CHEMICAL INVENTORY REPORTING SYSTEM

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions


MSDS Information
Question: My password has expired. What do I do?  Answer: The life of all passwords is 180 days. If you are not given an option to renew this password, then contact John Hebblethwaite at FSIS (2-4000). 
Question: I have forgotten my password. What do I do?  Answer: Contact John Hebblethwaite at FSIS (2-4000). 
Question: Am I required to report on every chemical in my lab (location)? Answer: No. The only chemicals you are required to report on are the ones classified as hazardous. The standard for hazardous chemicals is a rating of two or higher on the zero to four scale. You can find this on the MSDS for that chemical and/or on the side of the container. 
Question: How often do I need to perform updates to my inventory? Answer: If your location has a high turnover of chemicals, you may need to update them as often as every couple of days (ie. use of 20gal of acetone a week). Locations with a lower turnover rate may need only update as often as once every couple of weeks or once a month. 
Question: Do I need to report using my chemical every time I use it? Answer: No. That would indeed drive you crazy. You should only update a chemical when it is used up (empty bottle) or when you no longer need it and wish to dispose or surplus it. 
Question: Where do I find hazard codes?  Answer: The hazard codes should be on the MSDS for that chemical or listed on the container. You can review MSDS sheets from the Right to Know web site or at one of these: 
Question: When reducing the quantity on my chemicals, what do the different quantity reduction codes stand for? Answer:

CONSUMED - the chemical has been used up in normal lab operations or what it was acquired for. 

DISPOSED - the chemical is being picked up by Hazardous Waste. You will be prompted for the Blue Tag #. 

ERROR CORRECTION - The quantity was entered wrong at some point. Use this when making the correction. 

WASTED - If a bottle breaks, evaporates, etc, so that the chemical cannot be consumed or disposed of, it is considered wasted. 

SURPLUS - This is for chemicals that you are storing, but no longer use. Marking it as surplus makes it available for others on campus to see. If you have any other questions regarding surplus, contact Chris Smith at Central Research Stores (2-5299).