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Contact Us

EHS is always available to provide assistance. If you need to contact us for any reason, please refer to our staff directory. In addition, we can be reached by using the information below.

Environmental Health and Safety Weill Cornell Medicine

402 East 67th Street
Room LA-0020
New York, NY 10065
Phone: (646) 962-7233
Fax: (646) 962-0288
ehs@med.cornell.edu

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Cornell Hotline

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Newsletters

Check out our newsletters for EHS updates, reports, news and tips.

 

Mission Statement

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for developing, maintaining and promoting policies, procedures, training and educational programs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, staff and visiting public. We are committed to developing a culture where safety and health are core values, and provide high-quality services that facilitate Weill Cornell Medicine's education, research and clinical missions.

EHS serves as the WCM biological, chemical and radiation safety office, coordinating comprehensive hazardous material and workplace safety programs. EHS takes appropriate steps to ensure that problems are identified and resolved in a timely manner. We coordinate reviews and responses to external agencies, many of which have the authority to cite, impose civil penalties, restrict or rescind operations, and remove or disapprove accreditation. EHS provides an emergency response for college situations that may include exposure to or the release of hazardous materials, and fire scenarios. We implement programs and services to minimize injuries or illnesses, and reduce safety, health and environmental risks in a manner consistent with fiscal and environmental stewardship. Read More

Annual Chemical Inventory Due January 8, 2024

December 11, 2023

Who this message is for:
Laboratory Supervisors, Designated Laboratory Safety Coordinators, Chemical Owners, Clinical Practice Managers

What is happening:
Weill Cornell Medicine is required to submit Annual Chemical Inventory Reporting of all hazardous chemicals on campus, in order to comply with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Fire Department, and US Environmental Protection Agency Community-Right-to-Know requirements, as well as US Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism regulations.

Supervisors of all locations storing and/or using hazardous chemicals must maintain a chemical inventory in Salute.

What you need to do:
Review and update your chemical inventory in Salute by January 8, 2024. To update your Chemical Inventory:

  1. Sign-in to Salute using your WCM email, and then your CWID and password.
  2. Select Chemical Safety from the menu on the left-hand side of the page.
  3. Choose the inventory to view based on the Chemical Owner.
  4. Make any changes needed to your inventory. Please visit the EHS website for step-by-step instructions.
  5. Belfer Building Inventory Owners: Please pay special attention to reviewing and updating the storage room location of your inventory entries. Energy-saving initiatives, like the newly installed Aircuity System, rely on accurate record-keeping to optimize safety and sustainability. More information about Aircuity is available in a previous EHS Newsletter article.
  6. When you are finished, use the Status drop-down menu to change the Inventory Status to Complete.

For further guidance on utilizing Salute for chemical inventory management, please view a short self-paced training video on the EHS website (login required).

Contact us:
If you need access to Salute, need assistance in managing your inventory, or have any questions, please contact EHS at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.

We appreciate your cooperation in our efforts to inform regulatory agencies of chemical hazards present in our facilities.

Matthew Brinton
Director, Environmental Health and Safety

EHS Newsletter: November 2023

November 14, 2023

The weather has cooled, the clocks have been adjusted for daylight saving time, and the busy holiday season is approaching. Take a moment to review methods to maintain your personal safety at home and work, learn how to make your lab more energy efficient by borrowing a -80 freezer, and complete a quick survey to let us know how we can improve our training and services. The EHS team will host a table at the WCM Career Expo on November 16, so be sure to stop by.

EHS Employee Training Feedback Survey

EHS is dedicated to excellence, continuous training, and education. Please take a moment to fill out this 3-minute survey to help us learn how we can improve and expand our development programs for the Weill Cornell Medicine community. Complete Survey

Microtomes and Cryostats

Histology specimen preparation in BSL-1 or BSL-2 labs using microtomes or cryostats involves very sharp blades around your fingers. Additionally, you can be exposed to infectious materials when working with unfixed biohazardous samples, which pose a much higher risk than fixed tissue.
Read more...

Coming Soon: Biological Spill Kits

Spills of biological materials are potentially hazardous to individuals, colleagues, and those in surrounding areas. To ensure your laboratory is ready in the instance of a biological spill, EHS will provide biological spill kits to all WCM laboratories.
Review Biological Spill Planning and Response

Follow the R.A.C.E Procedure

R.A.C.E stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, and Evacuate/Extinguish and is a critical set of guidelines that can make the difference between safety and danger in various emergencies. These protocols serve as a structured framework, enabling Weill Cornell Medicine Employees to respond effectively to fire emergencies.
Read more...

Defrost your -80! A New ULT is Available for Temporary Storage

Ultra-low temperature freezers (ULTs) are some of the most energy-intensive plug-load equipment utilized in WCM labs and must be defrosted annually to maintain efficiency. The Office of Energy & Sustainability has purchased a new ULT for short-term storage to encourage WCM labs to conduct annual maintenance on their units.
Read more...

Slips, Trips, and Falls: Understanding, Preventing, and Mitigating Risks

As we enter the rainy and cold season, we face several risks, which include slips, trips, and falls in our day-to-day activities. It is important to be aware of hazards around us and learn how to properly identify and assess any risks with each step.
Read more...

