Safety Procedures
Emergencies
Any potentially life-threatening emergency such as fire or accident should be reported immediately to the Cornell Police by using the direct emergency phones in the corridors or by dialing 911 on any department phone. In case of fire, the nearest fire alarm should be activated to evacuate the building before calling the Cornell Police. Consult the Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan for detailed instructions concerning safety procedures. Each research group has a copy of this manual. The most common non-life-threatening emergency in our department is flooding. Flooding, as well as leaks and other failures of building services should be reported immediately to Building Services (607-255-7309), during normal working hours (7:30 am-4:00 pm), and to the Chilled Water Plant (607-255-5777) at all other times.
Fire Safety
Specific guidelines concerning fire safety can be found in the Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan. However, general guidelines include storing flammable reagents at a minimum quantity and knowing exactly what to do in case of a fire. Remember, use of common sense in prevention of fires is the most important fire safety practice. ALL fires must be reported. For small, extinguished fires call 607-255-8200. For all other fires use the emergency telephones, or dial 911 on any department telephone.
Safety, Chemical Hygiene, Environmental Compliance
Department safety, chemical hygiene, and environmental compliance programs are coordinated by the safety manager, Keane Leitch. Programs include periodic inspections of all laboratories, shops, and other facilities; mandatory safety orientations for new members of the department and continuing training programs. A library of laboratory health and safety references can be found in 121 Baker Laboratory.
A faculty safety committee serves the department chair in an advisory capacity and proposes policies for faculty review. Each principal investigator is responsible for safety within the research group and appoints a group safety representative (GSR). The GSR conducts safety inspections of the group’s facilities, acts as a liaison to the safety manager and committee and assists the PI in implementing safe practices.
In addition to the University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) prepared by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the department has its own Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan (LSMCHP).
Training
Individuals working in a laboratory are required to complete Fire Safety training, Laboratory Safety, and Chemical Waste Disposal training prior to beginning work in the lab. Additional training such as Laser Safety, Electrical Safety, Radiation Safety, and Bloodborne Pathogens may be required based on anticipated use.
Individuals who will not be working in laboratories but may be exposed to chemicals in non-laboratory environments are required to complete Fire Safety training and Hazard Communication.
Those working in office areas must complete Cornell University Health & Safety Basics and Fire Safety training.
The EH&S Training Tool can be used to help determine the appropriate required and recommended training. Required training must be completed prior to beginning work involving that hazard.
Most training is available online and can be access via the EH&S website.
Surplus Chemicals
As a sustainability and waste minimization effort, Cornell University maintains a surplus chemical recycling program available for Cornell researchers. *Please note, this program is not open to non-Cornell members.
If you have any chemicals that you would like to donate to the surplus chemical recycling program, then please use the Surplus Chemical Request/Donation Form. Please only donate chemicals that are in their original containers, unopened, or in very good condition with the labels intact and are likely to be used in other areas on campus.
Requests for chemicals can be a accomplished by using the Surplus Chemical Request/Donation Form. EH&S will respond within 3 days if the chemical is available. Chemicals will be delivered on Cornell's Ithaca campus on Wednesdays and Fridays. Arrangements can also be made to pick up the chemicals a the Environmental Health and Safety building at 201 Palm Road. If you would like to subscribe to receive a certain chemical when it becomes available, then please use the Surplus Chemical Subscription Form.
Waste Chemicals
Federal, New York State, and Cornell University regulations require that all waste chemicals generated in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology be disposed of properly. The primary responsibility for waste disposal lies with the generator of the waste. Chemicals that may be disposed of in the trash or down the drain are listed in the waste disposal section of the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Properly packaged, identified and labeled waste chemicals not eligible for drain or trash disposal will be picked up by Cornell Environmental Health and Safety. Research groups generating significant quantities of waste are on a weekly pickup schedule; others should complete this form to request a pickup. Information concerning waste disposal is available from EH&S, 607-255-8200.
Contact Info
Emergencies:
Dial 911 from a department phone or pick up an emergency phone
Dial 255-1111 from a cell phone.
Primary Contact:
Keane Leitch, Safety Manager
607-255-8773
kjl44@cornell.edu
121 Baker Laboratory
Other Contacts in the Department:
- Flooding, Facilities Emergencies, 607-255-7309 (7:30 - 4:00 M-F) all other times 607-255-5322
- Chemical Waste Disposal Consultation, 607-255-8773 or 607-255-8200
- Chemical Waste Pickups (form)
- Used Oil Disposal, 607-255-7309
- Laboratory Safety, 607-255-8773
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology GSR List (PDF)
Other Contacts in the University:
- Cornell Police (Fire, Police, Ambulance), 911
- Environmental Health and Safety, 607-255-8200
- General Safety and Fire Prevention, 607-255-8200
- Hazardous Waste Disposal, 607-255-8200
- OSHA Laboratory Standard, 607-255-8200
- Radiation Safety, 607-255-8200
- Respiratory Protection, 607-255-8200
- Biological Safety 607-255-8200
- Safety Education/Training, 607-255-8200
- Toxic Substances Information, 607-255-8200