FDN(wh)Y Me? 2007

During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector found a FuGENE 6 Transfection Reagent kit in a non-flammable, non-explosion refrigerator. According to the SDS (material safety data sheet), the kit contains 1 mL of reagent, consisting of 80-90% ethanol, a flammable. The FDNY inspector reminded laboratory personnel that there is no /de minimis/ quantity of flammable materials allowed in refrigerators not approved for flammable materials storage, and issued an NOV.

During weekly laboratory inspection rounds, the FDNY inspector found a chemical bottle wrapped in aluminum foil that he determined to be in violation of FDNY regulations.  When the foil was removed, the bottle was clearly labeled as a bottle of glycerol-a relatively benign substance, but still subject to FDNY regulation.  FDNY regulations require chemical containers to be clearly and visibly labeled to indicate their contents at all times. While the manufacturer’s label was on the bottle itself, the foil wrapper prevented the label from being seen. The Inspector reminded the laboratory staff that it is their responsibility to make sure all chemical containers are clearly labeled and then issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).

During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY inspector asked “who is the Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder for this lab or for the floor”? Turns out a COF holder for the laboratory was not present at the time of the inspection.  The Inspector reminded the PI that it is their responsibility to ensure that a COF holder is present on the floor or in the lab when the laboratory is in operation (including weekends, nights and holidays), and then issued an NOV.

Visit our website to obtain a Certificate of Fitness.  FDNY allows EH&S to administer the test onsite to applicants who meet the FDNY educational requirements. EH&S pays the test fee and its renewal every three years. We strongly recommend each lab have at least one Certificate of Fitness holder.

During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY inspector noticed a Nitrogen compressed gas tank that was not secured. The strap was hanging loose, and the lab manager stated that the supplier's representative had delivered the cylinder that morning. The Inspector reminded the laboratory that it is their responsibility to make sure all tanks are secured, and issued a NOV.

See attached cylinder photo.

Photo showing unsecured cylinder damage

During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY inspector found a small test tube labeled "70% ethanol in water solution" stored in a regular refrigerator. Alcohol, regardless of the quantity, can only be placed in a chemical storage refrigerator or explosion-proof refrigerator. When questioned, the laboratory researcher explained that the vial was being chilled for use in an experiment that day. The Inspector reminded the laboratory that flammables cannot be stored in an ordinary refrigerator and issued a NOV.

While inspecting a laboratory, the FDNY inspector found a bottle of 2-Propanol with an expired shelf life. This chemical is good for only one year from the opening date. The inspector reminded the lab not to store chemicals that are out of date because there is a potential for these to form peroxides which at times might be explosive, and then a Notice of Violation (NOV) was issued to the lab.  

While escorting the FDNY Inspector on his regular rounds, EH&S staff noticed an odd burning odor on a lab floor. Upon investigation, it was determined that a Western Blot, conducted in a cold room, had overheated and melted the plastic buffer tank. The cause of the heat build-up was found to be a stir-plate short circuit, resultant from contact with liquid. The FDNY inspector noted that the immediate danger had passed and continued on his rounds, leaving EH&S to determine the cause of the incident and future prevention measures, and the lab to clean the mess. Interviews with laboratory personnel indicated that crushed ice was placed beneath the stir-plate in an attempt to cool the procedure. Electrical equipment must be protected from contact with conductive liquids (such as water) at all times! Not all hazards encountered in the research environment come from chemicals; physical hazards from electrical equipment, compressed gases, cryogenic materials, and blunt forces must also be considered. For assistance in recognizing and controlling physical and chemical hazards in your lab, please contact your Laboratory Safety Officer.

While escorting the FDNY Inspector on his regular rounds, EH&S was called to respond to a small fire in a laboratory.  Upon reaching the scene, EH&S staff were relieved to discover that the fire was smothered using the fire extinguisher in the lab, that no one was injured, and that there was only cosmetic damage to the facility.

Interviews with laboratory personnel indicated that the fire began when a small, lighted alcohol torch tipped over and spilled its contents, which ignited along with papers on the work surface.  Digging deeper into the source of the fire, it was learned that the alcohol torch was being operated without its protective cap in place, which had been lost.  Laboratory equipment, if not used properly, has the potential to create hazardous conditions.  Always verify the integrity of equipment before beginning work and report any suspected problems to supervisors or EH&S.