Meet the EHS Team at the WCM Career Expo

Discover opportunities that can shape your career and future! The Staff & Organizational Development’s inaugural Career Expo is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, and EHS will be hosting a table! This event is an opportunity to explore different departments, careers, and opportunities.
Read more...

EHS Newsletter: July 2023

July 26, 2023

Summer 2023 has brought record-breaking heat and humidity as well as air quality advisories for New York City and the surrounding area. Check in with the EHS team for tips on reducing pollution exposure and staying healthy while enjoying summer activities. The team also details the benefits of maintaining an accurate chemical inventory, discusses pathogen resistance and disinfectants, and more.

Summertime Air Quality in NYC: Risks and Strategies to Reduce Exposure

Warm weather, outdoor activities, and increased air pollution often accompany New York City summer. While the city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, it also contends with air quality issues that can pose risks to public health.

Read more...

Improve Lab Safety and Sustainability by Maintaining Accurate Chemical Inventory

Following chemical safety best practices can have beneficial impacts that reach beyond the immediate laboratory. Explore how the simple act of maintaining an accurate chemical inventory can improve lab safety and affect new initiatives, including the Facilities Management & Campus Operations Department’s air quality and sustainability project in the Belfer Research Building.

Read more...

Medical Health Physics Launches New Website

Medical Health Physics is excited to announce the launch of its new website, designed to provide comprehensive information and resources on radiation safety services at WCM and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. The new website represents WCM's commitment to maintaining the safest environment when using radioactivity for clinical and research applications.

Read more...

Pathogen Resistance and Disinfectants

Antibiotic resistance is among the most significant concerns for the healthcare industry and public health. Antibiotics and antifungals save lives, but any time they are used—for people, animals, or plants—they can contribute to resistance. As attention to antibiotic-resistant organisms increases, many in the professional cleaning space are questioning whether pathogens can also develop resistance to chemical disinfectants.

Read more...

EHS Employee Training Feedback Survey

EHS is dedicated to excellence, continuous training, and education. Please take a moment to fill out this 3-minute survey to help us learn how we can improve and expand our development programs for the Weill Cornell Medicine community.

Complete survey...

Reminder: Shut the Sash

Keeping a chemical fume hood sash closed mitigates the potential for accidental exposures and reduces institutional energy usage. Fume hoods are one of the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment on campus, with a single hood costing about $2,600 to operate per year.

Read more...

EHS Newsletter: April 2023

April 11, 2023

Spring is here, and safety and sustainability is the theme for the new season. It is the perfect time to check in with the EHS team for reminders, tips, and insight regarding how to protect yourself and others at home and work. Please take this 3-minute survey to help us improve our content, understand community training demands, and provide you with better training resources.

Fire Safety with E-Mobility Devices

The benefits of using an e-mobility device (E-Bike/ E-Scooter) include convenience, cost, and an exhilarating feeling, but they include lithium-ion batteries, which have caused an uptick in fires nationwide. Learn fire safety tips for buying, using, storing, and charging your device, what to do in the event of a fire at home and work, and how to remain safe.

Read more...

Shipping Hazardous Materials

The shipment of hazardous materials is highly regulated at international, federal, state, and local levels. EHS provides biological material and dry ice training, which is required for authorization to ship clinical, biological, and infectious samples. Lab staff is required to complete this training every two years. Penalties for accidents or incidents fall directly on the shipper and the institution.

Read more...

Assessing Risks and Exploring Resources for Pregnant Researchers

Working in a laboratory presents a set of unique risks to researchers. Assessing hazards can be particularly difficult for pregnant researchers as data about toxicity can be unclear during different stages of pregnancy. Review resources for evaluating the safety of your work while pregnant.

Read more...

Regulated Medical Waste

Regulated medical waste (RWM) or “red bag” waste is generated when labs and clinics on campus collect biologically contaminated materials for disposal. This waste should not be mixed with regular trash as it can present exposure hazards to WCM employees. Review guidelines on how to assess and dispose of items during biological and clinical procedures.

Read more...

Sustainable Clothing Practices

Spring is the perfect time to start living more sustainably by embarking on a deep cleaning journey to eliminate excess clutter in your living space, primarily your closet. Here are seven ways to promote a more sustainable lifestyle by incorporating eco-friendly practices into your clothing choices.
Read more...

EHS Town Hall Presentation

February 14, 2023

The EHS Laboratory Safety Town Hall was held on Monday, February 13, 2023. Thank you to all who attended. The presentation included updates on new and ongoing laboratory safety programs and is available to view:

EHS Town Hall Presentation

Requesting Assistance & Reporting a Problem

Contact WCM and NYP departments providing safety, security, waste and health services.

Safety Data Sheets

Chemwatch: a database of > 20,000,000 SDSs, obtained directly from manufacturers, suppliers and other chemical safety databases
More Information

WCM Fire Safety Log: Residential Housing

Date ReportedNature of FireDate of FireTime of FireLocation
12/06/2023Oven malfunctioned and charred adjacent kitchen cabinet12/06/202310:00 AMLasdon House: 420 E .70th Street
10/17/2023Stove burner too hot and heat deflected and charred adjacent wall10/17/2023 10:30 AM444 E. 77th Street
06/12/2023Coffee maker malfunctioned and caught on fire on desk06/12/2023 2:10 PM445 E. 69th Street