Asbestos

Q: What is asbestos?
A: The term "asbestos” refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in soil and rocks around the world. These minerals are composed of magnesium, silicon, and other elements. Due to its unique properties, asbestos has been used as an insulating material since ancient times. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, another type of cancer.

Q: Where is asbestos used?
A:  Before 1980, asbestos was used in construction products such as pipe insulation, vinyl floor tiles, thermal system insulation, spray-on fireproofing for beams and ceilings, roofing felts, coatings and glues, and boiler insulation.

Q: Is asbestos present in Columbia University buildings?
A:  Yes, asbestos was used during the construction of buildings until the 1970’s. Many buildings on campus are known to have asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) in good physical condition. EH&S monitors proper maintenance and, when required, safe removal of asbestos.

Q: Can I tell if something is asbestos?
A: No. It is not possible to visually determine if the substrate contains asbestos unless the material is labeled. If you have any questions about asbestos call EH&S at (212) 305-6780 at CUMC or (212) 854-8749 at MS.

Q: How is asbestos managed on campus?
A: Columbia University takes several steps to ensure a safe and healthy work environment on campus. Prior to any renovation, an environmental consultant determines through survey and/or sampling if asbestos is present and if it would be impacted during renovation.  If the substance in question is damaged or will be impacted during renovation, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor will perform asbestos abatement. A third party environmental consultant is retained to monitor the work and airborne levels of asbestos during removal activities.

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Q: What should I do if I encounter asbestos on campus?
A:  Asbestos may be present in many occupied buildings on campus. If asbestos is intact and in good condition it poses no health risk. However:

Q: Should I stay home when asbestos is being removed from my building?
A: No, the University follows all safety precautions in accordance with applicable federal, state and city regulations to ensure asbestos is removed and handled safely.

Q: Is it safe to be doing asbestos abatement in an occupied building?
A: Yes, asbestos abatement contractors follow strict rules when performing asbestos removal to ensure that asbestos fibers remain within the area where work is being performed. A third-party environmental consultant firm conducts air testing outside of the abatement area to ensure that there is no release of asbestos fibers into the adjacent non-abatement areas.

Q: How do we know that the work area is safe to occupy after an asbestos removal?
A: Columbia University employs a third-party environmental consultant firm to conduct a final visual inspection and air testing after the removal of asbestos containing material and before the area is reoccupied. Final Clearance is only given when area is safe to occupy.

Q: Whom should I contact if I have any questions or want to report suspected asbestos? 
A: Call EH&S at (212) 305-6780 at CUMC or (212) 854-8749 at MS. 

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BioSafety

Q: What is an ‘infectious organism’? How are they classified?
A: A four-tiered system, using the term Biosafety Level (BSL), is used to classify microorganisms and research materials containing them. 

Additional information on hazard classification can be found in the CDC/NIH publication, “Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories”.

Q: What types of training are required for working with infectious or potentially infectious materials?
A: The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (law) requires that biosafety training be provided to anyone working with human blood, body fluids, cell lines, unfixed tissues and any other materials deemed capable of transmitting HIV, Hepatitis B or C, or any other bloodborne disease.  University policy also requires that staff working with viral vectors or any other infectious organisms (regardless of their classification under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard) attend training. Monthly classroom training is offered at CUMC, schedule access via  http://cumc.columbia.edu/dept/ehs/training.html.  For other campuses, access the EH&S website http://ehrs.columbia.edu/.  A training module for refresher training is available online via the RASCAL system. 

Q: What is the difference between classroom training and on-line training for Bloodborne Pathogens?
A: The content is very similar.  People attending for the first time at Columbia must go to the classroom session.  Since refresher training is required annually, a reminder will be sent eleven months later informing trainees of the need for refresher training, which may be done at the next classroom session or through RASCAL.

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Q: How should microorganisms and other materials that may contain infectious materials be shipped?
A: Requirements vary based on the hazard of the material be shipped. 

The specifics of classifying materials for shipments are provided in the RASCAL module.

Q: What about transporting materials between on-campus buildings or between different campuses?
A: Intra-campus transport requires use of the same type of protective packaging that would be required if it were being offered for shipment by FedEx or UPS (the same type of triple packaging discussed in the section above).  The package must be prepared so that the exterior surface is ‘clean’ and there is no perceived need to wear gloves.  There must be no stops along the way.  Private inter-campus transport is prohibited for Category A & B materials and strongly discouraged for other biological materials (clinical materials not expected to contain a pathogen and BSL-1/non-pathogenic microorganisms). If you have the need for such transport, contact EH&S.

