Environmental Health & Safety
Chemical Inventory Program FAQs
Environmental Health & Safety is very excited to announce that
TSRI's Chemical Inventory Program has been in effect since February
1, 2002. The Chemical Inventory Program exists to provide a readily
available and accurate accounting of the chemicals and hazardous
substances regulated by federal, state, and local agencies.
Q: Why is the chemical
inventory program changing from the way we've accounted for
our labs' inventories in the past?
A: TSRI is driven by regulatory requirements to track
and control all hazardous chemicals used or stored at our
facilities. From the regulatory standpoint, TSRI must control
the hazards posed by these chemicals and protect our employees
from over-exposure. We must provide both the city and county
an accurate inventory each time we apply for a building permit
on both new construction and tenant improvements, which is
several times a year. These inventories require great detail.
Q: How will the program
work?
A: The inventory will be operating with a bar code
system designed especially for TSRI. EH&S will be bar coding
chemicals and assigning them to lab inventories as they come
into Shipping and Receiving. The chemicals will be deleted
from an inventory when the bar code is returned to EH&S and
scanned out by our staff members.
Q: When
will my lab be completely converted to the new system?
A: Although the program began in 2002,
it may take years before you see a change in your lab. Our
Safety Technicians, with the help of our Safety Coordinators,
began with some of the smaller labs before tackling the Chemistry
department since it is most in need of accurate inventories.
As you can imagine, this process will be tedious and time-consuming
for us. Please be aware that bar coded chemicals will arrive
in your lab from receiving prior to completion of the conversion.
These bar codes must be removed and returned to EH&S to delete
the item from the inventory.
Q: Until my lab is
converted to the new program, how should we account for our
inventories?
A: Continue to keep your own inventory until the process
is completed in your lab. We will guide you throughout the
process to make it as easy and seamless as possible.
Q: What am I responsible for and how much of
my time will be spent on this new program?
A: This program will not require much of
your time. EH&S has committed to performing most of the work.
You will only be responsible for the following: removing the
bar code from the empty chemical container and applying it
on the provided collection
form. Place the bar codes in such a manner that they may
be easily scanned; do not overlap bar codes. In the event
the bar code is destroyed, enter its number on the paper.
Dispose of the container according to your standard procedure.
Acutely and extremely Hazardous items (P-listed chemicals)
cannot be thrown in trash but must be turned in as hazardous
waste. This includes empty containers and quantities of chemicals
that require disposal.
Q: What happens if I forget to take the bar code
off the container before I throw it away?
A: This is bound to happen and more than once. Please
realize that throwing bar coded containers away will skew
the inventory data and could possibly affect what your lab
is allowed to order or keep in storage. Although the housekeepers
have been informed to remove bar codes from any containers
in the trash, they will not notice everything and are not
responsible for maintaining your lab's inventory. Please be
diligent in your efforts.
Q: Is there a way to account for the container
if I realize that I have thrown it away without collecting
the bar code?
A: If you realize that a container has been thrown
away with the bar code, please make a note of the chemical
name, room number, container size and the storage location
on the back of the bar code collection form.
Q: Will EH&S open chemicals shipped in secondary
packaging to place the bar code on it?
A: EH&S will not break secondary containment seals
or packaging. When the secondary containment package is opened
in the laboratory, simply peel the bar code from the secondary
containment package and reapply it to the chemical container.
The bar code can be removed and reapplied easily because of
its double laminated design.
Q: What about chemicals that need to be stored
in freezers or refrigerators?
A: For frozen or refrigerated chemicals, wipe any
condensation off the surface before applying the bar code.
Q: Who's going to bar code all the chemicals
already in my lab?
A: EH&S will be bar coding chemicals that are currently
in the laboratories. We will attempt to make this process
as convenient as possible for all involved. EH&S will make
appointments with the laboratory Safety Officers prior to
commencement of any work.
Q: Will I need to put the bar code on chemicals
that enter the lab through the Receiving Dept?
A: We will have a dedicated Safety Technician stationed
at Shipping & Receiving. This technician will be responsible
for placing the bar codes on in-coming chemicals before they
are delivered to your lab.
Q: What if I need my
chemicals right away? Will this process hold up the chemicals
in any way?
A: You should see no difference in the time it takes
you to get chemicals delivered to your lab. This is why we
have dedicated a technician to the process. It will not add
responsibility to anyone in receiving, therefore, it will
not hold up packages or deliveries.
Q: Where can I get more information about the
program when I need it?
A: Please feel free to contact the Safety
Coordinator designated for your area.
EH&S is very excited about the Chemical Inventory Program. We have
worked very hard to establish a program that will be beneficial
to all. We hope you share our enthusiasm and we look forward to
working with you.
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