FDN(wh)Y Me? 2009

During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector entered a laboratory with a sprinkler system and noted cardboard boxes and equipment stacked on a shelf touching the ceiling. The inspector issued a Violation Order and informed the PI that laboratories with sprinkler systems are required to have a space clearance of 18 inches from the ceiling.

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 flammable materials. If you have questions about the fire rating of your lab, contact EH&S. 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 a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a lab freezer. Inside the freezer, a small centrifuge tube containing ethanol was found. When lab workers were asked about the container, they protested stating “it was put into the freezer temporarily to cool it down for an experiment”. The lab was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).

No matter the quantity, concentration, or duration, no flammable liquids may be kept in refrigerators or freezers that are not either “explosion proof” or “flammable materials”. If your lab does not have the appropriate kind of refrigerator/freezer, a dry ice bath is recommended for temporarily cooling samples of flammable liquids.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a chemical storage cabinet and noted that nitric acid was being stored alongside acetic acid. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper segregation of hazardous chemicals.

Oxidizers, such as nitric acid, can never be stored near flammable or combustible materials, such as acetic acid. Ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely and segregated according to hazard class. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector found a fire extinguisher that was used to hold open a laboratory door.  The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for failure to maintain a fire extinguisher in the proper location and readily accessible.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, an FDNY Inspector observed several glass bottles of various chemicals stored on the floor of a laboratory. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper storage of hazardous materials.

Hazardous materials including flammable, corrosive or toxic chemicals must be stored safely, in such a manner as to prevent accidental release. If bottles are stored on the floor, they must be protected by secondary containment measures, such as tubs, constructed of a chemical-compatible material.  Please ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a chemical storage cabinet and noted that a lecture bottle of propane gas was being stored alongside acids and flammable liquids. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper segregation of hazardous chemicals.

Small cylinder gases, such as lecture bottles, can never be stored in the same cabinets with any liquids, such as flammables, acids, and bases. Ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely and segregated according to hazard class. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a cold room. Inside the cold room, a spray bottle containing 70% ethanol was found.  When lab workers were asked about the container, they stated “it was used to decontaminate the bench top and equipment inside the cold room”. The lab was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).

No matter the quantity, concentration, or duration, no flammable liquids may be kept in refrigerators, freezers, or cold rooms that are not either “explosion proof” or designed to store “flammable” materials.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a chemical storage cabinet and noted that Hydrochloric Acid was being stored alongside Acetic Acid in the same secondary container. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper segregation of hazardous chemicals.

Inorganic acids, such as Hydrochloric Acid, and organic acids, such as Acetic Acid, must be stored separately and not in the same tray/container. Ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely and segregated according to hazard class. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector found a bottle of 2-Propanol without an opening date but DID NOT issue a violation as he normally would.
WHY, YOU MAY ASK?  Here comes the good news – Due to an important recent change to the NYC Fire Code, secondary alcohols are no longer considered to be peroxide-formers by FDNY and have been removed from their target list.  Laboratories are no longer required to note the opening date on containers of 2-Propanol (aka isopropyl alcohol, propan-2-ol, isopropanol, IPA) or other secondary alcohols such as 2-butanol and 2-pentanol.

Laboratories are still required to safely manage the chemicals on the revised list by dating these bottles once opened and discarding them once their maximum storage limit has been reached. Testing of expired chemicals for peroxide concentration is strongly discouraged by EH&S, for safety reasons.  Expired chemicals should instead be properly discarded by submitting an Online Chemical Waste Pick-Up Form. 

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector observed several cylinders of cryogenic materials in storage in a hallway outside a laboratory. The inspector issued a Violation Order (VO) for improper storage of liquid cryogenic containers. 

Storage of liquid nitrogen cylinders in corridors, whether temporary or permanent is prohibited by the FDNY. Please properly store 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.  If more than 60 gallons of cryogenics are present, there must be an oxygen sensor installed and a G-97 Certificate of Fitness holder present.  Visit our website for more information on obtaining a G-97 Certificate of Fitness.  

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector found nitric acid, a strong oxidizing acid, in the same chemical storage cabinet as acetic acid.  Strong oxidizers present a fire hazard when stored next to organic acids such as acetic acid.  The inspector explained to the lab that these incompatible chemicals can be stored in the same cabinet as long as they are kept in separate secondary containers, e.g. plastic bins.