Q: What are the rules for recombinant DNA?
A: The use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) is governed by the NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant DNA Molecules .  The Guidelines apply institution-wide, regardless of whether an individual lab receives funding from the NIH.  Recombinant DNA molecules are defined as either:  (i) molecules that are constructed outside living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell, or (ii) molecules that result from the replication of those described in (i) above.  The Guidelines require varying levels of institutional registration and pre-approval depending on the risk of a particular recombinant DNA activity.  ALL recombinant DNA procedures must be registered, and if necessary pre-approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).

Q: What is the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)?
A: The NIH requires .all institutions where rDNA is used, establish an IBC to review and approve rDNA protocols.  It is composed of administrators, researchers and community members not affiliated with the University, who provide expertise in policy-making, infection control and risk assessment.

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Q: How do I submit a rDNA proposal to the IBC?

In vitro use

A: Go to RASCAL.  In the ‘Compliance’ section, open the link to ‘Hazardous Materials’ and select ‘Appendix A’, recombinant DNA.  Complete and save the form and then, using RASCAL, submit it to EH&S.

As part of an animal care study
A: Go to RASCAL.  In the ‘Compliance’ section, open the link to ‘Hazardous Materials’ and select ‘Appendix A’, recombinant DNA.  Complete and save the form and then attach it to your animal care protocol.

Q: How are infectious materials disposed?
A: These materials are formally known as Regulated Medical Waste (RMW); its classification and disposal is governed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Containers for disposal are provided by the University in the form of rigid sharps containers or plastic bags.  Sharps containers are for needles, syringes, blades, ALL pipets, ALL contaminated glass items, and any other materials that might rip a red bag.  The bags are for gloves, bench coverings, tissue culture flasks, and petri dishes. 

Q: For disposal purposes, how are ‘infectious materials’ defined?
A: The DEC broadly defines infectious agent as ‘any organism…capable of being communicated and causing disease or adverse health impacts’.  Infectious materials include such cultures and any materials in contact with them.  Also included are any human blood/body fluids, tissues and cell lines.  Certain items are considered RMW whenever they are disposed from research settings regardless of their usage or contamination status.  They are hypodermic and suture needles, syringes, and scalpel blades.

Q: What is the collection process for RMW?
A: In most locations, lab personnel bring red bags and sharps containers (do not overfill) to the large (approximately the size of a small dining table) grey bins located in the corridors.  In buildings that do not have large grey bins, laboratories are provided with smaller grey containers, that along with filled sharps containers, are placed into the corridor outside the laboratory.  The distribution of red bags and sharps containers is managed by Facilities Operations, (212) 305-3753.

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Q: What are the requirements for decontaminating RMW before disposal? 
A: Waste streams containing or contaminated with BSL-2 organisms (agent capable of causing disease in healthy adults) should be autoclaved prior to disposal.  Collect these materials in orange autoclave bags and when done place it into a red bag. The material must still be treated as RMW.

Q: What about liquid RMW?
A: For residuals in test tubes or Eppendorfs, close the tube securely and dispose in a red bag or sharps container.  For larger volumes that cannot be similarly contained, either autoclave or add bleach in sufficient quantity to bring the concentration to 10%.  Then carefully dispose in the sink drain-be sure to wear gloves, a lab coat and eye protection.  When aspirating cultures, pre-fill collection flask with enough bleach to bring the final concentration to 10%-if the final volume will be ~100ml, use 10ml of bleach.

Q: What types of disinfectants are recommended for routine decontamination and spill clean up?
A: Many chemical types (alcohols, chlorine compounds, iodophores, phenolics, quarternary ammonia compounds, etc.) have been successfully employed in research and clinical settings.  However, in practice, the vast majority of laboratories use either alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol, 70-95%) or bleach. Each has its benefits and limitations.

For a more detailed discussion, including information about the relative strength and applications of bleach, alcohols, and other disinfectants, see: http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/decon.html

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Q: How are spills containing infectious materials cleaned up?
A:

Q: What are the training requirements for visitors, students, and others who will be working in a laboratory on a short-term basis.
A: Refer to the University Policy, Guidelines for Volunteers, Trainees and Observers, which also addresses the issue of minors in a laboratory.Principal Investigators or other staff with supervisory responsibilities should contact EH&S to ensure that people in these positions received required safety training.

