Although all staff handling hazardous materials are trained in prudent safety practices, it is recognized that incidents will occur. Staff are also trained in proper response and reporting. All incidents will be promptly investigated by the Safety & Security Department. Their findings will be reported to the Environment of Care Committee's Sub-committee on Laboratory Safety, and subsequently to the EOCC for review and timely action as appropriate. 

Immediate Reporting:

Call extension 5555 promptly to report any spill, exposure, or potentially hazardous condition involving Hazardous Materials. Give details to Safety Officers responding to your call. Indicate if medical assistance or HazMat clean-up is required.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are on-site and on the Internet.

Also call Columbia University Radiation Safety Office whenever radioactive materials are involved. Telephone: (212) 305-0303.

FAX: (212) 305-0318
Postal address: West 168th Street Black Building: B-06
New York, NY 10032
E-mail (General Info.): rsohsd@columbia.edu

Avoid Exposure 

Awareness is the best deterrent to exposure. All employees have a right to know about hazardous materials in the workplace. All Institute employees are trained regarding such materials from their first day on the job and are retrained each year. Additionally, staff are trained by local supervisors as new materials are introduced into their work environment. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available on-site and via World Wide Web connection.

Prudent Practices

Exposure to hazardous materials is minimized by practices which reduce quantities of such materials and replace "more hazardous" with "less hazardous" substances whenever practicable. Staff will avoid working alone whenever using hazardous materials. Work areas will be kept free of clutter to avoid accidents which might cause exposure to HazMats.


Personal Protection

All staff are provided with, and trained in the use of, and expected to utilize appropriate personal protective equipment including:

• Eye shields / goggles
• Resistant gloves
• Aprons
 

Post Exposure Response

All laboratories are equipped with Eye Wash stations and Chemical Drench Showers. Staff are to be familiar with their locations and proper use. Any exposure involving eyes should be followed by at least 15 minutes of continuous flushing with cool water. Hold eyelids open to maximize cleansing action.

Large scale exposure may require rapid removal of clothing covering affected skin while under continuous drench shower. Take care to avoid additional injury due to slipping on wet floors.

Co-workers will assist exposed/injured staff member in accordance with procedures indicated in appropriate MSDS.

Also see... Hazardous Materials Manual for additional information.


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