Columbia University Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) serves as the primary health and safety resource to assist laboratories in promoting best practices in safety and environmental performance in all education and research activities, while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulatory requirements, agreements and permits, including implementation of each laboratory's specific LATCH in compliance with the OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450. EH&S is responsible for:
- Providing technical support and assistance in the areas of chemical safety, radiation safety, hazardous waste, biological safety, industrial hygiene, fire/life safety and environmental stewardship.
- Developing and implementing the University wide Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan. EH&S reviews the program for regulatory compliance including federal, state, and city regulations, and represents Columbia University to the various federal, state, and city regulatory and environmental agencies.
- Developing and implementing training and educational programs designed to improve the health and safety of the Columbia University community and to foster compliance with governmental regulations and professional standards.
- Conducting regular visits to laboratories to assist in compliance with the Plan.
- Implementing policies approved by the Institutional Health and Safety Council.