Q: A granting institution requires that I document that my laboratory is “safe”; how is such documentation obtained?
A: Follow instructions at: Certificate of Environmental Safety Compliance for Grant Applications

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Ergonomics

Q: What is “Ergonomics?”
A: Ergonomics refers to the scientific, interdisciplinary study of individuals and their physical relationship to their environment. The word, ergonomics, is derived from the Greek words ergos meaning "work" and nomos meaning "laws"; therefore, it means the “laws of work.”  Ergonomics can be further defined as the design of the workplace taking into consideration workers capabilities.

Q: What is repetitive strain injury (RSI)?
A: RSI is a response to excessive and repetitive demands placed on the body resulting in excessive wear and tear on the soft tissues of the body (nerves, tendons, circulatory system, etc.). It includes Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD), Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD), Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), etc. If your body does not get a chance to heal, the damage adds up, and can eventually result in RSI.

Q: What are the injury signs that I should look for?
A: Typical symptoms include tightness, general numbness, soreness, dull ache, sharp pain, tingling, burning, swelling, and/or loss of strength in your upper extremities (hands, arms, shoulders, and neck). These symptoms tend to increase as the offending activity is continued and usually decrease or disappear after stopping the task. If you are still tired and in pain after a night's rest, the activity in question may be stressing you to the point of injury.

Q: What should I do if I experience RSI-related pain?
A: Always consult your doctor to rule out any other underlying medial cause. Review the EH&S website (www.ehs.columbia.edu/ergonomics) for ergonomic information and to determine if you need ergonomic evaluation of your workstation or activities. If you do, complete the request form and Questionnaire and send it to EH&S via email (ehrs@Columbia.edu) or fax it to (212) 795-5847 at CUMC or (212) 316-4937 at MS.

Q: What are typical injury risk factors?
A: Several factors can result in RSI. For example: physical activities like repetition, posture, force, contact stress; medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, thyroid disease, gout, excessive weight, pregnancy; and environmental/psychosocial issues such as low levels of job satisfaction, infrequent or inflexible breaks, monotonous work, limited autonomy (lack of control over the work performed), excessive work load, etc., may result in RSI.

Q: What can I do to avoid injury?
A: The best approach is to avoid the risk factors. Consult the EH&S website to review information on symptom recognition and workstation design as well as other information and resources.

Q: Can various products help to reduce RSI?
A: Use an ergonomically designed chair and adjust it to your height, arrange height of your workstation to minimize stress on neck and shoulders, adjust monitor height to minimize stress on your neck and shoulder and use keyboard at a proper height to help reduce RSI. Use of a proper pointing device like mouse, trackballs and touch pads can also reduce risk of hurting fingers and hands. Other products like wrist rests, footrests and document holders can help in keeping a neutral posture and to reduce static and forceful exertions related to RSI.

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Hazard Assessment and Chemical Exposure Monitoring

Q. What is the difference between toxicity and hazard?
A. Risk is the probability of exposure.  Toxicity is one consideration when evaluating the risk associated with using a particular chemical.  For example, although potassium cyanide is extremely toxic, how probable is it that one would be exposed to this solid, nonvolatile, mostly non-reactive chemical?

Q. What are the factors that should be considered when evaluating the risk associated with using a particular chemical?
A. The more difficult a chemical is to contain, the greater the risk the chemical poses. Chemical and physical properties such as reactivity and volatility; whether the chemical has a strong odor (i.e., low odor threshold), or is intensely irritating (good warning property) are all aspects to consider when evaluating hazard of a chemical.

Q: How does the manner in which a chemical is used contribute to the overall risk?
A: How a chemical is used can contribute greatly to (or subtract from) the overall risk.  The basic premise is the same: how difficult is it to contain the material?  If the procedure calls for large quantities of a chemical to be used in a large, open reaction vessel instead of a micro-scale, closed system, then there is greater potential for exposure to the chemical.  If the experimental procedure is so physically large and unwieldy such that it cannot be placed inside a chemical fume hood, and thus more difficult to contain, then exposure becomes more likely.  If the reaction vessel is heated and creates pressures that are greater than one (> 1) atmosphere, or if the vessel is brought to a near-vacuum, the more likely the reaction vessel will break and release its contents.  Carefully consider the chemical- and physical properties of the chemicals you will use, as well as other aspects of your experimental procedure that could contribute to the hazard.  The risks associated with a high hazard chemical can be mitigated by adjustments to the experimental procedure; conversely, a medium- or low hazard chemical can pose a greater risk by using large quantities in an uncontrolled manner.

