Announcements

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


EHS Town Hall: February 13

February 9, 2023

EHS is pleased to announce our upcoming Town Hall, where we will share updates on new and ongoing laboratory safety programs.

Monday, February 13, 2023

4:00 - 4:45 PM

Click here to register

Attend in person at Uris Auditorium or join via Zoom

https://weillcornell.zoom.us/j/94253164781 Meeting ID: 942 5316 4781

Important topics that we will cover in this meeting include:

  • Top lab safety trends from 2022 and our goals for 2023
  • Updates on Regulatory Agencies’ activities and the potential impact on our labs
  • Chemical Safety Updates
  • Biological Safety Updates
  • Waste Minimization and Sustainability
  • And more

All Laboratory Safety Coordinators should plan to attend this meeting, and additional lab employees are welcome to join as well. If you are unable to attend, please invite another member of your lab by sharing the registration link.


EHS Newsletter: December 2022

December 20, 2022

The EHS team would like to thank the WCM research community for another excellent compliance year and end the year with a few winter safety tips. We encourage you to visit the EHS website for more safety tips and sustainability initiatives. We look forward to seeing you during our 2023 Safety Town Hall to be scheduled in January.

EHS wishes you a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!

Winter Fire Safety Tips

Winter provides many unique challenges, including ice and snow conditions, freezing temperatures, and storm-related power outages. While there are numerous ways to help stay warm during this time of the year, the Weill Cornell Medicine Fire Safety division of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) wants to reiterate basic fire safety measures for your home and workplace. Read more...

Safety Meets Sustainability

NYC Local Law 97 focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG). In an effort to make the city carbon neutral by 2050, energy efficiency requirements for NYC buildings will begin in 2024, with a direct focus on laboratories, as labs consume 5 - 10 times more energy per square foot than a standard office building. Read more...

Expanded Curriculum: EHS Training Courses

EHS offers many different online training courses, covering a variety of safety-related topics to meet your educational needs. The expanded curriculum includes safety protocols and the possible hazards encountered during work in laboratories, offices, clinical areas, or facilities. All courses are located in the EHS library and are free of charge and accessible to WCM faculty, staff, and students. Read more...

Salute: Updates and Expanded Access

Salute recently updated the Chemical Inventories platform allowing any member listed on a lab’s roster within Salute the ability to view the laboratory’s chemical inventory. You can quickly review chemical stocks, assist with inventory audits, check chemical storage groups, and view the lab-approved High Hazard Operating Procedures in a central location. Read more...


Annual Chemical Inventory Due January 9, 2023

December 19, 2022

Who this message is for:

Laboratory Supervisors, Designated Laboratory Safety Coordinators, Chemical Owners

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 9, 2023. 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. Please note: some line items in the inventory may appear with a chemical name of “N/A.” These are legacy entries from the migration of ChemTracker data into the new Salute inventory system. Please do not delete these items from your inventory. EHS is working with Salute to reconcile these data entries.
  5. When you are finished,use theStatus 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.


EHS Town Hall Video Now Available

March 23, 2022

Thank you to all who attended the EHS Laboratory Safety Town Hall on March 7. If you'd like to view a recording of the session, please click here (login required).


Laboratory Safety Town Hall: March 7

March 1, 2022

EHS is pleased to announce our upcoming Town Hall, where we will share updates on new and ongoing laboratory safety programs.  

Monday, March 7, 2022 

4:00 – 5:00 PM 

Location: Zoom. Please RSVP to receive Zoom link.

Click here to RSVP 

Important topics that we will cover in this meeting include: 

  • 2022 Laboratory Safety Trends 
  • New Weill Research Gateway Features: Lab Roster with Training Assessments 
  • New Training Programs Available for Lab Managers 
  • Chemical Safety Updates 
  • Biological Safety Updates 
  • Upcoming Regulatory Inspections 
  • Sustainability and How to Minimize Waste in Your Lab 
  • Future Initiatives in Lab Safety Management 
  • And more 

RSVP online now

All Laboratory Safety Coordinators should plan to attend this meeting, and additional lab employees are welcome to join as well. If you are unable to attend, please invite another member of your lab by sharing the registration link. 

