FDN(wh)Y Me? 2014

During a recent visit to a Columbia University laboratory, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector issued a violation to a lab for possession of flammable materials in excess of the laboratory’s permit.  An FDNY permit is required to maintain or operate a non-production chemical laboratory or storage room in which more than 1 gallon of flammable or combustible liquid or 75 standard cubic feet (SCF) of flammable gas are handled, stored, or used in testing research, experimental or instructional work. These permits are issued by the FDNY and maintained by Columbia University EH&S.

Every permitted space has limits for hazardous materials (enforced by the FDNY) based on the type of permit issued. In order to better provide laboratories with FDNY permit information, permits have been posted at all lab entrances at the Morningside Campus, and beginning in January, 2014, will be posted at all CUIMC labs; in the meantime, contact [email protected] with questions about your lab’s permit. 

The permits will look similar to those shown below, and contain information on the lab type and corresponding maximum allowable storage quantities of flammable materials, oxidizing materials, and unstable reactive materials. Older permits (Figure A) will display a Lab Type: 1, 2, 3, or 4, and have storage limits based on the fire rating of the room and the presence or absence of sprinklers. Newer permits (Figure B) will be labeled with the Lab Type: Class B or Class D, and have storage limits based on the size of the permitted space.  Please note, waste materials are included in calculations of on-hand materials.

For questions related to your lab’s permit, Type, or possession limits, or additional fire safety related information please visit EH&S Fire Safety or contact a Fire Safety Officer at [email protected].

Side by side picture of lab permits type 4 and class B.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation to a laboratory for exceeding their hazardous compressed gas storage limit. Specifically, the inspector noted that the laboratory was storing too many 14.1 ounce propane cylinders – the type used for torches. The inspector considered these containers to be lecture bottles, or small compressed gas cylinders of about 13 inches in length and 2 inches in width.  The FDNY limits each laboratory to 25 lecture bottles. 

With the complexity of the regulations governing chemical storage in laboratories, even a trained and certified C-14 holder might not know if they are doing the right thing with hazardous compressed gases. Fortunately, EH&S regularly advises laboratories on gas storage issues. As general guidance, all laboratories should follow these 3 steps to remain safe and compliant:

  1. Limit the number of lecture bottles stored in your laboratory to only those actively used;
  2. Consult EH&S for your hazardous compressed gas storage limits
    • These limits will depend on your laboratory’s permit
    • EH&S can visit your laboratory to help you develop strategies to keep within your storage limits
  3. Keep highly hazardous compressed gases, especially toxic and pyrophoric materials, in a fume hood or mechanically ventilated gas cabinet. This is a safety measure to remove the hazards posed by a potential gas leak.

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses on a weekly basis.  For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your laboratory, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Research Safety Specialist.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation to a laboratory for storing flammable chemicals in a cold room.

Cold rooms, like kitchen grade refrigerators, are not safe for the storage of flammable items due to their unprotected internal wiring and motor which can lead to an explosion if flammable vapors accumulate inside. The safest approach for refrigerating liquid flammable materials is to purchase a specifically designed flammable material storage refrigerator.  Unlike regular refrigerators and cold rooms these units have interiors that prevent sparks from escaping during opening and closing and compressor operation, a specialized thermostat, and door gaskets that provide airtight seals that insulate and prevent the release of hazardous vapors.   While these refrigerators do cost more than standard models, the safety value is an important return.

For more information on how to properly store chemicals in a laboratory setting please visit rascal and complete “Chemical Storage and Segregation 101 (TC2100).”

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses on a weekly basis.  For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your laboratory, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Research Safety Specialist.


During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation to a lab for obstructing a means of egress; large shipping crates containing microscope components were found to be blocking fire exits in a corridor. Obstruction of means of egress is a serious life safety issue that could result in injury or death in the event of an emergency. Keeping means of egress freely passable is important to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies, as well as safe access to spaces by first responders.

New York City Building Code stipulates that the minimum corridor width shall be no less than 44 inches; in a laboratory, 36 inch aisle clearance is required. Additionally, combustible materials are not permitted to be stored in a corridor at any time. Excessive storage of combustible materials in a laboratory may also result in a violation. If receiving a large item for delivery in the corridor or laboratory, please ensure that it is promptly unpacked and stored in its proper location.  Arrangements for set-up of such equipment should be coordinated well in advance with delivery personnel, service technicians, movers and Facilities. Empty boxes, crates, and palettes must also be removed as soon as reasonably possible.

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses on a weekly basis.  For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your laboratory, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Research Safety Specialist.

Please click Fire Safety for more information about Fire Safety at Columbia, including the FDNY Certificate of Fitness program.