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Q:  When is chemical exposure monitoring necessary?
A.  If a person is working with a high hazard chemical without proper engineering controls, exposure monitoring may be necessary.  Normally chemical emissions are uncontrolled if work with chemicals occurs outside of a chemical fume hood.  Certain tasks involving chemical use take place in uncontrolled settings (e.g. spray painting, working with multi-gallon quantities of hazardous chemicals on a bench top, etc.)  These are the types of work for which chemical exposure monitoring would be necessary.

Q:  What is involved in exposure monitoring?
A:  Exposure monitoring typically involves attaching a monitoring device to the worker and then analyzing the results.  The monitoring device could be either passive (monitoring badge i.e., air in the breathing zone is not actively drawn into the monitoring device) or active (charcoal tube attached to a sampling pump).  Some devices can be read directly, and some must be sent to an outside laboratory for analysis.  Monitoring devices often have ±25% sampling error, depending on the analyte.  It is important to remember that sampling methods are highly specialized; simultaneous monitoring for a second chemical usually involves another sampling technique.

Q:  How is exposure monitoring data handled?
A:  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, persons for whom exposure monitoring was performed must be notified within 15 days of the receipt of results from the laboratory.  Exposure records are kept for 30 years.

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Waste Management: Hazardous Waste  

Q:  What is Hazardous Waste?
A:  In regulatory terms, a Hazardous Waste is a chemical waste that exhibits at least one of four characteristics—ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity—or is specifically listed on one of four hazardous wastes lists developed USEPA and NYSDEC.
In general terms, Hazardous Waste is any liquid, solid, contained gas or sludge that you intend to dispose of and has properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment if not disposed of properly.  Columbia University takes a very conservative approach to Hazardous Waste management and requires that all chemical wastes, whether or not they meet the strict regulatory definition, be collected for proper disposal through EH&S.  

For more information or examples of Hazardous Waste, please contact EH&S at (212) 305-6780, refer to your laboratory Emergency Response and Waste Disposal Guide, or visit: http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/HazardousWaste.html
http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazwaste.htm

Q:  How must I manage my Hazardous Waste?
A:  Columbia University has established a set of simplified Hazardous Waste management guidelines called the “5 Ls” available at: http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/5L.html
The “5 Ls” include:

Q:  How must I Collect my Hazardous Waste?
A:  CoLLect all Hazardous Waste for proper disposal in a chemically compatible container, preferably plastic. For example, hydrofluoric acid must not be placed in a glass container and acids must not be placed in metal containers. 

Hazardous waste must not be poured down the drain, diluted, evaporated, neutralized, or treated in any manner to attempt to render them non-hazardous. Evaluate chemical inventories periodically and coLLect chemicals for disposal that are unwanted, expired or have no intended use.

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A:  How do I properly label my Hazardous Waste container?
Q:  Affix a Hazardous Waste Label to the container as soon as the first drop of Waste is added. List all of the components of the Waste on the Label.  Do not use chemical formula or abbreviations on Hazardous Waste Labels. Unlabeled containers or “UNKNOWN” are not acceptable.   Please refer to the directions on the back of the Hazardous Waste label for guidance.   Hazardous Waste labels can be obtained by contacting EHRS/EH&S (212) 305-6780 or by completing the comment section on the Chemical Waste pick-up form at: http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/cs.html

Q:  Do I need to keep my Hazardous Waste container closed?
A:  Yes, Hazardous Waste containers must be kept tightly closed at all times, except when actively adding Hazardous Waste. Use a closeable Lid that will prevent the Hazardous Waste from evaporating or spilling should the container be knocked over in the laboratory.  Funnels, corks, tin foil and/or Parafilm are not acceptable Lids for Hazardous Waste.

Q:  Where should I store my Hazardous Waste?
A:  Locate Hazardous Waste containers at or near the point of the Hazardous Waste’s generation (aka Satellite Accumulation Area). Do not Locate hazardous waste containers outside of the room in which the waste was generated.

Q: What do I do if my Hazardous Waste container is leaking?
A:  Satellite Accumulation Areas must be inspected weekly for Leaks.  Do not allow Leaking containers to remain in Satellite Accumulation Areas. If a container is leaking, immediately contact EH&S at (212)305=6780 for assistance.

