FDNY NOV Preventive Measures For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Laboratory Safety Officer.
As an aid to laboratories in avoiding FDNY Notices of Violation (NOV), EH&S distributes monthly FDNY inspection findings which resulted in an NOV citation to an actual CU laboratory on either the Morningside or Medical Center campus. These real life scenarios are meant to assist you in ensuring that such conditions do not exist in your laboratory. October, 2009 # 28 – During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector found a bottle of 2-Propanol without an opening date but DID NOT issue a violation as he normally would. September, 2009 # 27 – During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a chemical storage cabinet and noted that Hydrochloric Acid was being stored alongside Acetic Acid in the same secondary container. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper segregation of hazardous chemicals.  August, 2009 # 26 - During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a cold room. Inside the cold room, a spray bottle containing 70% ethanol was found. When lab workers were asked about the container, they stated “it was used to decontaminate the bench top and equipment inside the cold room”. The lab was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). July, 2009 # 25 - During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a chemical storage cabinet and noted that a lecture bottle of propane gas was being stored alongside acids and flammable liquids. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper segregation of hazardous chemicals. Small cylinder gases, such as lecture bottles, can never be stored in the same cabinets with any liquids, such as flammables, acids, and bases. Ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely and segregated according to hazard class. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart (http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/chemSegChart.pdf). June, 2009 # 24 - During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, an FDNY Inspector observed several glass bottles of various chemicals stored on the floor of a laboratory. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper storage of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials including flammable, corrosive or toxic chemicals must be stored safely, in such a manner as to prevent accidental release. If bottles are stored on the floor, they must be protected by secondary containment measures, such as tubs, constructed of a chemical-compatible material. Please ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart (http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/chemSegChart.pdf). May, 2009 # 23 - During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector found a fire extinguisher that was used to hold open a laboratory door. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for failure to maintain a fire extinguisher in the proper location and readily accessible. April, 2009 # 22 - During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a chemical storage cabinet and noted that nitric acid was being stored alongside acetic acid. The inspector issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for improper segregation of hazardous chemicals. Oxidizers, such as nitric acid, can never be stored near flammable or combustible materials, such as acetic acid. Ensure that all chemicals in your laboratory are stored safely and segregated according to hazard class. For more information about proper segregation, refer to our chemical segregation chart (http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/chemSegChart.pdf). March, 2009 # 21 - During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY inspector examined the contents of a lab freezer. Inside the freezer, a small centrifuge tube containing ethanol was found. When lab workers were asked about the container, they protested stating “it was put into the freezer temporarily to cool it down for an experiment”. The lab was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). No matter the quantity, concentration, or duration, no flammable liquids may be kept in refrigerators or freezers that are not either “explosion proof” or “flammable materials”. If your lab does not have the appropriate kind of refrigerator/freezer, a dry ice bath is recommended for temporarily cooling samples of flammable liquids. February, 2009 # 20 - During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector entered a laboratory with a sprinkler system and noted cardboard boxes and equipment stacked on a shelf touching the ceiling. The inspector issued a Violation Order and informed the PI that laboratories with sprinkler systems are required to have a space clearance of 18 inches from the ceiling. Each laboratory at Columbia is issued a fire rating based on the composition of the walls and doors as well as the presence or absence of sprinklers. This fire rating is accompanied by a maximum limit for the storage of flammable materials. If you have questions about the fire rating of your lab, contact EH&S. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Laboratory Safety Officer. January, 2009 # 19 - During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector had issued an NOV to a laboratory for a refrigerator which obstructed a secondary means of egress, an acid storage cabinet, and the overhead shower. The laboratory quickly resolved the situation by relocating the refrigerator. Weeks later while the FDNY inspector was on the same floor inspecting another laboratory, the Lab Safety Officer noted that the laboratory with the NOV had moved the refrigerator back to the same spot that was in violation. The LSO explained to the lab manager that the FDNY inspector was on campus and that if he was to reinspect, the PI would be subject to court appearance and a fine. (The laboratory quickly relocated the refrigerator to a permanent space.) October, 2008 #18 - During an inspection of laboratories at Columbia University, the