EH&S Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How do I order industrial strength alcohol?

A:  In order to buy industrial strength alcohol (from the company that sells it: Pharmco-Aaper), you will need an Industrial Alcohol User permit number to provide with the order.  Lab staff should first check with their department administrator to see if the department location is listed on the University Industrial Alcohol permit.  If the department is located on the University permit, then your department administrator will give you the Industrial Alcohol User permit number.  If your department location is not listed on the university permit or your department administrator does not know about the Industrial Alcohol User permit, then please call Susan Morse in the Office of Supply Management Services at 5-9192.

Inventory

Q:  What is needed for a battery charge station?

A:  The following are needed for a battery charging station: a “no Smoking” sign, an emergency eyewash, a Class A or B rated fire extinguisher, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, adequate ventilation, and an acid spill kit.

Animal carcasses

Q:  How do I dispose on animal carcasses?

A:  If the animal carcasses you are disposing are noninfectious, you should place them in a black bag and fill out our online form for Regulated Medical Waste Removal.  If the carcasses you are disposing are infectious, then you should place them in the red biohazard bags and fill out our online form for Regulated Medical Waste Removal.  You can access this form by clicking here or by going to our webpage at: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/, click on Forms and Documents, then scroll down to Biological.

Medical waste – Biosafety cabinets

(BSC / lids)

Q:  For secondary containers stored in BSCs that are used to hold red bags, do labs need to keep the containers closed with a lid at all times when they are not adding waste to the red bags in the container?

A:  If lab personnel are working in the BSC then I presume they are adding waste to the containers.  These containers should be removed when work is complete.  BSCs should not be used for storage of anything let alone waste.  Items in the BSC provide areas where microbes can "hide" and thus compromise the containment and make it difficult to adequately decontaminate.

Medical waste - lids

Q:  For secondary containers on the floor that are used to hold red bags, do labs need to keep the containers closed with a lid at all times when they are not adding waste to the red bags in the container?

A:  Generally, it is good practice to keep a lid on waste containers.  This keeps the potentially infectious waste contained and reduces the chance for exposure.  I also recognize that it can be a hazard to continually remove and replace lids when working.  If the waste is continually being added to the containers, then the containers can remain uncovered.  However, if there is a lull in activity and/or personnel leave the lab, then I recommend that containers be covered.

Needles / sharps (Hypodermic) - definition

Q:  What exactly is meant by a "hypodermic" needle?

A:  Hypodermic syringes and needles, as defined by NYS, are instruments expressly designed for the introduction of medicines beneath the skin.  These are the standard syringes and needles that a physician or nurse would use to deliver a vaccine or draw blood.  Many laboratories around campus also have other uses for these instruments that have nothing to do with medical applications.

Needles / sharps (Hypodermic) - non-bio use

Q:  Do hypodermic needles need to be locked up if they are in use, such as attached to an instrument? (Example: We have a vacuum pump with 8 lines attached to it used to evacuate mason jars in order to run experiments under oxygen-free conditions.  There is a needle on each line, and it is very time-consuming to attach these needles.  So we keep the needles capped when not in use but those are not locked up.)  (Example 2: 2) We sometimes leave a few needles out because it is convenient to do so, either with the jars that are being sampled or next to a GC where they are frequently used.  Do we need to have ALL these needles under lock and key all the time?

A:  If syringes and needles are attached to an instrument, they are not subject to the requirements for lock up.    Technically, if they are not in use, syringes and needles must be secured.  I am sure one could interpret this in different ways.  However, I have been to labs where uncapped syringes and needles are scattered on bench tops, creating an actually puncture hazard for an unsuspecting worker or visitor.  Additionally, I am sure one of the original intents of the regulations was to reduce the availability of syringes and needles for less legitimate purposes.

Needles / sharps - inventory

Q:  Are inventory and control sheets required for all needles?

A:  Only hypodermic needles need to be locked up and have an inventory control sheet.  These requirements do not apply to blunt needles (or non-hypodermic) needles such as those used with equipment such as HPLC.

