Health and Safety

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 their research group and appoints a group safety representative (GSR). The GSR acts as a liason to the safety manager and committee, and assists the PI in implementing safe practices.

Presently, the safety committee includes several members of the Chemistry and Chemical Biology faculty and staff.

If you have a safety-related concern or need a safety-related consultation, please contact the Safety Committee at chemsafetycmte@cornell.edu. 

Implementation of University health and safety policies and procedures are coordinated through the safety manager’s office for the Physical Sciences Complex. 

A library of laboratory health and safety references can be found in 121 Baker Laboratory. 

Physical Science Complex Safety Resources

Individuals seeking access to department spaces must complete the Workday Learning course “PSCFM 7010 – Physical Sciences Complex Orientation”. This course includes an on-line survey that will guide prospective users through a safety assessment for working in the laboratories or offices within the complex. The survey and safety assessment must be completed with assistance from your supervisor or lab group safety representative (GSR).  A list of the current GSR’s, can be found here.

Workday Learning safety training programs are created for each research group. Each includes awareness trainings for all members of the group, but may not include safety training for specific hazards that should be identified during the assessment with the GSR or PI. These can be found in Workday Learning by search the PI’s last name.

Once all training is complete, submit a ticket and attach the transcript of trainings: Key/Card Access Request

Federal, state and university regulations require that all waste chemicals generated in the Department of Chemistry & 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.

The Safety Committee publishes department safety newsletters on a quarterly basis. These newsletters summarize recent incidents, give general safety tips, and highlight relevant safety literature. If you have any ideas or suggestions for newsletter topics, let the safety committee know! 

Read the Fall 2026 Safety Newsletter, here.

Read the Fall 2024 Safety Newsletter, here.

Read the Spring 2024 Safety Newsletter, here.

Read the Fall 2023 Safety Newsletter, here. 

Read the Summer 2023 Safety Newsletter, here. 

Read the Spring 2023 Safety Newsletter, here.

Read the Fall 2022 Safety Newsletter, here.

University health and safety policies and manuals can be found on the Environmental Health and Safety website.

Emergencies
Dial 911 from a department phone or use a direct dial emergency phone.
Dial 255-1111 from a cell phone.
emergency.cornell.edu

Primary Contacts

Ellen Cox (ems325), Research Facilities Safety Manager
(607) 255-8773
121 Baker Laboratory

Vonnie Ellis (yme2), Vertere Chemical Inventory Manager
(607) 255-4132
120 Baker Laboratory

Facility Contacts
Adam LaLonde (al268), Facility Manager
7:30 - 4:00 M-F: (607) 255-7309

After Hours and Weekends
Cornell Customer Service

(607) 255-5322