Please feel free to contact EHS with any questions at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.  

 


Annual Chemical Inventory Due January 7, 2022

November 18, 2021

Who this message is for:

Laboratory Supervisors, Designated Laboratory Safety Coordinators, Chemical Owners 

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 7, 2022. 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. Please note: some line items in the inventory may appear with a chemical name of “N/A”. These are legacy entries from the migration of ChemTracker data into the new Salute inventory system. Please do not delete these items from your inventory. EHS is working with Salute to reconcile these data entries.
  5. 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.


EHS Newsletter: July 2021

July 20, 2021

2020 Hazardous Waste Report

The EHS Hazardous Waste Program is responsible for managing and disposing of all chemical and biological wastes generated at Weill Cornell Medicine. Our Hazardous Waste Report is designed to provide WCM’s research and clinical communities with an overview of chemical and biological waste generation on campus during the 2020 calendar year, as well as waste management and minimization strategies. View Report...

Decontamination vs. Disinfection vs. Sterilization: Selecting the Right Cleaning Process

In a biological and biomedical laboratory setting, cleaning practices have always been the top priority to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens. Whether the goal is decontamination, disinfection, or sterilization, choosing the correct process and cleaning agent for the task is critical. Learn about common laboratory disinfectants, how to select the best one based on your needs, and additional resources available to you through EHS. Read more...

Safety Tips for Your Summer Barbeque

Fire up the grill! It’s summertime, and there’s nothing better than a barbeque. Before you press the ignition button or light the charcoal, Weill Cornell Medicine Fire Safety would like to remind you to keep these simple, essential BBQ safety tips in mind and not make your BBQ memorable for all the wrong reasons. Read more...

Respiratory Protection Program

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of the proper use of respiratory protection and dramatically increased the need for respiratory protection and education for Weill Cornell Medicine faculty, staff, and students. EHS has always maintained a robust respiratory protection program, but this year was the biggest test for that program that we’ve seen so far. Read more...

Webinar: Volatile Chemicals & BSCs: How Much is Safe?

In a biological safety cabinet (BSC), what chemical concentration is safe? Can it vent to the room? And what is the explosion or chemical exposure limit? While no universal volume of any volatile chemical should be deemed safe to work within a Type A2 BSC, there is a tool to find the safe working concentration of each specific chemical that can be used to aid an accurate risk assessment. Read more...


Now Available: Print-And-Go Sheets

March 18, 2021

EHS has developed Print-And-Go Sheets with detailed information on what to do in case of exposure to chemical, biological, or radioactive materials. If you or someone in your lab is exposed, seek medical assistance and provide a Print-And-Go Sheet to the healthcare staff providing treatment. To view all Print-And-Go sheets available, click here


Town Hall Video Now Available

March 1, 2021

Thank you to all who attended the EHS Laboratory Safety Town Hall on February 25. If you'd like to view a recording of the session, please click here (login required).


Laboratory Safety Town Hall on February 25

February 18, 2021

EHS is pleased to announce our upcoming Town Hall, where we will share updates on new and ongoing laboratory safety programs.

Thursday, February 25, 2020
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Click here to RSVP

Important topics that we will cover in this meeting include:

  • 2021 Lab Safety Trends
  • Biosafety and COVID-19
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Availability and Usage
  • Common Chemical and Fire Safety Hazards
  • Sustainability and How to Minimize Waste in Your Lab
  • And more

RSVP online now 

All Laboratory Safety Coordinators should plan to attend this meeting, and additional lab employees are welcome to join as well. If you are unable to attend, please invite another member of your lab by sharing the registration link.

Please feel free to contact EHS with any questions at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


Annual Chemical Inventory due January 29, 2021

January 14, 2021

Who this message is for:

Laboratory Supervisors, Designated Laboratory Safety Coordinators, Chemical Owners.