Q:  Do I need to collect my alcohol waste, including ethanol? Or can I dump it down the drain?
A:  Columbia University has a strict NO DRAIN DISPOSAL POLICY for hazardous chemicals.  All Hazardous Wastes must be collected for proper disposal.  Alcohol solutions, including ethanol, are often ignitable and thus considered Hazardous Waste.  Alcohol solutions and other Hazardous Wastes must not be evaporated, neutralized, diluted or treated in any manner to attempt to render them non-hazardous.

Q: Do I need to collect my used oil?
A: Yes, used pump oil must be collected and labeled “USED OIL” for recycling. Standard waste containers may be used, such as 1 or 5-gallon poly containers. Please do not consolidate any other chemicals into the same container as used oil.  Containers and “USED OIL” labels can be obtained by contacting EH&S at (212) 305-6780 or by completing the comment section on the Chemical Waste pickup form at: http://cumc.columbia.edu/dept/ehs/chmwstfrm.html

Q:  What is Mixed Waste and how do I know if I have generated it?
A:  A:  Mixed Waste contains both a Hazardous Waste and a radionuclide.  Therefore, Mixed Waste must be collected and labeled just like the Hazardous Waste described above except the radionuclide(s) and activity must also be noted.  For more information on Mixed Waste contact the Medical Center campus Radiation Safety Office by calling (212) 305-0303 and asking for a Radiation Safety Officer. 

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Q:  How do I get more Hazardous Waste containers and Hazardous Waste labels?
A:  Hazardous Waste labels and containers are available through the Medical Center campus EH&S office.   To receive containers and/or labels fill out a Hazardous Waste pickup form at: http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/cs.html. In the additional comments section please specify the quantity, size, and type of supplies that are needed.  However, please ensure that the Hazardous Waste being collected is chemically compatible with the previous contents of the container and the container material itself.  For example, Hydrofluoric acid must not be placed in a glass container and acids must not be placed in metal containers. 

Q:  When are Hazardous Wastes picked up?
A:  At the Medical Center campus Hazardous Wastes is picked up every Friday with the exception of the Audubon Technology buildings (Lasker, Berrie and Irving) which are serviced every Thursday.  Hazardous Waste is picked up by submitting a Hazardous Waste pickup form.  They are available by visiting the “Hazardous Waste pickup form” link at:  http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/cs.html

Q:  Can I mix all of my inorganic acid waste?  
A:  Yes, inorganic acid waste may be mixed together providing the concentrations are similar (very concentrated acids such as 96% sulfuric acid must not be mixed with a very dilute acid 0.1% hydrochloric acid).  Please include the percentage of each individual acid in the mixture on the Hazardous Waste label. Hydrofluoric acid must be stored and labeled separately from other inorganic acids whenever the process permits.   Please visit the “Chemical segregation chart” link at: 
http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/chem%20seg%20chart.doc

Q:  Can I mix my flammable solvent wastes together, like acetone, methanol, hexane and ethanol?
A:  Yes, flammable solvent wastes can be commingled in the same Hazardous Waste container, but the percentage ranges must be listed individually for each constituent.  Halogenated solvent wastes containing Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine (e.g., methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, and trichloroethane), must be collected separately from non-halogenated wastes such as acetone, hexane, and ethanol.

Q:  What do we do with our sharps containers when they are full?  How do I get a replacement container?
A:  Sharps containers are picked up and replaced per request by contacting the Medical Center Facilities Operations Department at (212) 305-7367.

Q:  What do I do with my full Ethidium Bromide containers?
A:  Ethidium Bromide containers are picked up by submitting a Hazardous Waste pickup form.  They are available by visiting the “Hazardous Waste pickup form” link at: http://vesta.cumc.columbia.edu/ehs/wastepickup.

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Q:  How do I properly dispose of my batteries?
A:  Batteries must be collected for proper disposal in accordance with Hazardous Waste collection procedures.  Please collect batteries in a suitable container such as poly pail, cardboard box or sealable plastic bag.    Please follow all the Hazardous Waste requirements when handling leaking batteries.  At the Medical Center campus battery collection containers are located throughout the campus.   Please contact the Medical Center campus EH&S office at (212) 305-6780.

Q:  Can I throw my old computer in the trash?
A:  No, computer equipment (including monitors and CPUs) must be recycled.  Computers are manufactured using various heavy metals, such as Lead and Cadmium that poses a threat to the environment if disposed of in landfills.  Please contact Medical Center Facilities Operations Department at (212) 305-7367 for assistance in collecting and recycling of unwanted computer equipment.

