Laboratory Permits and FDNY Certificate of Fitness (C-14) Supervising Non-Production Chemical Laboratories

The permit is associated with a maximum storage volume for flammable liquids and gases (typically, 15 gallons in most Brooklyn College labs). FDNY requires that permitted labs must be under the supervision of a certificate of fitness holder also called “COF” or “C-14” Supervising Non-Production Chemical Laboratories. When the lab is in operation, including weekends and holidays, a C-14 holder must be on the premises to ensure safe operation. Most labs have multiple C-14 holders to ensure sufficient coverage during lab operations.

Below is the information on how to obtain a C-14 certificate. Read the information carefully and familiarize yourself with the application procedure.

There are two options available to apply for the C-14 certificate:

• Apply via the Brooklyn College Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)-assisted C-14 training and certification program.
• Apply through the FDNY-provided program.

Option 1: EHS-Assisted C-14 Training and Certification

Applying for a C-14 through the EHS-assisted C-14 program is restricted to those meeting the eligibility restrictions. The prerequisites for applying via this route are:

• Be employed by Brooklyn College or paid by Research Foundation of CUNY for work at Brooklyn College.
• Meet FDNY education and experience criteria.
• Attend a Brooklyn College Laboratory Safety Training session. Be familiar with safety equipment systems and the college’s Chemical Inventory system.
• Fill out needed forms.
• Pass a quiz based on the C-14 study material.

Employment Status

The EHS-assisted C-14 program is restricted to employees or CUNY Research Foundation payees. Brooklyn College IDs state “Faculty” or “Staff” under employment status for employees. Applicants with “Grad Student,” “Research,” or “Research/24” on their ID will need to take an additional step to prove an employer-employee relationship.

Non-employee applicants who satisfy education and experience requirements will need a letter of recommendation from the principal investigator. The letter should mention how the applicant is being paid (e.g., through a Research Foundation grant or any other paid arrangement) to confirm for FDNY that the applicant has an employer-employee relationship with Brooklyn College.

Requirements for Education and Experience

FDNY restricts participants in the EHS-assisted C-14 program to those who meet one of the following:

• License as a Clinical Laboratory Director from the New York State Department of Health
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
• Master’s or doctoral degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental or health sciences, medical technology, or chemical, environmental, mechanical, or biomedical engineering, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental or health sciences, medical technology, or chemical, environmental, mechanical or biomedical engineering, or related field, and two years of postbaccalaureate experience in the operation of chemical laboratories

Step-by-step C-14 applying procedure for Brooklyn College employees with:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D degrees (PDF)

For Research Foundation payee (non-Brooklyn College employee) with:

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D degrees (PDF)

Option 2: FDNY-Provided C-14 Certification

Applicants who do not meet the EHS-assisted C-14 program (e.g., students, employees with related bachelor’s degree but fewer than two years of postbaccalaureate experience working in chemical laboratories, etc.) may take the C-14 exam at FDNY headquarters at 9 Metrotech in Brooklyn. For study material, requirements, directions, and further information go to Page 1 of C-14 study booklet.

• Applicant with bachelor’s degree and fewer than two years of postbaccalaureate degree (PDF)
• Undergraduate students (PDF)