Needles / sharps - container use

Q:  What needles do I need to dispose of in a sharps container?

A:  All syringes with needles and needles (including non-hypodermic) needs to be disposed of in a sharps container - even if not contaminated with an infectious agent - due to the puncture hazard and because it's appearance as medical waste.

If a syringe no longer has a needle, but at one time DID have a needle, then it must be disposed of in a sharps container.

If a syringe never had a needle attached to it, but has been contaminated by a hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive material, then it must be disposed of in a sharps container.

If a syringe never had a needle attached to it, and has not been contaminated by a hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive material, then it can be disposed of in the regular trash as long as its been placed in a box or some other container that has been sealed shut.

Segregation

Q:  Can I store chemicals alphabetically?

A:  Chemicals must first be segregated by hazard class (ie: flammables, acids, bases, oxidizers, poisons, etc. Then they may be organized however the lab desires.

Storage - Refrigerator

Q:  Where can I get information on ordering a flammable materials storage refrigerator?

A:  Here is a link to Lab Safety Supply (www.labsafety.com) for flammable storage refrigerators:

http://www.labsafety.com/

Compressed gas

Q:  Can compressed gases be used in cold rooms?

A:  Compressed gases should not be used in cold rooms.  Air is recirculated and not vented in a cold room.  As a result, If inert gases are leaked, a low oxygen environment could result.  If flammable gases are leaked, an explosive atmosphere could result.  If an inert gas must be used in a cold room then an oxygen sensor must be installed.  Poisonous gases should never be used in cold rooms.

Cryogenics

Q:  Can I use cryogenics such as liquid nitrogen in a cold room?

A:  Cryogenics should not be used in cold room since the air is recirculated and not vented.  A low oxygen environment can develop.  If it is necessary to use cryogenics in a cold room then an oxygen sensor must be installed.

Chemical storage

Q:  Can chemicals be stored in cold rooms?

A:  Chemicals that may pose an inhalation hazard by oxygen displacement may not be stored in a cold room without appropriate vapor monitoring, since air is recirculated and not vented.  Flammables are not permitted without appropriate monitoring equipment, since a leak could cause an explosive environment.  Toxic gases may not be stored in a cold room.

Butane -  cylinders

Q:  What are the storage requirements for small butane cylinders in labs and how many can be stored in the lab?

A:  There should not be more than 2 butane cylinders in any one fire area, and they are best stored in flammables cabinets (though they are not required to be stored this way).

EPA

Q:  Are lab consultations like an EPA inspection?

A:  No, the consultants work for Cornell and are not part of a regulatory agency.  Consultants will help you come into compliance and will send a report to the unit supervisor and the DSR.

Self inspection

Q:  Can I do my own self inspection?

A:  Yes, the form and key are available on the EH&S website at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/chem_lab_safety/self_inspect.cfm

Hazards

Q:  What are the hazards of cryogenics?

A:  Cryogenics can cause burns on the skin from the extreme cold.  Because the expansion rate can displace oxygen, cryogenics must be used in an area with good ventilation.  Liquid helium is colder than liquid oxygen and can form liquid oxygen which can be an explosion hazard.

Exposure

Q:  Is there a cyanide first aid kit available?

A:  Yes.  The cyanide first aid program has oversight from Dr. Koppel at Gannett.  Kits are available for a charge to someone who has taken the cyanide first aid training offered by Gannett and demonstrated the need.

Cords (Extension)

Q:  What is the proper use of extension cords, what is/is not acceptable and where are the regulations?

A:  Here are a few examples of what is NOT acceptable:

-Extension cords used en lieu of permanent wiring. Extension cords are "temporary power supplies" not a substitute for permanent wiring. Regulations state "extension cords shall only be used with portable appliances"

-2 or more power strips or multiplug adapters connected to each other (supplying 8 or 10 outlets using only one permanent building outlet)

-Extension cords used to supply power to a power strip or multiplug

-Cords cannot pass through doorways, windows, or walls

-Any damaged or frayed cords, or exposed wiring

Most of these requirements come from the NYS Fire Code (Section 605). We also reference the National Electric Code (NFPA 70), and OSHA 1910.303 requirements.

