FDN(wh)Y Me? 2019

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY Inspector issued a violation to a lab for its failure to secure a compressed gas cylinder. The contents of compressed gas cylinders are under significant pressure and can result in significant harm, or worse, to persons and property if the cylinder is damaged. As such, cylinders must always be handled with caution, and must always be restrained as follows: 

  1. To a fixed object with one or more noncombustible restraints.(Note: cylinders shall not be secured to plumbing systems or electrical conduits.) 
  2. On a cart or other mobile device specifically designed for the movement of compressed gas cylinders.
  3. Within a rack, framework, cabinet or similar assembly designed for such use (i.e. floor base holder). In addition, all flammable compressed gases must be separated from all oxidizing compressed gases by a minimum of 20 feet as outlined in Section 3504.1.3 of the New York City Fire Code. 

 

Labeled parts of a compressed gas cylinder

To have a bracket installed on a bench top or to have a chain/strap installed into the wall, please contact Facilities at 212-854-2222 (Morningside) or 212-305-4357 (CUIMC). 

Regulators and manifolds are often used with cylinders and offer safety benefits.  Regulators reduce the pressure of the stored gas to lower pressure that can be used safely in laboratories; always use a regulator designed for compatibility with the contents of the cylinder that it will be attached to. The regulator should also be replaced with the protective cap when the cylinder is not in active use in order to minimize the chance of a release.

Manifolds are used to distribute a single gas from two or more cylinders. By removing the need to handle gas cylinders and pressure regulators during change-out gas manifolds enhance the safety within spaces that use multiple cylinders Never mix gases in a gas manifold as injury to personnel or damage to equipment may result. 

Remember to schedule regular inspections of manifolds that are not located within your main laboratory or that are shared with multiple laboratories. Please also ensure that the cylinder labels are clearly visible at all times.  

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 a Safety Advisor.

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY laboratory inspector issued a violation to a laboratory for storing flammable chemicals in a cold room.

Cold rooms, like household- or kitchen-grade refrigerators, are not safe for the storage of flammable items. Refrigerators and cold rooms do not provide exhaust or ventilation, except when their doors are open. Household models use internal electronics and motor(s) which are not wired to be intrinsically safe, and are thus capable of igniting flammable vapors that may accumulate inside. The safest approach for refrigerating liquid flammable materials is to purchase a specifically designed flammable material storage refrigerator. Unlike regular refrigerators and cold rooms these units have interiors that prevent sparks from escaping during opening and closing and compressor operation, a specialized thermostat, and door gaskets that provide airtight seals that insulate and prevent the release of hazardous vapors. While these refrigerators do cost more than standard models, the safety value is an important return. Alternatively, reagents and other chemicals can be brought to working temperature via ice bath or other external cooling methods.

For more information on how to properly store chemicals in a laboratory setting please visit rascal and complete “Chemical Storage and Segregation 101 (TC2100).”

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Inspection 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 an EH&S Safety Advisor.