A safe working environment is contingent upon two key factors: thorough training of all personnel and conscientiously applying prudent practices. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is available to provide general training to departments, but it is the responsibility of the Department Chair to ensure that the head of each lab trains their personnel about lab-specific safety protocols.
Keeping Your Lab Safe
Laboratory Audits
Lab Audits are an important requirement for maintaining a safe working environment. Audits are conducted twice a year at Binghamton University.
Emergency Information Sheet
All labs, shops and hazardous areas are required to post an Emergency Information Sheet by the light switch at the main entrance to the room. We are now using a program on MyBinghamton that creates a form for you based on the information you've input. You can find this page on our Forms and Documents page or on MyBinghamton under "tools"
Chemical Inventory
Lab occupants are required to provide a copy of their updated chemical inventory to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety via email once each year. The inventory is to be submitted by email to Stephen Endres @ cheminv@binghamton.edu using this Chemical Inventory Form
The memo describing the chemical inventory requirement and procedures is available upon request.
Safety Equipment
Eyewashes
It is the responsibility of the lab occupants (NOT EHS) to verify that the emergency eyewash are in working order. Activate the emergency eyewash weekly to verify water flows with reasonable pressure. If the eyewash does not provide adequate water flow, contact us at 7-2211. Print and post documentation that the eyewash is not functioning, such as our Out of Service sign
Fire Extinguishers
New York State Fire Code requires that fire extinguishers be checked monthly to verify that they have not been discharged. EHS Fire Safety Group members may make entrance to your lab monthly to verify that the pin is in place, seal is unbroken, and that the dial (if present) indicates appropriate pressure. If you have questions, please contact one of the Fire Safety System Coordinators for guidance at 7-2211.
Special Hazards
High Powered Lasers
The Binghamton University Laser Safety Guide provides background information for the roles and responsibilities of faculty, staff using lasers on campus. Any Faculty or Staff member who wishes to install a Class 3b or 4 laser in their lab at Binghamton University, or move a Class 3b or 4 laser from one room to another should fill out the Laser Inventory Form, and contact EHS for a consultation.
Cryogenics
Faculty or Staff wishing to use Cryogenic Liquids in their labs are required to attend safety training as offered by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, as well as train all lab occupants about the hazards of Liquid Cryogens. Appropriate PPE must be available for all lab occupants to use while working with the cryogenic liquids.
Transporting cryogenic liquids across campus poses a special hazard to employees. Transportation of cryogenic liquids between Science 2 and the Engineering Building should be arranged through Binghamton University expediters and the physics department.
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety advises EXTREME caution when working with or around Hydrofluoric Acid. All personnel working in a lab where Hydrofluoric Acid is used or stored must be trained about the hazards of the substance. Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Hydroxide are available from Environmental Health and Safety for any lab or facility at Binghamton University where Hydrofluoric Acid is going to be used or stored. A danger sign can be posted to warn lab occupants about the hazards of the lab and what actions to follow.
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) General Information and Handling Sheet
