Facilities

Your number one concern in the laboratory should always be safety. Please read following Lab Safety Guide to help ensure a safe and enjoyable laboratory experience. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Ford.

The Lab Safety Guide was last updated in July 2008.

Laboratory safety is a significant legal and moral responsibility for all supervisors in both academia and industry. Whether you are doing an experimental or a theoretical thesis at Cornell, almost all of you will be in charge of a laboratory group. Learning about laboratory safety and putting it into practice now will provide you the necessary preparation to assume your professional responsibilities here and after your time at Cornell.

We have tried to keep this manual short and focused on the essential points. We expect you to read it carefully and keep it as a reference in the lab. We have been fortunate that we have had no serious accidents in the history of Olin Hall, but there have been a few instances when it has been narrowly avoided. If you follow the procedures in this manual, you can help to maintain our good safety record. Safety is your responsibility as well as ours. All students are expected to maintain a professional attitude toward their safety and that of others.

You must complete a Safety Authorization Form prior to using any laboratory facilities in Olin Hall. You are also required to take the appropriate University-sponsored safety class (see an example in Laboratory Safety then register on-line) before working in any laboratory on campus.

If you have questions or comments about safety in Olin Hall please contact one of the members of the Safety Committee (listed below). Best wishes for a productive, safe and satisfying educational experience in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Laboratory and office space in Olin Hall has been provided for your convenience. These rooms are to be used to carry out research and as a place to work and study. They are not to be used for any other purpose. The health and safety of you and your colleagues in Olin Hall is your primary responsibility. Be sure to take the appropriate University-sponsored laboratory safety training course (see an example in Laboratory Safety then register on-line) before beginning any experiments in any Olin Hall laboratory.

Our Safety Committee is responsible for formulating and enforcing department safety regulations. These safety regulations apply at all times. The Safety Committee reports to the Director. Members of the Committee are:

A copy of the American Chemical Society's Safety in Chemical Laboratories is provided by the department, which you can use as a safety reference. A copy of this booklet is also located in each laboratory.

Periodic safety inspections will be conducted to check compliance with EPA & OSHA safety regulations. The inspections are done by the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department with a Safety Committee representative present. Results of the inspection are summarized in a report directed to the faculty member in charge of the lab, the facility coordinator, and the administrative manager.

These periodic inspections will help you identify safety hazards in your lab and will remind you of our routine safety requirements. Faculty advisors or their designated group supervisor are responsible for routine auditing of their assigned laboratory and user personnel. Equipment and procedures will be shut down if they are not in accordance with the established safety practices.

When a faculty advisor or a safety inspector detects safety rule violations, the following disciplinary guides are recommended:

• Initial - Verbal on the spot warning. Review rules thoroughly to ensure complete understanding. Notify faculty advisor.
• Repeat - Verbal on the spot warning and thorough review of the rule. A repeat violation noted on the safety inspection report demands immediate attention. The safety problem must be completely resolved at the expense of the regular lab work.

When you become aware of a safety problem, contact a Safety Coordinator (Brian Ford or Glenn Swan). They are the best source for information. You can also contact Brian or Glenn concerning day-to-day problems or equipment design questions.

Immediately report all accidents/injuries to Carol Casler or Colleen McClenahan in the Business Office, Room 120, for investigation by the Safety Committee. Accident reports (available via FTP or the Cornell Human Resources web pages) must be filed within 24 hours of an accident for Worker's Compensation coverage. Only employees receiving a paycheck through the University Payroll Office are eligible for Worker's Compensation coverage. Hard copies of the form are available from Sue Shipman in the Accounting Office, Room 114 or can be completed on-line using the Cornell Injury Report  page. All other lab workers are required to use their medical insurance. Minor injuries may be treated from the first-aid cabinets provided in each laboratory. In case of more serious injuries, go immediately to the Gannett Medical Clinic. If the person can't be moved, call the Cornell Police for transport, 911.

Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and learn how to obtain additional help in an emergency. Know how to use the emergency equipment in your work area. Everyone must be familiar with the location and use of emergency telephones, safety showers, eye wash equipment, and personal protective equipment.

