NSEC Health and Safety
The Executive Committee of the Columbia Nanocenter believes very strongly in safety. We have therefore instituted a multi-faceted safety program. This website provides information on our safety program as well as links to additional safety information. General Safety Policy
- The Columbia NSEC will follow the NSF guidelines for NSEC programs.
- The Columbia NSEC will follow all Columbia University guidelines.
- All NSEC undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs will receive formal general safety training including procedures for research with potentially hazardous materials approved by Columbia University (except those associated entirely with non-laboratory work).
Overview of Health, Safety, and Environmental Issues for Nanotechnology
As dimensional scales of molecular systems approach the nanoscale (1-500 nm in dimension) many of the conventional rules governing behavior of materials and devices change significantly. Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent the study of the associated new phenomena and the corresponding new technological opportunities. In particular, these studies offer prospects for totally new materials and processes that will generate many exciting new opportunities for the betterment of humankind. However, because the behavior and properties of materials on nanoscale dimensions may differ from conventional experience, these materials must be treated as potentially hazardous until the actual toxicological properties have been fully assessed. At the same time, Nanoscience is providing new tools and capabilities that will allow for the first time systematic exploration of the toxological properties of these materials. For these reasons it is important to examine the health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) programs within our nanoscience research centers to assure that we have in place programs, processes, and procedures which will provide both our researchers and the public a high level of confidence that research is being conducted in responsible and safe manner.
As dimensional scales of molecular systems approach the nanoscale (1-500 nm in dimension) many of the conventional rules governing behavior of materials and devices change significantly. Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent the study of the associated new phenomena and the corresponding new technological opportunities. In particular, these studies offer prospects for totally new materials and processes that will generate many exciting new opportunities for the betterment of humankind. However, because the behavior and properties of materials on nanoscale dimensions may differ from conventional experience, these materials must be treated as potentially hazardous until the actual toxicological properties have been fully assessed. At the same time, Nanoscience is providing new tools and capabilities that will allow for the first time systematic exploration of the toxological properties of these materials. For these reasons it is important to examine the health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) programs within our nanoscience research centers to assure that we have in place programs, processes, and procedures which will provide both our researchers and the public a high level of confidence that research is being conducted in responsible and safe manner.
Clean Room Safety
The CEPSR Clean Room is dedicated to providing the instrumentation, technical expertise, and team-teaching environment to stimulate collaborative research in nanoscale technology. The facility supports the creation and evaluation of devices and materials with state of the art fabrication. It is a multidisciplinary laboratory that supports research across many different departments within Columbia University. Researchers who use the Clean Room must receive additional safety training about the particular issues involved with working in that facility. The Clean Room maintains a large safety manual on its website.
The CEPSR Clean Room is dedicated to providing the instrumentation, technical expertise, and team-teaching environment to stimulate collaborative research in nanoscale technology. The facility supports the creation and evaluation of devices and materials with state of the art fabrication. It is a multidisciplinary laboratory that supports research across many different departments within Columbia University. Researchers who use the Clean Room must receive additional safety training about the particular issues involved with working in that facility. The Clean Room maintains a large safety manual on its website.
Safety Modules:
The Nanocenter offers monthly safety modules covering various aspects of nanoscience safety. To learn more about NSEC Safety Modules, please click here.
Nanocenter Safety Committee: Prof. Horst Stormer, Prof. James Yardley, Prof. Philip Kim, Prof. Aron Pinczuk, Prof. James Hone, Prof. Irving Herman, Prof. Colin Nuckolls, Prof. Richard Osgood, and Richard Harniman.