What is happening:

Weill Cornell Medicine is required to submit Annual Chemical Inventory Reporting of all hazardous chemicals in order to comply with city, state, and federal mandates.

What you need to do:

If you haven’t done so yet, please review and update your chemical inventory in Salute by January 29, 2021.

To comply with this year’s annual chemical inventory, simply:

  1. review your inventory in Salute for accuracy,
  2. make changes as needed, and
  3. change the Inventory Status from Requires Update to Complete once you are done.

 For step-by-step instructions on viewing and managing your chemical inventory, please visit the EHS website.

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.


Online Fire Drill Training Programs

August 6, 2020

To help support the safety of WCM employees working on-site while adhering to social distancing guidelines, Environmental Health and Safety has developed online fire drills for WCM-managed buildings and Article 28 spaces. Each training summarizes building safety features, evacuation routes, and crucial emergency preparedness information.

 What you need to do:

If you currently work on-site in any of the buildings listed below, please complete the online fire drill training for that location in the Learning Management System (LMS) by Friday, August 28.

  • 1155 York Avenue
  • 1165 York Avenue
  • 12 West 72nd Street
  • 1305 York Avenue (Weill Grenberg Center)
  • 211 East 80th Street
  • 215 East 68th Street
  • 2315 Broadway
  • 240 East 59th Street
  • 402 East 67th Street (Laurel Building)
  • 407 East 61st Street (Gertrude & Louis Feil Family Research Building)
  • 413 East 69th Street (Belfer Research Building)
  • 416 East 55th Street
  • 420 East 70th Street (Lasdon House Offices)
  • 425 East 61st Street 
  • 428 East 72nd Street (Oxford Building)
  • 445 East 69th Street (Olin Hall Offices) 
  • 515 East 71st Street (Hamad bin Khalifa Biomedical Research Building)
  • 516 East 72nd Street (Citigroup Imaging Center)
  • 53 Beekman Street

 Training Access Instructions

  1. Log in to the Weill Business Gateway with your CWID and password.
  2. Click on the Learning tile.          
  3. 3.     On the Find Learning section on the right side of the screen, enter “fire drill” to search for available courses.
  4. 4.     Click on the training for the building you’re currently working in.
  5. Click Start Course and complete the presentation. Note: The trainings are in slideshow format and do not have audio.
  6. Complete the brief quiz to receive credit for the training.

Questions?

Please contact us at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


FDNY Lab Inspections Resume Friday, July 10

June 17, 2020

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will resume conducting annual laboratory inspections starting Friday, July 10, 2020. Inspections had previously been on hold during the height of the pandemic.

 These inspections will occur weekly on Fridays, and the FDNY can issue violation(s) to the laboratory for any issues that they observe. While the exact locations of the weekly inspections are unannounced, personnel can prepare their laboratories by reviewing the EHS Update on FDNY Laboratory Requirements and Common Violations

In addition to preparing the laboratories, staff must ensure that at least one C-14 holder is present while the lab is in operation to avoid receiving a violation. Eligible laboratory staff can obtain a C-14 Certificate of Fitness by completing the EHS provided training and passing a competency exam required by FDNY. For more information, please review the C-14 Application Checklist.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your Safety Advisor or the EHS office at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


Laboratory Safety Town Hall on February 27

February 20, 2020

Thursday, February 27, 2020
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Uris Auditorium (1300 York Avenue)

EHS is pleased to announce our upcoming Town Hall, where we will share updates on new and ongoing laboratory safety programs.

Important topics to be covered in this meeting include:

  • 2019 Laboratory Safety Trends
  • 2020 EHS Initiatives
  • Updates to the Research Safety module in the Weill Research Gateway
  • Improvements to the EHS Salute Safety management system
  • New training programs available
  • Hazard alerts to look out for in your lab
  • And other relevant matters.

RSVP online now

All Laboratory Safety Coordinators should plan to attend this meeting, and additional lab employees are welcome to join as well. If you are unable to attend, please invite another member of your lab by sharing this link and asking them to register.

