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Certificate of Fitness Information

Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Chemical Laboratories (C-14).
There are two ways to obtain a Certificate:

1. Self-Certification program at CU  requires:

  • A Bachelors degree in a science related fields plus 2 years of lab experience OR
  • A Masters or Doctoral degree in a science related field.

All claimed experience must be post baccalaureate. Any experience gained prior to the receipt of the degree will not be accepted toward meeting the requirements to take the exam at Columbia University.

  • Photocopy of Diploma in English or a copy of transcript showing degree earned with date
  • Related paperwork will be filled out at exam site or see “C-14 Document” below
  • Pass 25 question multiple-choice test (70%)
  • Paperwork + Exam = 1.5 hours.
  • To PASS the EXAM you need to read and know: FDNY Study Material
  • Review C-14 Class Presentation
  • To TAKE the EXAM

TO SAVE YOURSELF 20 MINUTES PLEASE FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORMS
      Open the form, type in the information, then Print and bring them to class.

FDNY A-20 form
Employee Affirmation Form

2. Take the test at FDNY headquarters.

You may take the Examination for the Certificate of Fitness for The Supervision of Chemical Laboratories (C-14) at Fire Department Headquarters at 9 Metro Tech, Brooklyn N.Y. For study material, requirements, directions and further information go to the New York City Fire Department website at:
http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/c_of_f/coff.shtml

If you cannot find the time to attend our scheduled classes for Certificate of Fitness Training (C-14)…..
We Can Bring the Training to You!

If you can form a group of 3 or more applicants, EHS can provide Certificate of Fitness(C-14) training in your laboratory or conference room,  at your convenience.  You maybe also able to join an existing group already scheduled for training. For more information please get in touch with:

Medical Center – Harry Oster - hjo2104@columbia.edu or 212-854-8749
Morningside – Jerry Meehan - jm2143@columbia.edu or 212 -305-6780

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Certificate of Fitness Renewals:

  • If you are currently in the EH&S Certificate of Fitness database, your renewal will automatically be processed and paid for by Columbia University. Disregard renewal notices mailed to your home. Call EH&S to verify that your name is listed in the database.
  • If you discover that you are not in the EH&S database, EH&S will then enter your name and all renewal fees will be paid by Columbia University.
  • If your Certificate of Fitness is expired by less than 1 year, call EH&S to renew your C of F, which will be paid for by Columbia University.
  • If your Certificate of Fitness is expired for more than 1 year, you will be required to retake the C-14 test.

G-97 on line with RASCAL:

Now Online with Rascal - Certificate of Fitness G-97 – Storage and Use of Cryogenic Liquid Gases.

1. Log into Rascal https://www.rascal.columbia.edu/

Click on “Testing Center” then,” Safety Courses” then – “TC0084 (Alternate Issuance Program –AIP, Examination to qualify for the FDNY Certificate of Fitness for Storage and Use of Cryogenic Liquid Gases.
(G-97)”

Study course material and then take the 30 question test. You must achieve a mark of 70% in order to receive the Certificate of Fitness.

*If you currently have a C-14 (Certificate of Fitness for Supervision of Chemical Laboratories)*

If you currently have a C-14, go to RASCAL and take the G-97 (TC0084).
After you have passed the test, you will be emailed the required forms that need to be filled out and signed. After forms are completed, contact EH&S to arrange for forms to be collected.

*If you do not have a C-14:*

The requirements to obtain a G-97 through the Alternate Issuance Program (AIP)

Applicants must have a:

    1. Masters or Doctoral degree in a science related field.
       or
    2. Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental or Health Sciences, Medical Technology, Chemical or Environmental engineering, or related field plus 2 years of experience in the supervision of cryogenic/refrigerated systems(O2, N2O, CO2, N2, AR), and/or in the storage and handling of cryogenic/refrigerated liquefied gas cylinders

*Note: All claimed experience must be post baccalaureate. Any experience gained prior to the receipt of the degree will not be accepted toward meeting the AIP requirements.*

Go to RASCAL and take the G-97(TC0084). After you have passed the test we will email you the required forms that need to be filled out and signed. After forms are completed, contact EH&S to arrange for forms, *_along with a photo copy of your diploma*_*, to be collected.

*Photocopy of Diploma in English or a copy of transcript showing degree earned with date.

EH&S will complete the remaining paperwork and submit your application along with the $ required fee to the FDNY.

Please Note: Due to the New Fire Code and new Certificate of Fitness requirements throughout the city, the process to actually receive the FDNY Certificate of Fitness can take 2 -3 months. Once we have submitted an application to the FDNY, all outstanding violations to provide a G-97 C of F will be dismissed.

* Call or Email -Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for further details
For - Morningside – Jerry Meehan 854-8749 (jm2143@columbia.edu)
For - Medical Center – Harry Oster 305-6780 (hjo2104@columbia.edu)

Cryogenic Fluids (Liquid Nitrogen)

A laboratory which uses more than 60 gallons of cryogenic fluids (more than1 large cylinder) will require a Certificate of Fitness holder (G-97) for “Storage, Handling and Use of Cryogenic Liquids”.*

Please see FDNY links below for additional details.
http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/cof_study_material/csm_g_97.pdf http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/cof_study_material/cons_g_97_noe.pdf

If 2 large cylinders of cryogenic liquids are present then proof of 8 air exchanges per hour (ACH) must be provided. EHS is working with Facilities Operation to determine air exchanges.  If more than 60 gallons of cryogenic liquids are present, an O2 sensor must be installed. 

Cryogenic cylinders cannot be stored within 3 feet of a laboratory exit door, unless there is a secondary means of egress from that lab. No more than one cryogenic cylinder may be stored in any corridor. 

For further information, requirements and study material, please contact
Jeremiah Meehan, Fire Safety Specialist, at jm2143@columbia.edu, telephone (212) 854-8750 (Morningside)
Harry Oster, Fire Safety Specialist, at hjo2104@columbia.edu, telephone (212)305-6780 (Medical Center)

For translating help email cutta@columbia.edu or go to http://www.columbia.edu/cutta

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