Basically you can use extension cords on a temporary basis for a portable device (like a hot plate or stirrer) and once you are finished using it, you need to unplug it.  As per the regulations and interpretations by NYS OFPC inspectors, you cannot use an extension cord for equipment such as your computer or a refrigerator.  Instead of using an extension cord for your equipment, you should either plug the equipment directly into a wall outlet or use a powerstrip with a surge protector.

Cords - Strain relief

Q:  What are the requirements for strain relief on electric cords?

A:  Strain relief on cords...

1910.305(g)(2)(iii)

Flexible cords shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.

1926.405(g)(2)(iv)

Strain relief. Flexible cords shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided which will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.

NFPA

Strain Relief. Means shall be provided where necessary to reduce the strain on the plug and receptacle caused by the weight and catenary angle of the shore power cord.

GFI / Ground fault interrupter

Q:  Do I need to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters around sinks in my lab?

A:  Cornell University designs standards recommends that Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's) be installed around sink areas in labs, however, neither the National Electrical Code nor Cornell Design Standards require the installation of GFCI's around sinks in laboratories.  The installation of GFCI’s is a common sense approach to safely working with electrical devices around wet areas.

Department plans

Q:  Where is information on Emergency Planning for departments?

A:  Emergency planning information, including templates for unit emergency planning and other planning resources, can be found at http://www.epr.cornell.edu/epr.cfm

Eyewashes - Testing

Q:  What are the requirements for the type of and frequency of testing drench showers and emergency eyewash stations?  Are there specific things that have to be done when testing?  Do you know how other buildings on campus manage this?  Does EHS do more than 1 test/year?

A:  The requirements can be found in the ANSI standard - Z358.1-2004 Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.  Here is a brief synopsis:

-There are requirements for how much flow you need (handheld bottles are not acceptable), and the units must remain on and operate in a hands free mode once activated.

-Units need tempered water

-Units need to be activated weekly and tested annually

For more information, point to Lab Safety Supply at:

http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf129.htm

(They have EZ facts for a number of issues.)

EH&S does the annual inspections, typically during the summer.

Laboratory personnel have the responsibility for activating eyewash units located within their lab on a weekly basis.

Showers - Testing

Q:  How often should I test emergency eyewash units?

A:  Eyewash units and showers just need to be activated to flush out old water and make sure they are working.  This should be done weekly if possible, but at least monthly.  Check with you Building Coordinator for the location of the emergency shower test kit.

Flow

Q:  What is optimum flow for a fume hood?

A:  100 fpm (feet per minute) is best but can range between 80 and 120 fpm

Additional information can be found in the Lab Safety Manual at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/lrs/manual/ch2.cfm#2.1

Definition

Q:  What does HASP mean?

A:  HASP is the Hazard Assessment Signage Program, a software application designed to help laboratory supervisors identify the hazards present in their laboratory and then communicate this information, along with instructions on appropriate precautions, to anyone who enters the area.  Supervisors complete an electronic profile of the laboratory and the information is incorporated into a sign for posting on the lab door.

For more information, go to the EHS webpage at: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/chem_lab_safety/hasp.cfm

Risk determination

Q:  How do I determine the risk levels for the hazards on the HASP sign for our lab door?

A:  The three risk ratings, Low, Moderate, and High, are described in detail in a document on the EHS webpage.  Each of the sixteen hazard types is described, and examples of each risk level are given.

For more information, go to the EHS webpage at:

http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/chem_lab_safety/hasp.cfm

Sign - Getting HASP

Q:  How do I get a HASP sign for our lab door?

A:  First, try contacting your Department Safety Representative (DSR), who is the HASP contact person for many departments.  For additional assistance, contact Joanna Lynch.

Sign - Home phone

Q:  On our laboratory's HASP sign, am I required to list my home phone number (which I do not want to list)?