Please feel free to contact EHS with any questions at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


What do you know about the novel Coronavirus?

February 10, 2020

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. 

Watch this short video to find out more.


2020 Training Dates Now Available

December 30, 2019

All our onsite training and certification programs now have new sessions available for 2020. As announced last month, the Annual Hospital Training (AHT) now fulfills the Clinical and General Safety Training requirement, as it provides Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-required training in one targeted session.

Please visit our Instructor-Led Training Schedule page for training session information.


Annual Chemical Inventory Due January 17, 2020

December 10, 2019

Who this message is for:

Laboratory Supervisors, Designated Laboratory Safety Coordinators, Chemical Owners

 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, the new web-based EHS management system. 

What you need to do:

Review and update your chemical inventory in Salute by January 17, 2020. Your inventory in Salute is based on your last inventory in ChemTracker, the previous platform, and any updates you have made since Salute launched, so all you need to do is enter any changes since the last record. 

To update your Chemical Inventory:

  1. Sign-in to Salute at https://wcmc.salutesafety.com 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. 
    Please note: some line items in the inventory may appear with a chemical name of “N/A”. These are legacy entries from the migration of ChemTracker data into the new Salute inventory system. Please do not delete these items from your inventory. EHS is working with Salute to reconcile these data entries.
  5. When you are finished, use the Status drop-down menu to change the Inventory Status to Complete. 

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.


Is Your Lab Prepared for a Biological Spill?

October 31, 2019

As National Biosafety Month draws to a close, we want to make sure your lab is prepared to handle a biological spill. Here are a few things you can do to be ready:

Read the updated Biological Spill Planning and Response Manual on the EHS website

The updated and revised Biological Spill Planning and Response Manual includes:

  • How to prepare a biological spill kit for your lab
  • When you must report a biological spill to EHS and the IBC
  • Improved spill cleanup procedures
Display vital spill response procedures

Ensure you and your colleagues can easily access the information you will need in the event of a biological spill. Resources are available at the EHS website.

Contact EHS for copies of the following posters: 

Review your Biological Spill Kit

Your kit should contain:

  • Mucous membrane protection for eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Fluid resistant disposable lab coats or tie back gowns
  • Nitrile gloves in various sizes
  • Water-resistant shoe covers
  • Small dustpan, small broom, and forceps for cleaning up broken glass
  • Large and small autoclavable red Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) bags
  • Disinfectant appropriate for all pathogens in use in the lab (e.g., household bleach)
  • Absorbent material (e.g., paper towels)
  • Copies of the spill response posters listed above
Contact us

If you have any questions or need assistance with training or equipment, please contact EHS at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


FDNY Weekend Lab Inspection on Saturday, October 19

October 10, 2019

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will conduct an off-hours laboratory inspection on Saturday, October 19, 2019. 

While the inspection will mainly focus on the presence of an FDNY C-14 Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder when someone is working in the laboratory, the FDNY can issue violation(s) to the laboratory for any issues that they observe during the inspection. The FDNY requires that a C-14 certificate holder be present in the laboratory at all times when the laboratory is in operation.  

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your Safety Advisor or the EHS office at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


Now Available: Salute

October 1, 2019

Environmental Health and Safety is pleased to announce launch of Salute, a new system that allows principal investigators, lab managers, and other staff to manage their lab safety needs in a single, easy-to-use web portal. EHS designed and developed Salute based on decades of experience helping the Weill Cornell Medicine community foster a culture of safety. Learn more.


FDNY Weekend Lab Inspection on Saturday, September 14

September 4, 2019

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) will conduct an off-hours laboratory inspection on Saturday, September 14, 2019.

While the inspection will mainly focus on the presence of an FDNY C-14 Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder when someone is working in the laboratory, the FDNY can issue violation(s) to the laboratory for any issues that they observe during the inspection. The FDNY requires that a C-14 certificate holder be present in the laboratory at all times when the laboratory is in operation.  

