FDN(wh)Y Me? 2010

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector issued a violation to a laboratory for failure to produce documentation/evidence from a New York City Certificate of Fitness Holder (C-15) demonstrating that the blackout curtains being used in the laboratory were “tested and certified” as either inherently flame resistant (IFR) or flameproofed, as required by the recently revised Fire Code.

When a laboratory purchases blackout curtains, the curtains must meet new Fire Code requirements, including documentation from a C-15 holder that the curtains were “tested and certified”.  EH&S strongly advises laboratories to purchase IFR curtains for use in the laboratory because once “tested and certified” by a C-15 holder, these curtains do not require any additional testing or maintenance. 

If your laboratory needs to purchase blackout curtains, Columbia University’s approved vendor will be able to provide IFR curtains, along with proper documentation from a C-15 holder demonstrating that the curtains were “tested and certified”, as required by the Fire Code.  Refer to our website for more information on blackout curtains. 

During his regular rounds, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector attempted to activate the laboratory’s eyewash/deluge hose to ensure its proper function.  The eyewash/deluge hose did not produce water as required.  He asked the lab personnel when the eyewash/deluge hose was last tested. No one in the laboratory could remember.   As a result, a violation was written.

A chemical splash to the eye or face could occur at any time in a laboratory.  All types of eyewashes must be tested by laboratory personnel weekly to ensure proper operation.  If problems are noted during weekly testing, please contact your campus Facilities department for maintenance.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector observed a researcher drinking a cup of coffee while working at his desk next to his lab bench.  The inspector reminded the researcher of the sign on the lab door which prohibits eating, drinking and smoking in the lab, and the researcher was asked to remove his drink from the lab.  The FDNY inspector issued a violation for the non-compliance.

Food and drink are not allowed in the laboratory as a measure to prevent ingestion of contaminated food/drink and maintain compliance with University policy.   In a laboratory space, desks that are adjacent to laboratory benches or even located in the same room are considered part of the laboratory unit.   Food and drinks are to be consumed in designated areas only, not in any area of the laboratory.

Recently the FDNY Inspector, during his weekly inspection, found multiple cases of improper extension cord use resulting in the issuing of violations. In one instance, the inspector discovered that the lab had run an orange extension cord from inside the laboratory, along the floor, and eventually to the outside corridor to power the group’s coffee maker. Another lab had an extension cord running up along one wall, across the ceiling, and back down along another wall to power a refrigerator. A violation was written in both instances for improper extension cord use.

The lab’s refrigerator set-up was wrong g because extension cords may only be used with portable equipment, never as permanent solutions to supply power to stationary equipment. The fire code states that extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to buildings or structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact-the reason why the coffee maker connection was cited. 

A recent inspection of a Columbia University Laboratory led to a Notice of Violation when the FDNY inspector found that no Certificate of Fitness (C-14) holders were present. During FDNY lab inspections, the inspector will always request to see the credentials of a Certificate Fitness for the Supervision of Chemical Laboratories. In this lab comprised of six individuals, three were C-14 holders, but each were absent at the time of the inspection.

According to the NYC Fire Code, each laboratory must be under the direct supervision of a C-14 COF holder when in operation. Laboratories are encouraged to have as many people as possible apply for a Certificate of Fitness to ensure that there will be coverage at all times in the case of absences. View our website for more information about obtaining the COF.

Fire Extinguishers: Pull the Pin...Call it in!

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector issued a violation to a laboratory when he noticed that its fire extinguisher did not have sufficient pressure needed to discharge its contents (the pressure gauge arrow was in the “red zone”).

When questioned, the laboratory personnel informed EH&S that the fire extinguisher was used briefly two weeks prior to the inspection and was not reported because its contents were not fully discharged. A fire extinguisher must be replaced after each use regardless of the amount of material discharged. Whenever the lever is squeezed, it will gradually lose pressure over time and will not be effective for use when needed.

While fire extinguishers are maintained and inspected monthly by EH&S at Morningside and Facilities at the Medical Center campus, it is the responsibility of laboratory personnel to contact the appropriate department for replacements whenever they are used.

During regular weekly rounds, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector noted a total quantity of flammable liquids present in a lab, including wastes, in excess of the laboratory’s permitted limit.  As a result, a NOV was written for failure to adhere to flammable materials storage requirements.

The laboratory space in this scenario housed two Principal Investigators whose combined waste and stock inventories exceeded the allowable total for flammable liquids.  All laboratories, regardless of the number of PIs or staff working within the space, are limited to a specified quantity of flammable materials.  Depending on the laboratory’s construction and the presence or absence of sprinklers, limits range from 15-30 total gallons.  Shared laboratories must make cooperative arrangements to ensure these limits are not exceeded for their space. 

For information regarding the flammable materials quantity limits specific to your lab, please contact a Fire Safety Officer at EH&S.

To request pick-up of flammable (and other hazardous chemical) wastes, please click below: http://vesta.cumc.columbia.edu/ehs/wastepickup/

During regular weekly rounds, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector noted the lack of an oxygen sensor in a common equipment room in which over 60 gallons of cryogenic materials were stored. The Inspector wrote a violation requiring the installation of an oxygen sensor. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a -80° freezer had been repositioned in the room, blocking access to an existing wall mounted oxygen sensor.

Oxygen sensors must be visible and mounted in close proximity to the cryogenic materials. The laboratory space in this scenario was utilized by multiple Principal Investigators whose combined liquid nitrogen inventory exceeded the 60 gallon threshold for cryogenic liquids requiring an oxygen sensor and the presence of a G-97 Certificate of Fitness holder for the Storage of Cryogenic Liquids. Laboratory egress and emergency equipment including, but not limited to, fire extinguishers, emergency showers, and oxygen sensors must be easily accessible and not blocked by laboratory equipment.  For information regarding the flammable materials quantity limits specific to your laboratory, please contact a Fire Safety Officer at EH&S.