A:  No, it is not required to list a home phone number if you would prefer not to.  In some cases, it might be appropriate to list the name and phone number of someone in your department whose job involves being available in case of emergencies (possibly the building coordinator, or a maintenance person, or a safety representative).  This number would be used in case of some emergency situation when it would be important to contact laboratory personnel.

Sign – making Changes

Q:  How can I make changes to the HASP sign posted on our lab door?

A:  First contact your Department Safety Representative (DSR), who is the HASP contact person for many departments.  For additional assistance, contact Joanna Lynch.

For more information, go to the EH&S webpage at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/lrs/manual/ch8.cfm#8.9.1

Mass labeling

Q:  We have lots of small bottles of the same material - do we have to label each one?

A:  Each container needs to have its contents identified, but you can label the area where the bottles are stored, for example, a sign saying something like "Name of the material samples stored here”.  If the materials are hazardous, you will need to identify the hazards in some manner.  If you use something other than the chemical name, such as abbreviations, formulas, or other identifiers, then you need to post a “key” in a conspicuous location in your lab identifying the abbreviations and the corresponding chemical name.

Research samples

Q:  How should we label our research samples?

A:  Whether or not the samples are hazardous, your research group should have a system for identifying each sample so that any group member can tell an inspector what the material is and identify any associated hazards.

An example of one research group’s sample identification method is to label each container with:

"C18FH 6.7.00 (fine) DFS"

And then hang up a “key” or sign that states:

  - The sample consists of a fluorohectorite (FH) clay, ion-exchanged to capacity modified with octadecyltrimethylammonium (C18) cations

  - It was made on June 7th, 2000 (6.7.00)

  - The sample is a finely ground powder (fine)

  - DFS = the researcher’s initials

Right to Know labels

Q:  Do I have to use right to know labels in my lab for chemicals?

A:  No, in a chemical laboratory you only need to identify the chemical name, although if you use abbreviations or acronyms, then you must post a “key” in a conspicuous location in your lab identifying the abbreviations and the corresponding chemical name.  However, Right To Know labels are recommended and can be accessed at E H&S website by clicking "databases" then "chemical labels for containers" or type: https://www.ehs.cornell.edu:8452/kerb/labels/rtk_requestlabel.cfm

For more information, see the Lab Safety Manual at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/lrs/manual/ch4.cfm#4.15  

General

For more information, go to the EH&S webpage at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/msds/msds.cfm

Getting copies

Q:  How can I get a copy of the EH&S newsletter?

A:  The EH&S newsletter, "Research and Radiation Safety Newsletter", is available on the EHS website at http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/rad/newsletters.cfm

Hoods

Q:  Do I need a special hood for perchloric acid use?

A:  If heated Perchloric acid is used in a standard fume hood, the hot Perchloric acid vapors can react with the metal in the hood ductwork to form shock sensitive metallic perchlorates.  Therefore, if fuming perchloric acid is used, then it must be used in a special perchloric acid fume hood with a wash down feature.  Please contact EH&S for assistance in selecting a hood.

Hearing protection

Q:  Are there regulations that cover noise exposures in the workplace?

A:  Yes.  There are OSHA standards that regulate exposure to noise in the workplace.  For more information on noise and the Cornell Hearing Conservation Program, visit the following EH&S webpage:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/

Respiratory protection

Q:  Do I need to contact EH&S prior to using a respirator?

A:  Yes.  EH&S must be contacted prior to using respirators in the workplace. The use of respirators in the workplace is regulated by OSHA.  For more information on respirators and the Cornell Respiratory Protection Program, visit the following EH&S webpage: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/

Hygiene - food

Q:  Can people eat, drink or smoke in rooms that are labeled for use with radioactive materials?

A:  No.  This applies to everyone in the room, not just to those individuals who are actually handling radioactive materials.

Waste - Pick-up

Q:  How do I request a radioactive waste pick up?

A:  You can request a pick up online.  Go to: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/rad/wasteform.cfm

OSHA

Q:  Who is OSHA?

