New Principal Investigators (PIs) and Laboratory

Complete in the first month:

1. Complete the New Principal Investigator Questionnaire: This will ensure a smooth onboarding process and provide tailored resources for your research needs.
2. Complete the Principal Investigator Research Safety Responsibilities  Training (TC6800) AND initial Laboratory Safety/Chemical Hygiene/Hazardous Waste Training (TC4951).
3. EH&S Welcome Meeting: This short meeting will provide an overview of the services EH&S delivers and your lab’s safety responsibilities. Once the New Principal Investigator Questionnaire is completed, EH&S will reach out to you to set up a time.
4. Complete Laboratory Assessment Tool and Chemical Hygiene Plan, or LATCH: Follow our guide or visual guide to complete this. This will allow you to add researchers to your roster (lab must complete lab safety training to be added to system), along with an emergency number.
5. Meet with an EH&S Safety Advisor: This meeting focuses on answering any questions in completing the laboratory’s first LATCH and gives an opportunity to conduct a walkthrough of your space to address any questions. Please reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment.
6. Meet with a Biosafety Officer ([email protected]) if your research involves recombinant DNA subject to the NIH guidelines, or potentially infectious material, including cultures, viral vectors or clinical specimens. A team member will also reach out to you after the completion of the questionnaire.
7. Meet with a Radiation Officer ([email protected]) if your research involves radiation or working with radiation-producing equipment. A team member will also reach out to you after the completion of the questionnaire.
8. Ensure all laboratory members complete the Initial Laboratory Safety/Chemical Hygiene/Hazardous Waste Training (TC4951) prior to starting laboratory work.
9. Ensure that standardized operating procedures (SOP) are available to all laboratory members.
10. Ensure all laboratory members complete topic-specific training depending on the lab’s operations. Applicable courses can be identified via the University’s Research Compliance Training Finder tool.
11. Ensure that any employee members of the lab have completed applicable pre-placement medical surveillance and clearances.
12. Update the laboratory door sign(s) with your name and the hazards found in the laboratory (door sign is based on campus, see below).

12. Ensure that the laboratory has all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and spill kits.
     a. PPE: Laboratory coats can be rented from an approved vendor found here. 
     b. Gloves and protective eyewear can be purchased through a preferred laboratory supplier, such as Grainger or Fisher Scientific. 
     c. Spill Kits: Locations and requirements for laboratory spill kits depend on campus:

• Morningside: Spill kits are managed by EH&S and located in the hallways with the exception of specialized spill kits (Mercury, HF, Formaldehyde).
• JLG: Spill kits are managed by EH&S and are located under the sinks near the fume hoods with the exception of specialized spill kits (Mercury, HF, Formaldehyde).
• CUIMC: The laboratory is responsible for purchasing and maintaining their spill kits.   
                 

13. Ensure you and all laboratory members who are eligible apply to obtain an FDNY C-14 Certificate of Fitness. Information on applying can be found here.

• If the laboratory will be working with flammable gas torches, the user may also need to obtain a G-60 Certificate of Fitness. Please contact EH&S for more information.
• Post a copy of these cards in a central location in the lab.
   

14. Ensure proper documentation is present: If the lab is installing a curtain in the lab, there must be proper documentation that the curtain is flame resistant (C-15 affidavit or manufacturer documentation). If the curtain does not have a tag proving IFR rating, please post documentation close to the curtains or at a central location to show on request.