithium as the EU method A.10 for solids can only be applied to powdery, granular or pastelike substances. Lithium metal is stored in heavy oil in order to prevent it from reacting with air moisture and is also merchandised as such.

Further, lithium is known to violently react with water. The reaction yields lithium hydroxide and flammable hydrogen gas. It is therefore labelled as flammable and classified in accordance with Regulation 1272/2008/EC as water react. 1 (category 1), H260 (GHS).

The study on flammability regarding the pyrophoric properties is technically not feasible for lithium as the EU method A.13 for solids can only be applied to powdery, granular or pastelike substances. Lithium metal is stored in heavy oil in order to prevent it from reacting with air moisture and is also marketed as such.

In accordance with section R.7.1.10.4 ECHA guidance IR/CSA chapter R.7a, section 2.9.1 ECHA guidance on the application of CLP criteria and UN-MTC section 5.1 appendix 6 the test for self-reactive substances was waived. The test item does not contain any functional groups quoted in ‘UN Manual of Tests and Criteria’ (fourth revised edition, appendix 6, table A 6.1 and A 6.2) or Bretherick’s – Handbook (6th Edition, Volume 2, p 128 ff) which may indicate explosive or self-reacting properties. Therefore, it can be concluded by expert judgment that the test item does not meet the criteria for self-reactive substances. Thus, no classification procedures for self-reactive substances were required.

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 Annex I section 2.15.1 only organic peroxides have to be tested according to the UN-MTC, Part II test series A-H. Based on the structure it is obvious that the substance is not an organic peroxide. Thus, no tests were conducted.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Classification, Labelling, and Packaging Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
The available experimental test data are reliable and suitable for classification purposes under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Based on findings above lithium is classified and labelled as water react. 1 (category 1) H260 according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), as amended for the tenth time in Regulation (EU) No 2017/776.