FDNY Laboratory Fire Inspector found one lab in possession of two tanks of liquid nitrogen. The Fire inspector asked the lab personnel if anyone in the lab had a certificate of fitness for the handling of cryogenic materials (G97). Finding none, he issued a Notice of Violation. Under the new fire code issued by the FDNY, any lab possessing more than one large tank of any cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen must have at least one person present at all times of lab operation in possession of a Certificate of Fitness (G97) for the storage, use, and handling of cryogenic materials. This specialized COF is also known by the code G97 and must be obtained from the FDNY at Metrotech Center. For additional information about the new Fire Code, click on http://ehs.columbia.edu/NYCFireCode.html September, 2008 #17 - Recently the FDNY Inspector, during his weekly inspection of Columbia laboratories, entered one lab and asked for the C-14 Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder for that lab. He was taken to another laboratory unit on the same floor, and introduced to the COF holder for the floor who worked in another laboratory. The FDNY inspector stated that he wanted to see a Certificate of Fitness holder for the original laboratory as the new Fire Code requires a COF holder for each laboratory effective July 1, 2008. The old Code allowed one per floor, but under the new Code each lab needs to have a COF holder present in the lab whenever the lab is in operation. The FDNY inspector issued an NOV to the first lab he visited.For additional information about the Certificate of Fitness click on http://ehs.columbia.edu/COFreq.html. For a consultation before the FDNYinspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Laboratory Safety Officer. August, 2008 #16 - During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector found that a lab had placed a liquid nitrogen tank in the hallway. The laboratory personnel protested that the tank was put there only temporarily to await removal by the vendor. Storage of large objects in hallways, such as liquid nitrogen tanks, is prohibited by the FDNY, even if only kept outside temporarily. Please keep all liquid nitrogen tanks inside labs whether they are empty or full, and arrange for vendors to remove them directly from inside the lab or storage area. July, 2008 #15 - During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector found a lab storing an excessive amount of cardboard (combustible rubbish) and subsequently issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). Each laboratory at Columbia is required to keep the amount of combustible materials inside the lab to a minimum. Storage of unused cardboard boxes or any other unnecessary combustible materials inside the lab is considered by the FDNY to be a fire hazard. Please discard cardboard boxes as soon as they are emptied. June, 2008 #14 - During a routine weekly lab inspection the FDNY inspector found a compressed gas cylinder that was improperly secured. On further inspection, the compressed gas cylinder was found to be secured by a cylinder clamp to electrical conduit running along the wall. The lab manager was reminded that compressed gas cylinders must be secured to substantial objects such as counter tops, or properly mounted wall hooks. FDNY Rules prohibit the securing of compressed gas cylinders to electrical or plumbing conduits. The Fire inspector issued a NOV for improperly securing a compressed gas cylinder. Go to TopMay, 2008 #13 - During his weekly lab inspection, the FDNY inspector revisited a laboratory inspected several months earlier. During the previous inspection, he issued a Violation Order (VO) for expired chemicals, specifically 2-Propanol, which had been opened in December 2006. Upon re-inspection he found the lab had the same (or a similar) bottle of 2-Propanol stored in the flammable storage cabinet. He reminded the lab that secondary alcohols that can form peroxides have a shelf life of one-year from date of opening, and then issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the lab. The lab is now responsible for properly disposing of the 2-Propanol and having EH&S certify the correction and return the paperwork to the Fire Department. Failure to correct and return the NOV to the Fire Department in the allotted time frame (35 days) could result in a mandatory Environmental Control Board (ECB) appearance and a fine. April, 2008 #12 - During a regular inspection of labs at Columbia, the FDNY inspector found that a lab was in excess of its flammable liquid storage limits and subsequently issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). Each laboratory at Columbia is issued a fire rating based on the composition of the walls and doors as well as the presence or absence of sprinklers. This fire rating is accompanied by a maximum limit for the storage of flammables materials. To find out the fire rating of your lab and its flammable material storage limits, contact EH&S. March, 2008 #11 - As part of his weekly rounds, the FDNY inspector visited a lab and inspected its chemical storage areas. FDNY regulations mandate that all acids must be stored with chemical-resistant liners or spill trays, and never on bare metal. February, 2008 #10 - The FDNY Inspector made a random visit to a lab. Upon entering the lab, he saw a researcher having his breakfast, with a cup of coffee and a bagel on the bench. The researcher continued to drink his coffee and eat his bagel as the FDNY Inspector approached. The inspector asked the researcher if they are aware of the sign on the lab door which prohibits eating, drinking and smoking in the lab. As a result, the researcher was asked to remove his food from the lab and the FDNY inspector issued a NOV. January, 2008 #9 - As part of his regular rounds, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector visited a small laboratory crowded with research materials. The Inspector noted that cardboard boxes were piled high on laboratory bench shelves, reaching to the