FDN(wh)Y Me? 2008

The FDNY Inspector made a random visit to a lab. Upon entering the lab, he saw a researcher having his breakfast, with a cup of coffee and a bagel on the bench. The researcher continued to drink his coffee and eat his bagel as the FDNY Inspector approached. The inspector asked the researcher if they are aware of the sign on the lab door which prohibits eating, drinking and smoking in the lab. As a result, the researcher was asked to remove his food from the lab and the FDNY inspector issued a NOV.

Food and drinks are to be consumed in designated areas only, not in the laboratory.

As part of his weekly rounds, the FDNY inspector visited a lab and inspected its chemical storage areas.
Upon opening the cabinet where the lab stores its acid, the inspector found that the lab was storing acids on bare metal shelves. As a result, the lab was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).

FDNY regulations mandate that all acids must be stored with chemical-resistant liners or spill trays, and never on bare metal.

During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector found that a lab was in excess of its flammable liquid storage limits and subsequently issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). Each laboratory at Columbia is issued a fire rating based on the composition of the walls and doors as well as the presence or absence of sprinklers. This fire rating is accompanied by a maximum limit for the storage of flammables materials. To find out the fire rating of your lab and its flammable material storage limits, contact EH&S.

During his weekly lab inspection, the FDNY inspector revisited a laboratory inspected several months earlier.  During the previous inspection, he issued a Violation Order (VO) for expired chemicals, specifically 2-Propanol, which had been opened in December 2006.  Upon re-inspection he found the lab had the same (or a similar) bottle of 2-Propanol stored in the flammable storage cabinet.  He reminded the lab that secondary alcohols that can form peroxides have a shelf life of one-year from date of opening, and then issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the lab. 

The lab is now responsible for properly disposing of the 2-Propanol and having EH&S certify the correction and return the paperwork to the Fire Department.  Failure to correct and return the NOV to the Fire Department in the allotted time frame (35 days) could result in a mandatory Environmental Control Board (ECB) appearance and a fine. 

During a routine weekly lab inspection the FDNY inspector found a compressed gas cylinder that was improperly secured.

On further inspection, the compressed gas cylinder was found to be secured by a cylinder clamp to electrical conduit running along the wall. The lab manager was reminded that compressed gas cylinders must be secured to substantial objects such as counter tops, or properly mounted wall hooks. FDNY Rules prohibit the securing of compressed gas cylinders to electrical or plumbing conduits. The Fire inspector issued a NOV for improperly securing a compressed gas cylinder.

During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector found a lab storing an excessive amount of cardboard (combustible rubbish) and subsequently issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).

Each laboratory at Columbia is required to keep the amount of combustible materials inside the lab to a minimum. Storage of unused cardboard boxes or any other unnecessary combustible materials inside the lab is considered by the FDNY to be a fire hazard. Please discard cardboard boxes as soon as they are emptied.

During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector found that a lab had placed a liquid nitrogen tank in the hallway.  The laboratory personnel protested that the tank was put there only temporarily to await removal by the vendor.

The inspector subsequently issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).

Storage of large objects in hallways, such as liquid nitrogen tanks, is prohibited by the FDNY, even if only kept outside temporarily. Please keep all liquid nitrogen tanks inside labs whether they are empty or full, and arrange for vendors to remove them directly from inside the lab or storage area.

Recently the FDNY Inspector, during his weekly inspection of Columbia laboratories, entered one lab and asked for the C-14 Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder for that lab.  He was taken to another laboratory unit on the same floor, and introduced to the COF holder for the floor who worked in another laboratory.  The FDNY inspector stated that he wanted to see a Certificate of Fitness holder for the original laboratory as the new Fire Code requires a COF holder for each laboratory effective July 1, 2008.  The old Code allowed one per floor, but under the new Code each lab needs to have a COF holder present in the lab whenever the lab is in operation.  The FDNY inspector issued an NOV to the first lab he visited. 

Click Certificate of Fitness for additional information. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Laboratory Safety Officer.

During an inspection of laboratories at Columbia University, the FDNY Laboratory Fire Inspector found one lab in possession of two tanks of liquid nitrogen. The Fire inspector asked the lab personnel if anyone in the lab had a certificate of fitness for the handling of cryogenic materials (G97). Finding none, he issued a Notice of Violation.

Under the new fire code issued by the FDNY, any lab possessing more than one large tank of any cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen must have at least one person present at all times of lab operation in possession of a Certificate of Fitness (G97) for the storage, use, and handling of cryogenic materials. This specialized COF is also known by the code G97 and must be obtained from the FDNY at Metrotech Center.

Click new Fire Code for additional information.