FDNY Permit Requirement for Columbia University Laboratories
All laboratories in the City of New York that meet the criteria below are required by the FDNY to maintain a Non-Production Chemical Laboratory Permit.
Permit Description
A permit is required to store, handle or use the following hazardous materials in a laboratory unit in quantities exceeding:
(a) 1 gallon of flammable liquid or;
(b) 1 gallon of combustible liquid or;
(c) 75 SCF of flammable gas.
In addition to these limits, certain compressed gases and cryogenic fluids also have FDNY-established threshold quantities that may trigger permit requirements. A common example is the use of 60 gallons or more of a cryogenic fluid, such as liquid nitrogen.
Inspections and Compliance
To maintain your laboratory’s FDNY permit, annual inspections are conducted by the FDNY with an EH&S officer to ensure compliance. Any findings of non-compliance may result in a violation order
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) works closely with laboratories to support fire safety and regulatory compliance. EH&S conducts annual laboratory surveys and FDNY pre=inspections to help laboratories meet all applicable requirements.
Please review the FDNY Laboratory Safety Checklist linked below to ensure your lab remains in compliance throughout the year.
For questions or guidance on laboratory fire safety and compliance, contact [email protected]
FDNY Laboratory Compliance Checklist
Additional Questions? Please check out our FAQ sheets.