Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)

For after-hour contacts: CLICK HERE

During normal business hours, please use the below contacts:
Morningside Campus (MS)/ Manhattanville (MV) : (212) 854-8749

Medical Center (CUIMC): (212) 305-6780 & (212) 305-0303 (Radiation Safety)

 

 

 

Emergency contact phone number listing.

Programs

Biological Safety

Responsible for anticipating, assessing and controlling risks posed by the handling and use of bacteria, viruses, potentially infectious human materials and other microorganisms, toxins and biological materials, in research and clinical practice.

Controlled Substances

Ensures that researchers planning work with controlled substances are aware of and understand their responsibility for complying with the relevant state and federal statutes and regulations governing the use of these substances.

Fire Safety

Provides training, certification and instructions for safe laboratory practices to prevent fires.

Hazardous Materials and Sustainability

Maintains compliance with all applicable regulations, promoting best management practices and waste minimization programs for the University community. 

Laboratory and Research Safety

Encompasses the recognition, evaluation and control of all hazards associated with working in a laboratory, including hazards posed by the handling and use of biological, chemical and radiological materials, and the use of laboratory research equipment.

Occupational Safety

Provides guidance for the safe use of chemicals, health hazards and routes of exposure, controlling or minimizing potential exposure, medical surveillance, training, waste disposal and emergency procedures.

Radiation and Laser Safety

Responsible for assisting the Columbia University community in the safe use of ionizing radiation including radioactive materials (RAM), lasers and x-rays.

Safety Training

Provides safety training for faculty, staff and students of Columbia University, Barnard College, NYSPI and other affiliates to empower individuals with the knowledge to maintain and promote a safe workplace.

Mission Statement 

Columbia University is committed to establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment for our staff, students, neighbors and surrounding communities. Through the recognition, evaluation, and control of personal and environmental hazards, the University strives to eliminate individual risk and reduce the environmental impact of its activities. EH&S offers a broad range of services and actively develops partnerships with faculty and departmental personnel to ensure a safe work environment and compliance with University policy and applicable regulations in the most efficient manner possible. These endeavors are realized through programs such as personnel training, chemical hygiene plan, biological safety, environmental safety, fire safety, occupational safety, and asbestos and lead management in compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

Goals:

  • Setting an example for effective health and safety programs;
  • Minimizing risk of exposure to hazardous chemical, physical or biological agents;
  • Minimizing risk of work related injury and illness;
  • Minimizing risk to the environment; and
  • Realizing these goals with a minimum burden on education and research activities.