Right to Know Law - In 1980, New York State passed a law (NYS Assembly Bill 7103-D) giving employees specific rights regarding hazardous substances.

The material safety data sheets (MSDS) for common laboratory chemicals can be found on-line at the EH&S (Environmental Health and Safety) web-site. You can also request a MSDS from the manufacturer when ordering chemicals. Experimental compounds and less common materials will require a literature search and consultation with your faculty advisor.

If your job involves using, handling or being otherwise exposed to hazardous substances, you need to see your supervisor for detailed safety instructions. All chemicals are capable of causing injury. You must exercise care and discretion when using chemicals since simple precautions (such as preventing all bodily contact with chemicals and never breathing fumes) can protect you from known and unknown hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have adopted a safety and health standard for employees who use hazardous chemicals in laboratories. The new standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450 "Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories" mandates safety and health practices and procedures in laboratories that use hazardous chemicals. EH&S has developed the Cornell University Chemical Hygiene Plan and has provided a copy in a white "Chemical Hygiene Plan" notebook to departments that use hazardous chemicals in laboratories. The Plan is located in Brian Ford's office, Room B14 and it is also available online.

Laboratory employees and researchers are urged to become familiar with the Laboratory Standard and to utilize the training and information that is available to provide a safe laboratory. Laboratory employees can contact Brian Ford or EH&S for information about the Laboratory Standard.

Acquaint yourself with the proper use and location of the fire extinguishers and fire alarm boxes. Fire alarm boxes are to be used for all fires. Always be aware of the closest fire exit.

Verify that the proper fire extinguisher (see fire extinguisher types below) is available when conducting work involving a fire hazard exists. Extinguishers are for use by emergency personnel only, unless your personal safety is at stake.

Please inspect the seal on a fire extinguisher. If it is broken and report it immediately to Brian Ford.

All fires, regardless of size, must be reported immediately to Carol Casler or Colleen McClenahan in the Department Office, Room 120, for investigation by the Safety Committee and EH&S.

These regulations apply throughout Olin Hall. In special areas where additional regulations are in force, please make a note of any special notices posted. Always be aware of the safety procedures that apply to the work being done. It is your responsibility to determine the particular hazards involved in operating or handling apparatus, materials, and chemicals required in your research.

I. Safety Equipment

1. Fire extinguisher(s) appropriate to fire hazards in the lab must be securely mounted to a stationary object so that it is easily located and it cannot be knocked over. Please refer to information concerning fire extinguisher types in fire extinguisher types. Information about fire extinguisher use may be obtained from Brian Ford.
2. Safety glasses with side shields must be worn at all times in laboratory areas. Contact lenses are not to be worn in areas where chemicals or solvents are used. The minimum acceptable level of eye protection for chemical handling or even being in the vicinity of such operations will be:
   
   • soft-sided, hooded vent goggles alone, or
   • soft-sided, hooded vent goggles over prescription glasses without side shields, or
   • a face shield over standard safety glasses with integral side shields
     
     

     General laboratory work, even when minimal eye hazard is present, requires safety glasses with integral side shields or prescription glasses with slip-on side shields. To order standard safety goggles contact Sue Shipman in the Accounting Office, 114 Olin Hall.

     UV sources and lasers pose other hazards. Advice from your supervisor or a Safety Coordinator must be obtained before using this equipment.

3. All laboratory personnel must be aware of the nearest eyewash station and be certain that it is in working order. Immediately report any malfunctioning eyewashes to Brian Ford or Glenn Swan.

II. Awareness

1. All chemical, electrical, magnetic, biological, radioactive, and extreme temperature hazards must be clearly labeled with an affixed warning sign.
2. An emergency contact name and phone number must be identified on each piece of experimental equipment in the event of a power failure or accident. This is especially important for highly sensitive equipment and equipment that runs 24 hours per day.
3. All chemicals in the lab must be labeled with identification AND date of purchase or date on which they were stored in their present containers. This applies to both hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals.
4. All laboratory personnel must know where safety glasses and gloves are located in the lab.
5. Laboratory doors must be locked at all times for security reasons.  Even when the lab is occupied.
   

