FDN(wh)Y Me? 2012

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector issued a violation for failure “to provide evidence indicating that blackout curtains in the laboratory comply with flame resistance requirements of the fire code.”

All blackout curtains purchased for laboratories must be either flame proofed or inherently flame resistant (IFR) and require documentation from the manufacturer that they meet NFPA 701 requirements.  Along with this documentation, an affidavit must also be provided that the curtain has been tested for flame resistance by a person with an FDNY Certificate of Fitness (C-15).

EH&S strongly advises laboratories to purchase IFR curtains for use in the laboratory because once “tested and certified” by a C-15 holder, these curtains do not require any additional testing or maintenance. 
If your laboratory needs to purchase blackout curtains, Columbia University’s approved vendor will be able to provide IFR curtains, along with proper documentation from a C-15 holder demonstrating that the curtains were “tested and certified”, as required by the Fire Code.  Refer our online information about blackout curtains. 

Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Chemical Laboratories (C-14) Compliance

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector issued a violation order to a lab that did not have a C-14 Certificate of Fitness holder  present in the lab at the time of the inspection.  The inspector was told that there was a lab member who held the certification, but that the individual was on vacation.

According to the NYC Fire Code, a laboratory in operation must have a current C-14 holder present at all times while lab work takes place.  Fire Inspectors mandate that the Certificate of Fitness be produced at each inspection.  While most CU labs do have C-14 personnel on staff, the Fire Code requires that the C-14 cardholder be present at the lab at all times in order for the lab to be operational.  To ensure C-14 coverage during all hours of lab operations, the simple solution is to have more lab personnel trained, especially those who may work during off-hours.  CUIMC offers the Certificate of Fitness class every Wednesday, while the Morningside campus has their class on Tuesdays.  The C-14 class is offered at no cost to the labs or their employees.  Find information about the C-14 class, requirements, and scheduling online.

Flammable Materials in the Wrong Type of Refrigerator

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation to a lab for storing a flammable liquid chemical in a non-flammable material storage refrigerator.  This type of refrigerator, essentially the equivalent of a household model, is common in labs and can be safely used to store non-flammable materials including buffers and biological items.  These same refrigerators however, are not safe for the storage of flammable items due to their unprotected internal wiring and motor. The safest approach for refrigerating liquid flammable materials is to purchase a specifically designed flammable material storage refrigerator.  Unlike regular refrigerators these units have spark proof interiors that prevent sparks from escaping during opening and closing, a specialized thermostat, and door gaskets that provide airtight seals that insulate and prevent the release of hazardous fumes.   While these refrigerators do cost more than standard models, the safety value is an important return.

Need to cool your ethanol for an experiment, such as DNA precipitation?  Place room temperature ethanol on an ice bath until it reaches the desired temperature, and then return your stock bottle to general storage. 
FDNY regulations and EH&S policy require that all refrigerated flammable materials be stored only in approved refrigerators.  Please ensure that a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement is submitted prior to any refrigerator purchase. Proper storage of flammables can prevent fires and non-compliance issues.  Remember, safety first!

During a regular inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector issued a violation for storing glass chemical bottles on the floor, instead of in a cabinet or within secondary containment.

Improper chemical storage can be a danger in the laboratory.  Storing glass chemical bottles on the floor poses an unnecessary risk, creating a possibility for containers to be kicked, bumped into, or otherwise knocked over or broken, potentially resulting in a chemical spill.  Storing containers on the floor also creates a slip, trip, and fall hazard for laboratory staff.   Chemical containers must not be stored on bare floors.  If storage cabinets are not available, and chemicals must be stored on the floor, secondary containment must be provided.  Suitable secondary containment will hold up to 110% of the total volume stored within, and should be made of a durable material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, that is not reactive with the chemical(s) stored within.  The same material is used in most laboratory hazardous waste containers.

Always segregate chemicals by compatibility and not alphabetically, using secondary containment as a physical barrier when storage cabinets are not available.  Follow these good storage practices no matter where the chemicals are stored (i.e. cabinets, or shelves).  Carefully read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and container label before storing or using a chemical, as these may indicate any special storage requirements or chemical incompatibilities.

During a regular weekly inspection of a Columbia University laboratory, the FDNY inspector issued a violation for excessive materials storage in a chemical fume hood. Chemical fume hoods (CFH) are a critical piece of laboratory equipment.  As an engineering control, they serve as the “first line of defense” against potential exposures to volatile chemicals.  It is essential that CFH are in proper working order at all times.

The FDNY requires that the face velocity of a CFH operate between 80-120 linear ft. per minute. In order to maintain proper face velocity, the CFH must be free of clutter; clutter in a CFH can causes air flow turbulence.  The presence of materials, equipment and chemicals must be limited to a minimum so as not to interfere with the hood’s performance, and all work should be performed at least 6 inches from the front edge of the work area inside the hood to allow proper airflow and containment.

Chemical fume hoods are tested annually by EH&S.  Between certifications, labs should be observant of changes in their hood’s performance.  A simple and quick flow test that can be done involves placing a KimWipe near the sash of the hood; if there is air flow, the wipe should be drawn gently inward.   Many CFH are equipped with an air flow monitor on the front of the hood.  Should the air flow monitor reading be out of the 80-120 ft. per min range, the lab should notify EH&S and Facilities.  If at any time you feel that a CFH is not working properly, stop all work in the hood and contact EH&S.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation upon observing several chemical containers in the laboratory without proper labels. In accordance with New York City Fire Code, all chemical containers must be labeled to indicate the container's contents.

As a best practice, laboratories should spell out the chemical name, and not use chemical formulas or abbreviations to label containers. For light sensitive chemicals wrapped in aluminum foil, a label must be affixed on the outside of the wrapping. Hazardous waste storage containers must be labeled with the words "hazardous waste" and the names, and quantity (percent) of the principal chemical constituents. Containers must be labeled immediately after accumulation begins. All containers must be in good condition and writing should be legible.

Clear, accurate chemical labeling is an important means of hazard communication and can help EH&S and first responders in the event of an emergency. Please help keep yourself and your lab safe by ensuring that all chemicals in your lab, even non-hazardous materials, are clearly identifiable as to their contents.