FDN(wh)Y Me? 2017

In the demanding environment of our research laboratories it can be relatively easy to forget some essential safety and regulatory guidelines. Such an oversight may result in simple administrative consequences, but may also cause personnel to be in harm’s way. For this edition, instead of waiting until the inspector issues a citation for irregularities (violations) found in your lab – and asking “Why Me?” – remember some of those regulations most commonly overlooked, and prepare for the next inspection.

• Flammable Liquids - Each laboratory is allowed to store a limited amount of flammables liquids. Check this limit on the Laboratory Permit (posted at your lab, or available by request through [email protected]), and periodically run a quick inventory of flammable liquids in storage, especially before ordering supplies. Keep in mind that flammable chemical waste counts towards the total amount and that the assessment is based on the volume of the containers, not on the actual volume of liquid in each container.
• Chemical Segregation - While checking the inventory of flammable materials make sure that all chemicals in the laboratory’s inventory are properly segregated. Most common mistakes consist of not segregating the following groups of chemicals: organic acids (e.g. acetic acid), inorganic acids (e.g. hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid), bases (e.g. sodium hydroxide, ammonia), flammable organic liquids (e.g. methanol, ethanol, isopropanol), and oxidizing agents (e.g. nitric acid, perchloric acid). View the chemical segregation chart for detailed information.
• Chemical Labeling - Label clearly, using full chemical names, not formulas, symbols or abbreviations, all chemical containers in use on the bench or in storage. Place a completed label on waste containers indicating the chemical composition and hazard type. Remember to write the opening date on the label of peroxide-forming chemicals (e.g. diethyl ether), to perform and document the periodic testing of such chemicals (every 6 months), and to discard them at the end of the allowed storage period, or by the date indicated by the manufacturer. Also, position compressed gas cylinders such as the manufacturer’s label identifying their content is visible. If this is not possible, place a visible handwritten label on the cylinder.
• Fume Hoods - Have a close look at your chemical fume hood and make sure that is free of clutter. Remember, the fume hood is not a storage cabinet. Check the flow monitor if you have one or hang a strip of paper tissue to assure that the air flow is adequate at the working sash height.
• Emergency Equipment - Test weekly your eyewash stations; flush for a sufficient time to ensure clean water is running, and verify that access is not blocked.
• Storage and Egress - Ensure that access routes in the laboratory are not blocked by clutter or big pieces of equipment, and aisles measure at least the required 36 inches in width.

Consider these steps a simple guide to help ensure the health and safety of all laboratory personnel, not only as a means to avoid an FDNY summons issued to your lab. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site weekly at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Research Safety Specialist.

Properly labelling and identifying chemicals in a laboratory is of utmost importance when it comes to safety. A chemical’s identity is needed in order to determine proper use, storage, and transport practices, and is essential in determining emergency response actions in the event of a release or exposure. During the 2016 surveys conducted by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), 15% of approximately 300 surveyed  laboratories  across the Medical Center and Morningside campuses were determined to have improperly labeled chemicals. All chemical containers within the laboratory must be labeled at all times; if chemicals are removed from their original container and placed in a secondary container, the secondary containers must be labeled with full name(s) of the chemical(s), hazard identification, and concentrations of its components. As a reminder, the ChemWatch system, available to all Columbia University staff and students through the EH&S website, is able to generate labels with this information.

The waste generated by laboratories is not exempt from this labeling requirement, in fact, it is heavily regulated and subject to inspection by agencies such as the FDNY and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is critical that laboratories be thorough when completing a waste label, ensuring that it includes:

• Name of the lab or Principal Investigator (PI)
• Name of building
• Room number
• Phone number
• Full name(s) of the chemical(s), not abbreviations or formulas
• Percentage amount of each component in the container
• Selection of appropriate waste characteristic(s) (see highlighted portion of image)

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

Are there researchers in your laboratory who work on weekends or in the evenings? The FDNY performs routine inspections during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, but can also perform inspections during evenings, overnights, weekends and even holidays. Any time when a laboratory is occupied, a person with a valid C-14 Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Chemical Laboratories (also known simply as the C-14) must be present. Coverage also must be present even when researchers are in the laboratory for a short period of time and even if chemicals aren’t in active use. Accordingly, EH&S recommends that a majority of researchers obtain the C-14 certificate to ensure adequate coverage during these off-peak hours.

The FDNY has an Alternate Issuance Program (AIP) which allows EH&S Fire Safety to provide instruction and administer an onsite exam at no charge to the individual. In order to qualify to sit for the class, one must possess either:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field plus two (2) years of post-graduate laboratory experience, or
• A Master’s or Doctoral degree in a science-related field.

For information, required paperwork and class schedules please visit:

• https://research.columbia.edu/content/certificate-fitness-information

Individuals without a Bachelor’s degree or the required post-baccalaureate experience may still be eligible to obtain the C-14 directly through the FDNY. For example, personnel with at least 60 college credits of which 21 are in a science or engineering discipline may take the exam at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn. For more details, please visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/description/cof-c14 All personnel, regardless of their eligibility for testing, are welcome to attend the EH&S C-14 preparatory classes.

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site weekly at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, 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 means of egress; a large table was found to be blocking a laboratory door. In the event of an emergency, it is important to keep means of egress and emergency equipment safe and free from obstruction to ensure safe evacuation and a speedy response time.

Means of egress from the laboratory and access to emergency equipment must not be blocked. An unobstructed path to the exit must be maintained at all times. Access to emergency equipment, including overhead emergency showers, eyewashes and fire extinguishers must not be obstructed, allowing for easy access by laboratory personnel. If concerned with the location of your fire extinguisher, contact your building’s Research Safety Specialist or place a work order with Facilities Operations to have the extinguisher repositioned to a more accessible height or location.

On a broader note, since 2004, National Preparedness Month is observed each September in the United States. National Preparedness month encourages taking the appropriate steps to prepare for emergencies in homes, schools, communities, and yes, research laboratories.  Use this time as an opportunity for your laboratory to ensure all personnel are aware of the locations of all exits and emergency equipment. Emergency equipment is inclusive of fire extinguishers, safety showers and emergency eye wash stations, as well as spill response materials.  Laboratory staff are trained on the safe use of all emergency equipment. Do not wait for an emergency to inspect emergency response equipment.

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

In the wake of Fire Safety Month in October, keep in mind that all of the fire safety practices you learn here at Columbia University also apply at home. The holiday season can be a top time for household fires. According to the NFPA, household fires involving cooking peak on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Unattended cooking is the leading contributor of these kitchen fires.

Holiday decorations, such as candles and Christmas trees can also start fires. Take care to set up decorations and trees away from heat sources such as fire places, radiators and heating vents. Approximately one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems or lighting equipment so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for string lights and always turn them off before leaving home or going to bed. As a reminder, cut trees, wreaths and other “live” decorations are prohibited in university laboratories, office spaces and dormitories. If you have any live decorations off-campus, keep in mind that dried out trees and/or wreaths pose a greater risk so it is a good idea to discard them promptly after the holiday.

These two Fire Safety acronyms, RACE & PASS will serve you well, both at Columbia University laboratories and at home. You can also get more information on non-laboratory fire safety at http://facilities.columbia.edu/fire-safety-education.

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

https://research.columbia.edu/content/research-safety-specialist-territory-assignments