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your Safety Advisor or the EHS office at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


Hazardous Waste Label Change Effective July 1

June 18, 2019

Who this message is for: 

All members of the WCM community who generate hazardous chemical waste or radioactive waste.

What is happening:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently changed hazardous waste regulatory policies for academic laboratories. The new rules aim to help generators improve their management of hazardous waste, as well as protect the environment. To comply with these updated federal regulations, Weill Cornell Medicine will implement new hazardous waste labeling procedures effective July 1, 2019

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has designed new labels for hazardous waste and hazardous radioactive waste, which include OSHA’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals(GHS) pictogram as hazard indicators. These new labels will replace the old yellow hazardous waste and hazardous radioactive waste labels. 

All faculty, students, staff, visitors, and contractors at WCM who generate hazardous waste must follow the new procedure for labeling waste containers.

What you need to do:

  • Start using the new labels immediately after receiving them. Safety Advisors will distribute new red and white labels and provide additional information to each Weill Cornell Medicine lab in the coming weeks. You may also download and print fillable labels from the EHS website.
  • Discard old labels. Once you receive the new labels, destroy all old yellow labels, or return them to EHS to ensure they are no longer used. 
  • Follow the new labeling procedure. When completing labels, make sure to check the appropriate box(es) indicating the hazard(s) associated with each component. Detailed labeling instructions are available on the EHS website

Contact us:

For more information on the new labeling policies, or on the management and disposal of hazardous waste, please visit the EHS website

If you have any questions or need additional labels, please contact EHS at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu


Minus 80 Monitoring now available in Belfer Research Building

January 30, 2019

WCM is rolling out the Minus 80 monitoring system to the Belfer Research Building. Minus 80 is a cloud-based monitoring system that provides users with real-time information and sends customizable alerts via text, phone or email about the status of their freezers and refrigerators. Probes can be purchased or leased. Click here for more information.


Laboratory Safety Town Hall Meeting on January 24

January 23, 2019

Thursday, January 24, 2019

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Uris Auditorium (1300 York Avenue)

EHS is pleased to announce our upcoming Laboratory Safety Town Hall, scheduled for Thursday, January 24 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, in Uris Auditorium at 1300 York Avenue. 

This meeting will discuss upcoming and pertinent laboratory safety initiatives at Weill Cornell Medicine, including: 

  • 2018 Annual Inspection Results and Priorities for 2019
  • New Research Safety Module in Weill Research Gateway
  • Upcoming Email Notifications for Expired Laboratory Safety Training
  • Chemical Inventory Update
  • New Safety Software and User Portal
  • Freezer Monitoring Update and Expansion Plans
  • And many more relevant topics.

All Laboratory Safety Coordinators should plan to attend this meeting, and additional laboratory staff is welcome as well.  If you are unable to attend, please forward this invitation to another member of your lab. 

Please feel free to contact EHS with any questions at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu.


Changes to Chemical Inventory Management

January 4, 2019

Due to the recent acquisition of the ChemTracker Chemical Inventory System by BioRAFT at the end of 2018, Weill Cornell Medicine will be navigating away from the use of ChemTracker to manage chemical inventories. As of 2019, you will no longer be able to access or edit your inventory using ChemTracker.

A new inventory management system will be launched in the coming weeks. In an effort to minimize the burden to laboratories during this transition, Environmental Health and Safety is currently working to upload your most recent chemical inventory record from ChemTracker into the new platform.

Prior to the new system going live, manually keep track of major changes to your lab inventory. We will keep you posted regarding when you will be able to access the new inventory system.

We appreciate your cooperation during this transition period. Please contact us at 646-962-7233 or ehs@med.cornell.edu with any questions.


2019 Training Dates Now Available

December 3, 2018

All our onsite training and certification programs now have new sessions available for 2019. Please visit our Instructor-Led Training Schedule page for more information.