Q:  What do I do with aerosol cans?
A:  Empty or full, aerosol cans must be collected and managed as Hazardous Waste.  Aerosol cans often contain flammable and/or other hazardous constituents that cause them to be a Hazardous Waste when processed for disposal.  Even “empty” aerosol cans often contain residual Hazardous Waste constituents and must be managed as a Hazardous Waste.  To have Aerosols picked up submit a Chemical Waste Pickup Form. 

Waste Management: Mixed Waste

Q: What is Mixed Waste and how do I know if I have generated it?

A: Mixed Waste contains both a Hazardous Waste and a radionuclide.  Therefore, Mixed Waste must be collected and labeled just like the Hazardous Waste described above except the radionuclide(s) and activity must also be noted.  For more information on Mixed Waste contact the Medical Center campus Radiation Safety office by calling (212) 305-0303 and asking for a Radiation Safety Officer. 

Waste Management: Universal Waste

Q: How do I properly dispose of my batteries?

A: Batteries must be collected for proper disposal in accordance with Hazardous Waste collection procedures.  Please collect batteries in a suitable container such as poly pail, cardboard box or sealable plastic bag.    Please follow all the Hazardous Waste requirements when handling leaking batteries.  At the Medical Center campus battery collection containers are located throughout the campus.   Please contact the Medical Center campus EH&S office at (212) 305-6780.

Q: Can I throw my old computer in the trash?

A: No, computer equipment (including monitors and CPUs) must be recycled.  Computers are manufactured using various heavy metals, such as Lead and Cadmium that poses a threat to the environment if disposed of in landfills.  Please contact Medical Center Facilities Operations Department at (212) 305-7367 for assistance in collecting and recycling of unwanted computer equipment.

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Indoor Air Quality

Q: When I have concerns about the air quality in my work area, whom should I call?
A: For questions about the temperature, humidity, air movement within a space, call CU Facilities at (212) 305-7367.  If you detect an “abnormal” odor (tar fumes, paint, chemicals, heating oil/gas, dead animal odor) in you work area call EH&S at (212) 305-6780 to investigate the source of the odor.

Q: What are some sources of odors in indoor air?
A: The source could be something within the workspace itself, in an adjacent office, down the hall, on another floor, in the stairwells or elevator shaft, or outside the building near the air intakes.  New furniture and carpeting tend to off-gas for a time, until any chemicals that may have been used in their manufacture completely evaporate.

Q: There is a strong odor in my office that suddenly appeared.  Is it dangerous?
A:  Chemical odors in non-laboratory buildings are often the result of painting, cleaning, or construction work occurring somewhere in the building most likely adjacent to your work site.  Remember that the human sense of smell will detect an odor at concentrations that are much lower than the threshold for health hazard. Even if something smells strong, it is unlikely that its actual concentration is above a few parts per million and above the health hazard threshold.

Q: There was a flood in my work area recently. What about mold?
A:  Mold spores are ubiquitous indoors and outdoors.  Mold, although constantly present, is usually not a problem until a constant water source (leak, flood, and high humidity) is present in the environment, causing mold spores to germinate.  Mold contamination that can be seen or detected by smell is a problem mainly for immuno-compromised persons and people who are allergic to mold.  Please report all water infiltrations to Facilities (212) 305-7367 for clean up.  The source of the water must be identified, stopped, and prevented from recurrence.  Clean up of the mold usually consists of wiping down surfaces with a 10% chlorine bleach solution.

Q: How is air supplied to/exhausted from my workspace?
A: Fresh air is brought into a building through air intakes.  The outdoor air is filtered to remove particulates, heated or cooled depending on the season, and distributed throughout the building.  Supply air is delivered to a space through air diffusers in the ceiling, and exhausted though return grilles (which may also be in the ceiling).  In non-laboratory spaces, which have 100% outdoor air to prevent the buildup of chemical vapors, a certain percentage of the air is re-circulated (usually between 70-80%), and the remainder is fresh, outdoor air.  If the supply diffusers and/or return grilles are blocked, it could lead to indoor air quality problems in a work area.