III. Storage

1. All storage areas must be clearly designated and separated from routine workspace (i.e. NO storage on counter tops or in hoods).
2. Hypodermic needles must be stored in a locked, secure place. Lost or stolen syringes and needles must be reported immediately to Glenn Swan.
3. ALL gas cylinders must be securely chained or clamped to stationary objects to prevent accidental tipping.

IV. Housekeeping

1. Exits must be easily accessible and must NOT be blocked by equipment or by objects stored in the lab. Storage space may be provided by the department by request to a safety coordinator.
2. When leaving a room, turn off all unnecessary lights and electrical appliances and lock the door.
3. Scooters and bicycles are not to be stored in the laboratories or offices.
4. The use of space heaters is by permission of a Safety Coordinator only. Such authorization will only be considered if the building's heating is not operating properly.
5. Broken and unwanted glassware are to be taken to the metal container on the loading dock. Reagent bottles must be rinsed clean. If your work will generate a large quantity of material, a small metal container can be purchased for your lab. Our building care employees are not allowed to handle this material.

V. Disposal of Wastes

1. No accumulation of waste paper or other flammable materials will be permitted.
2. Spilled materials must be cleaned up promptly with the spill kit located in each lab. Disposal of clean-up materials must be carried out promptly according to the guidelines for disposal of wastes (see Chemical Waste Disposal Form or Chemical Waste Disposal). In the event of a mercury spill, contact EH&S (Environmental Health and Safety) first and then contact Brian Ford.
3. Individual laboratory workers are responsible for the prompt and safe disposal of wastes according to department procedures (see Chemical Waste Disposal Form or Chemical Waste Disposal).
4. Any "SHARPS" (e.g., needles, pipettes, slides, razor blades, blood tubes) in contact with infectious or biohazardous material must go into a sharps container. Pasteur pipettes, microscope slides, etc. that have not come in contact with biohazardous material or not used in animal care or research, or any chemical hazardous waste, can go directly into a sturdy fiberboard box used to collect broken glass. When this box is full it can be taped up, so as not to spill its contents, and discarded in the regular trash.
   Any used or unused needles or hypodermic syringes, regardless of use, must always be placed in a sharps container. All researchers in this department are asked to temporarily store such waste materials in puncture-resistant containers for pick-up by Glenn Swan and eventual incineration and disposal. Any violations to this policy could result in fines up to $50,000/day and jail sentences.

VI. Operations

1. Laboratory personnel and equipment must be shielded from temperature, electrical, and chemical hazards during operation of equipment.
2. Electrical outlets must not be overloaded. Electrical cords are to be kept in good repair. Any cords on the floor must be protected from lab traffic by cable bridges.
3. Nonmetallic electrical wiring shall not be used in place of permanent fixed wiring.
4. Flexible cords and cables are not to be routed through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, etc.
5. Lockout tags must be used to prevent accidental energizing of equipment during construction and maintenance. This applies to electrical, pneumatic, chemical, hydraulic, and thermal systems. See Brian Ford or Glenn Swan for further details and tags.
6. Equipment and operations must be properly mounted on secure, permanent, horizontal surfaces to prevent tipping or accidental falls.
7. Fume hoods must always be used when working with flammable solvents or toxic gases. Noxious or irritating fumes must be vented outside of the building. Work with the sash lowered as far as possible. This will allow the ventilation system to be more effective.
8. Use Plexiglas to shield evacuated glass vessels on all sides. This will minimize danger to personnel working nearby from potential implosion.
9.  DO NOT circumvent safety devices. For example, all electrical equipment provided with 3-conductor cord must be properly grounded.
10. Only UL approved appliances can be brought into Olin Hall, e.g. coffee pots, radios or fans.
11. Cornell electricians must do all electrical wiring connected to the building. Wiring needs can be addressed by Brian Ford or Glenn Swan.
12. Compressed gas cylinders must be firmly secured at all times by a bench- or wall-mounted cylinder clamp or chain/strap. When storing or moving a cylinder, always attach the safety cap securely to protect the valve system. Transport the cylinder only on a wheeled cart specifically designed for gas cylinders.
13. ONLY trained and authorized personnel can operate laboratory equipment.
14. Exits must provide free and unobstructed egress.
15. Materials shall not be placed or kept in stairways or corridors.
16. Fire doors must never be blocked or propped open.
17. Use of doorstops, wedges or other non-automatic hold-open devices is prohibited.
18. No one is permitted on the roof of the building at anytime, for any reason. The Cornell Police vigorously enforces this campus policy.
19. For information regarding UV and laser hazards, and regulations on "ionizable radiation sources" (e.g. x-rays), please contact Tom McGiff, Associate Director of Laboratory and Radiation Safety, EH&S, 5-5835, tjm3@cornell.edu.