A:  OSHA is an agency in the department of labor of the United Stated federal government that make regulations for the health and safety of workers.  OSHA was created by the Occupational safety and health act of 1970.

OSHA - Lab standard

Q:  When do I go by the lab standard?

A:  When you are in a chemical lab (OSHA definition).  Reading the information sheet on this is the best way to understand the differences.  This sheet called 'Lab vs. Haz com" can be found in the LRSS Winter 2004 newsletter located on the EH&S webpage at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/lrs/news/Winter2004.pdf

For more information, go to the EH&S webpage at:  http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/lrs/dot/default.cfm  

Definition / requirement

Q:  What are SOPs and are they required?

A:  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are required for work involving highly hazardous chemicals such as highly toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.  For more information on SOPs and some generic templates, see the Lab Safety Manual at:

http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/lrs/manual/ch4.cfm#4.1

Additionally, if you are interested, we also offer a training class called “How to Write a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)”.  You can sign up for it on CU Learn.  If a class is not scheduled then you can request a class by sending an email to cpp5@cornell.edu.

The Laboratory Standard requires the creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of many chemicals, including particularly hazardous chemicals (such as carcinogens or highly toxic gases) or processes using particularly hazardous chemicals. This course focuses on how to write an SOP using the format described in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Examples will be given and attendees will write an SOP for a chemical or process used in their labs.

Template -  Cornell

Q:  Do I have to use the SOP templates from Cornell?

A:  No, Cornell has provided templates and examples to aid you, but the format is optional for SOPs as long as the necessary elements are included and it addresses the hazards specific to your lab.

Room Numbering

Q:  What if my room numbers don't match floor plan numbers from space inventory?

A:  The room numbering webpage identifies how to correct room number mismatches from space inventory floor plans.

Location

Q:  Where is the East Hill Office Building?

A:  For directions to the East Hill Office Building, point to: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/EHSMoved.html

Radiation

Q: Can I sign up for radiation training on the web?

A:  Yes on CU Learn. 

Special requests

Q:  Our department has about 20 undergraduate students who will be participating in a special summer undergraduate research experience on campus.  Can we ask for a special lab safety training program to be given in our department?

A:  Yes, we will be glad to present our laboratory safety training program at a location in your department if you have a group of students who need training.  Please contact Czora Pagsolingan at cpp5@cornell.edu or 4-4693.

Battery

Q:  What type of batteries can be recycled?

A:  There is a program run by Walt Smithers for people to recycle the following batteries:

lead acid

nickel cadmium (NiCad)

lithium oxide

mercury oxide

Currently there are no recycling opportunities for alkaline batteries.  Alkaline batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash.

More information on battery recycling can be found at:

http://www.fm.cornell.edu/fm/recycle/fmn_recycletires.cfm

More information on the Cornell recycling program in general can be found at:

http://www.fm.cornell.edu/fm/recycle/fmn_recycle.cfm

Cellosolve

Q:  The Cellosolve is being used in 100% form.  So, nothing hazardous will be mixed into it.  Does this mean I can flush it down the drain or does it need additional treating?  I will be using very small quantities.

A:  It depends on which cellosolve you have as to how hazardous it is, but all of them are moderately toxic and combustible (not flammable by definition, but the flash points are in the 100F to130F range).  This means that in large quantities you should submit cellosolve for chemical waste disposal, but, because it is water soluble, it can be drain disposed of in less than 100 mL quantities.

Expired chemicals

Q:  We found several chemicals or reagents that had expired. All containers were in good condition though, and the compounds are currently in use and work well. The products are of good quality and do not pose a danger to anyone.  The question is how strict are the rules to be applied during an EPA or OSHA inspection. Because the products are expired, does this constitute a violation of some rules?

What should we do with these products? Discard them (and generate unnecessary waste, but comply with regulations) or use them (and save on chemicals, but violate regulations)?

A:  If the chemicals don't become unstable over time and they are still in good condition and you can still use them, then continue using them.  (Check the MSDS to see if they become unstable over time)