ceiling. The Inspector issued a warning to the laboratory that combustible material may NOT be stored closer than 18" to the ceiling in which sprinklers are mounted. When the Inspector returned to follow-up several months later, it was apparent that the lab had not corrected the situation, and a NOV was issued. As a result, the lab was given 30 days to correct the situation, or a summons to the NYC Environmental Control Board (ECB) would be issued. December, 2007 #8 - While escorting the FDNY Inspector on his regular rounds, EH&S was called to respond to a small fire in a laboratory. Upon reaching the scene, EH&S staff were relieved to discover that the fire was smothered using the fire extinguisher in the lab, that no one was injured, and that there was only cosmetic damage to the facility. Interviews with laboratory personnel indicated that the fire began when a small, lighted alcohol torch tipped over and spilled its contents, which ignited along with papers on the work surface. Digging deeper into the source of the fire, it was learned that the alcohol torch was being operated without its protective cap in place, which had been lost. Laboratory equipment, if not used properly, has the potential to create hazardous conditions. Always verify the integrity of equipment before beginning work and report any suspected problems to supervisors or EH&S. November, 2007 #7 - While escorting the FDNY Inspector on his regular rounds, EH&S staff noticed an odd burning odor on a lab floor. Upon investigation, it was determined that a Western Blot, conducted in a cold room, had overheated and melted the plastic buffer tank. The cause of the heat build-up was found to be a stir-plate short circuit, resultant from contact with liquid. The FDNY inspector noted that the immediate danger had passed and continued on his rounds, leaving EH&S to determine the cause of the incident and future prevention measures, and the lab to clean the mess. Interviews with laboratory personnel indicated that crushed ice was placed beneath the stir-plate in an attempt to cool the procedure. Electrical equipment must be protected from contact with conductive liquids (such as water) at all times! Not all hazards encountered in the research environment come from chemicals; physical hazards from electrical equipment, compressed gases, cryogenic materials, and blunt forces must also be considered. For assistance in recognizing and controlling physical and chemical hazards in your lab, please contact your Laboratory Safety Officer. Go to TopOctober, 2007 #6 - While inspecting a laboratory, the FDNY inspector found a bottle of 2-Propanol with an expired shelf life. This chemical is good for only one year from the opening date. The inspector reminded the lab not to store chemicals that are out of date because there is a potential for these to form peroxides which at times might be explosive, and then a Notice of Violation (NOV) was issued to the lab. September, 2007 #5 - During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY inspector found a small test tube labeled "70% ethanol in water solution" stored in a regular refrigerator. Alcohol, regardless of the quantity, can only be placed in a chemical storage refrigerator or explosion-proof refrigerator. When questioned, the laboratory researcher explained that the vial was being chilled for use in an experiment that day. The Inspector reminded the laboratory that flammables cannot be stored in an ordinary refrigerator and issued a NOV. August, 2007 #4 - During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY inspector noticed a Nitrogen compressed gas tank that was not secured. The strap was hanging loose, and the lab manager stated that the supplier's representative had delivered the cylinder that morning. The Inspector reminded the laboratory that it is their responsibility to make sure all tanks are secured, and issued a NOV. see attached cylinder photo.
Go to TopJuly, 2007 #3 – During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY inspector asked “who is the Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder for this lab or for the floor”? Turns out a COF holder for the laboratory was not present at the time of the inspection. The Inspector reminded the PI that it is their responsibility to ensure that a COF holder is present on the floor or in the lab when the laboratory is in operation (including weekends, nights and holidays), and then issued an NOV. To obtain a Certificate of Fitness, visit our website at http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/COFreq.html. FDNY allows EH&S to administer the test onsite to applicants who meet the FDNY educational requirements. EH&S pays the test fee and its renewal every three years. We strongly recommend each lab have at least one Certificate of Fitness holder. June, 2007 #2 – During weekly laboratory inspection rounds, the FDNY inspector found a chemical bottle wrapped in aluminum foil that he determined to be in violation of FDNY regulations. When the foil was removed, the bottle was clearly labeled as a bottle of glycerol-a relatively benign substance, but still subject to FDNY regulation. FDNY regulations require chemical containers to be clearly and visibly labeled to indicate their contents at all times. While the manufacturer’s label was on the bottle itself, the foil wrapper prevented the label from being seen. The Inspector reminded the laboratory staff that it is their responsibility to make sure all chemical containers are clearly labeled and then issued a Notice of Violation (NOV). May, 2007 #1 - During a weekly random laboratory inspection, the FDNY Laboratory Inspector found a FuGENE 6 Transfection Reagent kit in a non-flammable, non-explosion refrigerator. According to the MSDS (material safety data sheet), the kit contains 1 mL of reagent, consisting of 80-90% ethanol, a flammable. The FDNY inspector reminded laboratory personnel that there is no /de minimis/ quantity of flammable materials allowed in refrigerators not approved for flammable materials storage, and issued an NOV. |