VII. Personal Safety Practices

1. Contamination of food, drink and smoking materials is a potential route for exposure to toxic substances. Smoking is NEVER permitted anywhere in the building. No food or beverages are to be stored or consumed in any laboratory, even if the lab is temporarily being used as office space. Glassware or utensils that have been used for laboratory operations must never be used to prepare or consume food or beverages. Laboratory refrigerators, ice machines, ice chests and such must not be used for food storage.
2. Always provide visitors to laboratories with the necessary safety equipment and information on safe lab procedures.
3. Wash well before leaving lab area.
4. Never leave your lab area or touch surfaces while wearing gloves that might be contaminated with an unsafe substance. This places everyone in the lab and building at risk.
5. No bare feet are allowed in the labs or shops. Safety shoes or at least footwear providing maximum foot coverage are recommended.
6. For your own safety never work alone in any laboratory. Always check if someone else is present on your lab floor in case emergency help is required.

The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering's Safety Committee must approve of any high-hazard type of activity in Olin Hall prior to implementation. The faculty member, or principal investigator, is responsible for identifying the high-hazard activity and presenting the details of the proposed work to the Committee. In addition to departmental approval, some circumstances may require the approval of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (refer to Section 6.3, page 115 of  the Cornell Chemical Hygiene Plan on-line or the hard copy which is kept in Brian Ford's office, Room B14).

• Laboratory Safety
• Cornell University Accident Report
• Right-to-Know Labels

1. Package Properly
   • glass bottles preferred
   • polyethylene acceptable for non-reactive solid waste
   • metal cans not acceptable due to corrosion problems
2. Label Properly
   • Label each container with a label available from Brian Ford
   • Fill out forms completely: leave date blank, include chemical name, check all categories. It cannot be picked up without the chemical name. Do not mix incompatible chemicals in one bottle. Category classifications are:

     CATEGORY	CHEMICALS
     Poison	Toluene Acetone Sodium Chlorite
     Flammable Solvent	Toluene Acetone Methanol Xylene
     Halogen Solvent	Methylene Chloride Carbon Tetrachloride Chloroform
     Oxidizer	Acid Dichroluate Chromic Acid Hydrogen Peroxide Nitrates
     Flammable Solid	Urea Nitrate Picric Acid Sodium Amide
     Corrosive Acid	Hydrogen Fluoride Hydrochloric Acid
     Corrosive Alkali	Hydroxide of Ammonium Bicarbonate of Ammonium
     Corosive Solid	Boric Acid Mercury Chloride Copper Nitrate
     Irritant	Sodium Hydroxide Propionyl Chloride Phosphorus Trioxide

3. Call for pick up service
   • Email Brian Ford
   • Specify:
     • your name
     • number of containers
       
     • nature of chemicals (e.g. organic solvents)
     • any unusual hazards (e.g. extreme toxicity)
     • room number and precise location of waste (e.g., in hood)
     • in case of extreme hazard or imminent danger, call 911

CHEMICALS WILL NOT BE PICKED UP IF IMPROPERLY PACKAGED OR INADEQUATELY LABELED. DO NOT LEAVE WASTE CHEMICALS ON THE LOADING DOCK. PICK-UPS WILL BE MADE FROM LABS IN OLIN HALL.