Annual Chemical Inventory due December 15

November 26, 2018

As every year, Weill Cornell Medicine must submit an Annual Chemical Inventory report of all hazardous chemicals on campus including type, quantity, and storage/use location; to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Supervisors of all locations storing and/or using hazardous chemicals must review their chemical inventory in the web-based ChemTracker Chemical Inventory System; and submit to EHS the Annual Chemical Inventory Submission form, available on the EHS website.

This process must be completed by December 15, 2018, to allow EHS enough time to submit the regulatory reports. For more information, please click here.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your ChemTracker account, please contact us at 646-962-7233 or chemtracker@med.cornell.edu.


October is Campus Sustainability Month

October 9, 2018

Campus Sustainability Month is officially underway at Weill Cornell Medicine. This is a yearly international celebration of sustainability in higher education, held every October by many universities and college campuses. 

Campus Sustainability Month 2018 Events

The WCM Sustainability Leadership Council has organized events and raffles throughout October to rethink our impact on the environment and find ways to reduce waste and conserve energy in our campus. See the poster above for information on their current calendar of events, and check the WCM Sustainability website and Facebook page often for updates.


Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report Now Available

October 1, 2018

Weill Cornell Medicine’s annual campus security and fire safety report is now available. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the school. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.

Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the school and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

This report is available online at the WCM Student Life website You may also request a paper copy from the Office of Student Affairs.


New Ergonomics Resources Available

September 26, 2018

An efficient ergonomic setup can improve productivity and satisfaction, as well as prevent straining and injuries at the workplace. We have expanded the Ergonomics section of our website to include more information and resources to help improve your work environment.

Please visit our Ergonomics page for helpful tips, and to learn how to schedule an ergonomics evaluation.


EHS Customer Satisfaction Survey

May 17, 2018

We are constantly reviewing our training and safety programs to identify gaps or areas that need development, and the feedback we receive from faculty, students, and staff is essential to measure our performance and find ways to improve our services.

Please take a moment to complete the Environmental Health and Safety Customer Satisfaction Survey. You can keep survey answers will remain confidential if you wish, or you can provide your contact information if you would like us to reach you. 

Click here to complete the EHS Customer Satisfaction Survey


UnPower Hour 2018- Thursday March 22 at 2:00 PM

March 22, 2018

The Weill Cornell UnPower Hour is the official kick-off of our yearlong energy savings plan. For the tenth year in a row Weill Cornell faculty, students, and staff will power down for one hour on Thursday, March 22, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Click here to sign up for Unpower Hour and participate in an eco-friendly prize raffle.

During this hour, you and the entire Weill Cornell Community are asked to switch off as many lights as possible, and find appliances and equipment that can be turned off or reduced in usage.

Click on the video to learn more

Click here to watch the video

Unpower Hour is our workday version of Earth Hour; an initiative by the World Wildlife Fund to create awareness about climate change and the power of individuals to create tangible positive impacts on the planet. The annual lights-out event, celebrated by millions of people around the world will take place on Saturday, March 24, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time.

Help us break records in attendance again and raise awareness for a sustainable approach at work, school, and home!

For more information, please visit the WCM Sustainability website or their Facebook Page.


New Refrigerator & Freezer Monitoring Program Piloting at 1300 York Avenue

February 1, 2018

Weill Cornell Medicine is introducing a new refrigerator and freezer monitoring system in the 1300 York Avenue Complex. Minus 80 is a cloud-based monitoring system that provides users with real-time information and alerts about the status of their freezers and refrigerators. Users can access the Minus 80 platform via computer or mobile; and set up custom alarms and notifications via text, phone, or email. Click here for more information.


Annual Chemical Inventory Due January 12

December 15, 2017

As every year, Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) must submit an Annual Chemical Inventory report of all hazardous chemicals on campus including type, quantity, and storage/use location; to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Supervisors of all locations storing and/or using hazardous chemicals must review their chemical inventory in the web-based ChemTracker Chemical Inventory System; and submit to EHS the Annual Chemical Inventory Submission form, available on the EHS website.

