Laboratory and Research Safety

The Biological Safety Program in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for managing and evaluating biological operations, waste disposal and research throughout Hunter College to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations. In an effort to protect the health and safety of researchers, students and the environment, EHS works with the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) on matters related to the safe practice of biological research.

Policies and Procedures

• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories 5th Edition 
• Hunter College Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
• OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
• NIH Guidelines for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecule Research

Forms and Fact Sheets

• Autoclaves and Sterilizers 
• Biohazard Supplies – Contact 212-772-4136 and leave a message with room location, PI, and quantity of boxes, bags, sharps containers and biohazard tape. 
• Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules – Contact ehs@hunter.cuny.edu or at 212-772-4462 for information about the IBC application process.

The Emergency Exposure and Spill Response Procedures Poster is a quick guide regarding what to do and who to contact if an emergency should occur.

Hunter College is responsible for the control of health hazards related to chemical and physical agents within the college’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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State and local authorities. 

Policies and Procedures

CUNY Laboratory Safety Manual – Reference material on health effects of hazardous chemicals, chemical storage, handling of hazardous materials, controlling chemical hazards.

Hunter College Chemical Hygiene Plan for Laboratories – Provides information for the identification and determination of hazards in the lab.

Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Waste Inspections

Inspections – Laboratories are assessed at least annually for compliance with environmental and occupational health and safety regulations. It is a good idea to review the Lab Safety / Hazardous Waste Checklist prior to the inspection to address any issues and expedite the process. 

Chemical Segregation and Storage – When segregating or storing chemicals, do not use containers that may react with the chemicals or which may burn, such as cardboard or Styrofoam. In general, combustible material should be stored away from chemicals due to its ability to react to chemicals or to promote fires. Instead, make sure the container is made of a corrosive resistant material, such as Nalgene. Review the Chemical Segregation Chart for more information.

Eyewash and Safety Showers – A safety shower and/or eye wash station must be installed and accessible within 25 feet of any location where more than five gallons of corrosive acids or five gallons of flammable liquids are stored or used. All safety showers and eye wash stations are inspected annually by a third-party vendor. 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.

Laboratory Waste Disposal – See Laboratory Waste Management for more information on disposal of:

• Chemical Waste
• Biological/Regulated Medical Wastes
• Sharps
• Laboratory Glassware
• Radioactive Waste
• Spill Cleanup Material
• Unknowns
• Empty Containers

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – See the PPE Assessment Tool for more information. 

Chemical Inventory Requirements – Under the Community Right-to-Know, in order to facilitate the annual submission to NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the New York City Fire Department, EHS requires that all areas that store or use hazardous substances maintain an up to date inventory of all such materials. For information regarding chemical inventories, please take the Bioraft Training.

FDNY Certificates of Fitness Requirements

See Fire Safety for more information. 

Resources

• American Chemical Society Guide for Chemical Spill Response
• Labels: 
  • Hazardous Waste Label
  • Peroxide Forming Chemicals Label
  • Universal Waste Label
• Peroxide-Forming Chemicals

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) manages the disposal of chemical and biological waste from Hunter College facilities, in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. There are specific procedures for handling, storage and disposal for different types of waste and different areas of the college. Please choose from the below for further information on handling and disposal of waste from your area or refer to the Hunter College Waste Management Handout for a quick guide.

Chemical Waste

Appropriate PPE and waste management practices should be followed at all time while handling chemicals (please refer to Hunter College’s Chemical Hygiene Plan). 

Make sure that your satellite accumulation area (SAA) is clean and organized prior to requesting a pick-up. ALL waste disposal pick-ups must be arranged by emailing ehswaste@cuny.hunter.edu. A date and time for disposal will be established at which point you must place your hazardous waste container in your SAA ONE HOUR prior to the scheduled pick-up.  

If you have any other questions regarding waste disposal, please contact EHS.  

Biological/Regulated Medical Wastes

Appropriate PPE and waste management practices should be followed at all times while handling regulated medical waste (please refer to Hunter College’s Exposure Control Plan. 

Prior to pick-up, properly package and label regulated medical waste.  

Pick-ups occur every Wednesday between 12 – 2 pm. Call X4136 to notify the Office of Facilities Management of your pick-up and request additional supplies. Regulated medical waste should not be in the corridor at any time unless it is scheduled for pick-up. 

If you have any other questions regarding waste disposal, please contact EHS.  

Radioactive Laboratory Waste Procedures

Appropriate PPE and waste management practices should be followed at all time while handling radioactive waste (please refer to Hunter College’s Radiation Safety Plan). 

Schedule your radioactive waste pick-up with Hunter College’s radiation safety officer by emailing ay732@hunter.cuny.edu. 

If you have any other questions regarding waste disposal, please contact EHS. 

The Hunter College radiation and laser safety program is designed to provide general guidance and ensure that adequate protection against hazards is provided. The radiation safety program applies to the use of sources of ionizing radiation in teaching and research programs as well as the operation of equipment that produces ionizing radiation. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requires that all lasers and laser systems are operating in accordance with the “Safe Use of Lasers” requirements outlined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

The Radiochemistry facility at Hunter College provides Hunter’s faculty, staff and students with the necessary training and support for both research and academics.

Radiation Safety 

• Radiation Safety Program – The purpose of this program is to ensure that all individuals who work with radioactive material have sufficient training and experience to enable them to perform their duties safely and in accordance with regulations and the condition of the Radioactive Material License. 
• Radioactive Spill Procedures – Personnel should read and familiarize themselves with the procedures in this document prior to commencing work to understand what to do in the event of a radioactive spill.
• Radioactive Wipe Sample Guidelines – All active radioactive labs must document and perform monthly wipe samples.
• Radiation Exposure Monitoring – Dosimeter badges are required before any lab personnel begins work with radioactive materials. In order to receive a badge, lab personnel must complete radiation safety training and submit a completion certificate to ehs@hunter.cuny.edu.
• Radiation Safety Officer – Dr. Ali Younes Hunter College Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Dr. Younes is in charge of the Radiochemistry facility in the Department of Chemistry.

Laser Safety 

• OSHA Technical Laser Safety Manual
• Laser Training – The Radiochemistry facility at Hunter College provides Hunter’s faculty, staff and students with the necessary training and support for both research and academics.