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Laboratory Safety

Q: What training do I need before working in the lab?
A: Lab personnel, including students, are required to attend EH&S initial live safety training covering the following areas before working in a laboratory:

Lab Safety, Hazardous Waste, Fire Safety, Safe Use of Formaldehyde and Xylene, and Bloodborne Pathogen in-person training is offered at Medical Center.  http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/Training.html

Refresher training: Personnel can attend a live session or take an on-line refresher course via RASCAL: https://www.rascal.columbia.edu/myframe.html

EH&S can provide safety training in your laboratory.  Contact your Laboratory Safety Officer (212) 305-6780 for more information.

Q: What is a Certificate of Fitness (COF)?
A: A Certificate of Fitness is a permitting document, issued by the New York City Fire Department, for individuals conducting laboratory research within New York City.  A COF certifies that the holder is familiar with chemical safety, fire protection and fire suppression systems in the premises where they will be employed.

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Q: Who needs to obtain a Certificate of Fitness?
A:  There must be one COF-holder present whenever the laboratory is occupied. Therefore, at least one person in each laboratory must obtain a COF.  To qualify as a COF-holder, a person must fulfill the following requirements:
The COF applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate science and have a minimum of five years laboratory experience, or have a master’s degree and two years of laboratory experience.  The applicant must present a copy of his or her diploma or college transcript as proof of degree earned. http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/coff.shtml

Q: What if someone does not meet the educational requirements or years-of- experience requirements and wants to obtain a COF?
A:  Individuals not meeting the educational or years-of-experience requirements may obtain a COF at New York City Fire Department Headquarters at 9 Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn N.Y.  For more information, go to the FDNY website at:  http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/coff.shtml

Q: How do I obtain a Certificate of Fitness (COF)?
A:Certificates of Fitness can be obtained at Columbia University through EH&S.  COF training and testing is held every Wednesday at 12 noon in EH&S located at 601 W. 168th St., Suite 63. Please refer to the website for details and forms at
http://www.ehs.columbia.edu/fs.html

Q: Where can I obtain an EH&S Wall Guide?
A: Contact your Laboratory Safety Officer or EH&S at (212) 305-6780

Q: Who is my Laboratory Safety Officer and how do I get in touch with them?
A. Steven Berman, , sb2412@columbia.edu, Laboratory Safety Officer for

Q: My chemical fume hood is not working - what should I do? 
A: Fume hoods are certified annually by Laboratory Safety Officers.  If you suspect a problem with your fume hood, contact Facilities at (212) 305-7367 to place a work order for repair. 

Q: Does my laboratory require an eyewash?
A: Every laboratory using chemicals must have a plumbed eyewash.  If there is no plumbed eyewash in your laboratory, contact your LSO.

Q: Who is responsible for testing eyewashes?
A: Laboratory personnel are responsible for testing the eyewash on a weekly basis.  Test your eyewash weekly to ensure it is working properly and to keep the eyewash from accumulating dirt in the pipes.  A weekly log for eyewash testing is suggested. 

Q: There is no break room near my lab - can I eat at my bench?
A:  No food or drink is permitted in laboratories at any time.  This includes desks and non-laboratory workstations located within labs.

Q: My research requires the use of a respirator - are they any guidelines I need to follow?
A: A respirator is only necessary when engineering controls such as a fume hood or general ventilation do not reduce the exposure of a chemical to acceptable levels. You must contact EH&S prior to any respirator use.

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Laser Safety

Q: What does "LASER" stand for?
A: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation 

Q: Do I need to let EH&S know about my laser?
A: EH&S maintains an inventory of all Class 3b and Class 4 lasers. Complete Attachment I, Appendix D and at CUMC fax it to EH&S at (212) 795-5847.

Q: If my laser is not a class 3b or class 4 laser, what should I do to make sure I use it safely?
A: These lasers are less likely to cause eye injuries when used properly. You should avoid staring into the laser light no matter what class of laser you are using. 

Q: Is any type of signage required for my laser laboratory?
A: Yes, for Class 3b and Class 4 lasers ANSI X136.1-2000 "Safe User of Lasers" requires the posting of warning signs. All signs shall be conspicuously displayed in locations where they can warn others before they enter the area.

Q: Who may operate a Class 3b or Class 4 lasers?
A: These lasers shall be operated under the direct supervision or control of an experienced, trained operator who shall maintain visual surveillance of conditions for safe use and terminate laser emission in the event of equipment malfunction or any other condition of unsafe use. 

Q: Is eye protection required?
A: Yes, eye protection devices that are specifically designed for protection against laser radiation are required and their use must be enforced. Engineering or other procedural and administrative controls must also be used to eliminate potential exposure hazard.