This process must be completed by January 12, 2018, to allow EHS enough time to submit the regulatory reports. For more information, please click here.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your ChemTracker account, please contact us at 646-962-7233 or chemtracker@med.cornell.edu.


2018 Training Dates Now Available

December 8, 2017

All our onsite training and certification programs now have new sessions available for 2018. Please visit our Instructor-Led Training Schedule page for more information.


Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall

November 9, 2017

On November 2, 2017, The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 37.8 million residential and commercial Kidde fire extinguishers; as they can become clogged or fail to activate during a fire emergency.

This recall does not affect any fire extinguishers provided by Weill Cornell Medicine; but it may impact an extinguisher found in your own home, apartment, vehicle, or boat. Please visit the CPSC website to read the recall notice in full; as well as to determine whether it affects your fire extinguisher and how to obtain a replacement.


Welcome to Our New Website!

June 12, 2017

We are pleased to welcome you to the new website for Environmental Health and Safety at Weill Cornell Medicine, now on the new WCM’s branding scheme and content management platform.

Our new site still contains all of EHS forms, manuals, and documentation. You may use the menu bar near the top of the page, or the search icon in the top right corner to find the resources you need or explore our content.

We will be revising our content as well as adding new features in the near future; please check back frequently for updates.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at ehs@weill.cornell.edu or call 646-962-7233.


Medical Assistance Map

August 26, 2015

EHS has developed a Medical Assistance Map to help students, faculty and staff navigate to the various medical locations (i.e. Student Health Services, Workforce Health and Safety, NYP Emergency Department, and Emergency Medical Services) in the event these services are needed. The map outlines the locations, telephone numbers and operating hours of these services. Feel free to print this sign in color and post as needed.


Lessons Learned

February 5, 2015

It is important to learn from accidents and near misses. This “Lessons Learned” section of the EHS website has been created to document accidents that have occurred on our campus or at other similar institutions. The documents provide a brief description of the incident, the root cause(s), and what has been learned.


Contractor Safety Manual

February 2, 2015

This Contractor Safety Manual replaces the previous WCM Construction Safety Manual. This manual was developed to outline the minimum EHS requirements for all contractors working on campus and the responsibilities of both WCM Project Managers and other departments that supervise or oversee activities performed by contractors. This manual also provides guidance for performing an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) before certain types of activities begin.


EHS Incident Tracking System

October 14, 2014

EHS introduces a new Incident Tracking System! This system is designed to track EHS-related service requests and incidents for Weill Cornell Medical College. This new system offers a number of enhancements: emailing users with updates, allowing them to view the current status of their tickets, and providing general, improved departmental oversight. Learn about our new way of recording incidents including ergonomic assessments, waste management issues, fire safety training and more. Start using the system today.


Fall Protection Manual

June 21, 2013

EHS has posted a Fall Protection Manual, intended to prevent exposure to fall hazards and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. It is designed to provide guidance to protect the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) community from fall hazards and ensure that any work performed at heights is done so in a safe manner by workers who are appropriately trained and provided with safe work procedures, personal protective equipment, and other safety controls and should be reviewed by all personnel whose work may expose them to a risk of falling from a height of four feet or higher.


Electrical Safety Manual

May 21, 2013

EHS has posted an Electrical Safety Manual, intended to prevent exposure to hazardous electrical conditions and ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements applicable to electrical systems. This program is designed to provide guidance protect the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) community from electrical hazards and ensure that any energized electrical work is performed in a safe manner by qualified electrical workers, who are appropriately trained and provided with safe work procedures, personal protective equipment, and other safety controls.


Weill Cornell Medical College Safety Resources for Researchers

April 19, 2013

EHS has created Weill Cornell Medical College Safety Resources for Researchers to provide researchers with information required for most grant applications regarding the comprehensive biological, chemical, radiation, industrial hygiene, construction, fire, emergency and general safety programs provided by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to the WCMC community. The document is available for download as a PDF icon PDF or Microsoft Office document icon Word document.


