NYU is responsible for the control of health hazards related to chemical and physical agents within the University's laboratories. Programs designed to implement University policy and procedures have been established to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff as well as to meet the regulatory requirements established by OSHA, EPA, NY State and local authorities.
Environmental Health & Safety has instigated the following programs:
> Chemical Hygiene Program (PDF) to provide
information for the identification and determination of hazards in the
lab.
> Chemical Hygiene/Lab Safety
Training to provide information on how to protect yourself and others
when working in a laboratory.
> Laboratory Waste Disposal
to properly dispose of lab-generated wastes.
> Hazardous Waste Training
to provide information on proper handling of lab-generated hazardous waste.
> Industrial Hygiene Program (PDF) to assess
exposures to chemical and physical agents.
> Quarterly Compliance Assessments
to inspect NYU laboratories for regulatory deficiencies.
In addition to these programs EHS supplies services and reference materials
for:
> Chemical Spills
> Chemical Storage (PDF) (see page 8 of Lab Handbook)
> Fume Hood Monitoring
> FDNY Certificate of Fitness
for Supervision of Labs
> FDNY Laboratory Permits
> Gas Cylinders
> Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
> Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations
Reference material on health effects of hazardous chemicals, chemical storage, handling of hazardous materials, controlling chemical hazards and biosafety has been compiled in the Laboratory Safety Handbook (PDF).
All fume hoods are inspected annually to ensure that a minimum average face velocity of 100 feet per minute, with minimum face velocity at any point not less than 75 feet per minute, is maintained. If your fume hood does not have a sticker indicating that it has inspected within the lst year, or if it is not working properly, please contact us.
All compressed gas cylinders must be properly secured with a chain or other suitable holder. Cylinders shall have a stamped-on date which certifies that the cylinder has been hydrostatically tested within the past 10 years. Return empty or non-conforming cylinders to the manufacturer. Dispose of lecture bottles through Environmental Health & Safety.
Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations
A Safety Shower and/or Eye Wash station must be installed and accessible within 25 feet of any location where more than 5 gallons of corrosive acids or 5 gallons of flammable liquids are stored or used.
All safety showers and/or eye wash stations must be inspected quarterly by the building staff and a record maintained. It is also recommended that shower/eye wash be tested weekly by the area occupants to ensure that it is working and that the water runs clear.