Q: How do I choose the appropriate eyewear?
A: Many factors shall be considered to determine the appropriate eyewear, i.e., laser power, wavelength, exposure time, comfort, etc. For more information, contact the laser manufacturer or EH&S. 

Q: How can I be sure that laser safety goggles I have selected provide enough protection?
A: Every pair of safety goggles intended for use with laser beams must bear a label with the information on the laser wavelengths for which they are intended to be used, the optical density of those wavelengths and the visible light transmission

Q: Do laser users need training?
A: Yes, the users of Class 3b and Class 4 laser systems must be appropriately trained in laser safety. In general, the principal investigator overseeing the laser system provides this training. It is also available at www.rascal.columbia.edu. Please contact EH&S if you need more information.

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PPE (Protective personal Equipment)

Q: What is eye and face protection?
A: Eye and face protection is the use of protective equipment such as spectacles, goggles, face shields, or welding shields that are designed to protect the wearer against a variety of hazards. Regular glasses do not provide adequate protection.

Q: When use of eye and face protection required?
A: OSHA's eye and face protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.133, requires the use of eye and face protection when workers are exposed to eye or face hazards such as flying objects, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. Assessment of hazards is necessary for selecting a proper PPE.

Q: Can any eye and face protection be used?
A: No, eye and face protection must be selected based on hazards to which the worker is exposed (i.e., impact, penetration, compression, chemical, heat, harmful dust, light radiation, or combination).

Q: Who certifies PPE and how it can be recognized?
A: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The manufacturer shall mark certified protective devices permanently and legibly, so that it can be easily identified. The mark shall not interfere with wearer's work.

Q: What can be done if I have a very small face and have trouble being fit tested for PPE?
A: Manufacturers make several different sizes. Eye and face protection may vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. Users may be able to get a better fit by trying eye and face protection made by another manufacturer. Call EH&S if you have any question.

Q: If I wear eyeglasses with prescription lenses, are these considered eye protection?
A: No, eyeglasses designed for ordinary wear do not provide the level of protection necessary to protect against workplace hazards.

Q: Can employees wear glasses while wearing eye and face protection?
A: Yes, special care must be taken when choosing eye protectors with corrective lenses eyeglasses such as prescription spectacles. Side shields and protective lenses must meet the requirements of ANSI Z87.1 standard. Goggles can fit comfortably over corrective eyeglasses without disturbing the alignment of the eyeglasses. Goggles can also incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind protective lenses.

Q: What maintenance and care is required for eye and face protection?
A: It is important that all eye and face protection be kept clean and properly maintained. Cleaning is particularly important where dirty or fogged lenses could impair vision.
Eye and face protection should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at regular intervals so that equipment provides the requisite protection. It is also important to ensure that contaminated equipment, which cannot be decontaminated, is disposed of in a manner that protects employees from exposure to hazards.

Q: Can face shields protect employees instead of safety goggles or spectacles?
A: No, face shields alone do not protect employees from impact hazards. Face shields may be used in combination with safety goggles or spectacles to protect against impact.

Radiation Safety

At CUMC Radiation Safety is a separate Department and can be reached at (212) 305-0303 or go to their website at http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/radsafety/

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Respiratory Protection

Q:  I work with chemicals in a laboratory, do I need a respirator?
A:  In most cases, laboratory scale operations do not require use of a respirator. Use of a respirator is the last line of defense against chemical exposure.  In a laboratory setting, engineering controls (adequate ventilation, chemical fume hoods) are used to reduce/eliminate chemical exposures.  

Q:  I cannot work inside a fume hood, should I use a respirator?
A:  If you are working with hazardous chemicals and your work does not lend itself well to working inside a chemical fume hood, call EH&S to discuss options for working safely. It may be possible to change the procedure, substitute a less hazardous chemical, or use another facility within CU to safely accommodate your procedure.  If exposure cannot be minimized/eliminated, then a respiratory may be required.

Q:  EH&S has determined that I need a respirator to work with hazardous chemicals, how do I obtain one?
A:  Each person requiring a respirator must be medically cleared; fit tested and trained to use a respirator. EH&S will help in selection, fit testing and providing training in proper maintenance of a respirator (as required by the OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard).

Q:  Can I purchase a respirator from a hardware store?
A:  No.  Improper use of a respirator could result in serious injury or even death. Without proper training and fit testing use of a respirator is a violation of OSHA regulations.