Good Microbiological Practices

April 16, 2013

This one-page informational document, which can be used as a poster, provides an overview of safe work, handling, containment, and disposal practices for biological materials in Weill Cornell Medical College laboratories. Utilize it in conjunction with the more detailed information provided in the EHS Program Manuals and Updates.


Exposure and Spill Response Sign

November 1, 2012

EHS developed the Exposure and Spill Response Sign for personnel exposure and spills of hazardous materials in the laboratory. The sign provides information on what to do in the event of personnel exposure and/or a spill involving hazardous chemicals, biological or radiologicals and the key emergency contacts. The guide supplements the more detailed information found in Chemical Spill Planning and Response, Biological Spill Planning and Response and Emergency Procedures for Radioactive Materials. Feel free to print this sign in color and post as needed or contact EHS to have an EHS staff member bring signs and post them. Please note that a PDF icon sign has also been developed for the Burke Medical Research Institute laboratories.


Laboratory Coats and Laundry Services

June 19, 2012

Laboratory coats are a critical component to worker protection in both laboratory and clinical/patient-care areas. WCMC Purchasing has established a service agreement with Unitex Textile Services to provide and launder laboratory coats. Laboratory coats are tagged and bar-coded to identify ownership, increase auditing efficiencies, and reduce lost or missing garments.


Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety

August 11, 2011

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment produces a strong magnetic field that will pull ferromagnetic objects to the machine with great force. Additionally, MRI equipment uses cryogens for cooling the magnet and other internal components. These cryogens have the potential to be released from the system and may displace oxygen from the MRI procedure room. These risks associated with Magnetic Resonance Imaging, if not controlled, have the potential to cause serious harm to anyone in the MRI procedure room. Due to these risks, employees must follow safety and operational procedures to protect the safety and health of all personnel and patients who enter the MRI rooms.


Accident Prevention Tags

June 11, 2011

All tools, equipment, and machinery must be inspected regularly in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and all applicable regulations to protect users from physical hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employees be protected against accidental injury by hazardous or potentially hazardous equipment by using accident prevention tags to communicate hazards until they can be eliminated.


Hot Work Program

June 11, 2011

As part of the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Program Manual, the Hot Work Program has been established. The Hot Work Program has been created to promote a safe work atmosphere. This program is in compliance with the New York City Fire Code and applies to all employees and contractors who perform or supervise hot work activities in any building or structure, on building roofs, or on buildings setback.


Building Design Guidelines

April 11, 2011

As part of the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Program Manual, a Building Design Guidelines program has been established. All new construction and renovation projects must follow the design guidelines in this document. These guidelines will be updated on regular basis; the newest version may be found on the EHS website or by requesting a copy from EHS. Project Managers must ensure the newest version of the program is used at the beginning of every project.


Flameproofing for Curtains Requirements

April 11, 2011

The 2008 New York City Fire Code requires that all curtains, draperies and hanging fabric in any laboratory, place of public assembly, educational, or common area in any business or residential occupancy be flame resistant as defined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701 Standard. Compliance with the requirement must be certified by a holder of a current and valid Certificate of Fitness for Flameproofing issued by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).


Physical Hazards of Machinery and Equipment

April 11, 2011

Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from needless and preventable machinery-related injuries.


Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shippers Preparation and Shipping Requirements

April 11, 2011

Dry shippers are large Dewar (vacuum) flasks that contain a porous material.


Pathological Waste Management and Disposal

March 11, 2011

Pathological waste consists of recognizable human-derived tissue, organs and body parts as well as vertebrate animal-derived tissue, organs and body parts used in research.


Research Biosafety

January 11, 2011

This Research Biosafety Program Manual has been created as part of the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Program Manual.


Contact Us

Go to the staff directory for individual contacts within EHS. You may also use the Weill Cornell Medicine online directory to search for faculty and staff.

Create an EHS Incident

 

Weill Cornell Medicine Environmental Health and Safety 402 East 67th Street
Room LA-0020
New York, NY 10065 Phone: (646) 962-7233 Fax: (646) 962-0288