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Chemical Tracking Systems. Our Path from There to Here. September 11, 2001. Events on this day changed forever how Universities perceived laboratory safety and security. SUNY’s Expectations.
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Chemical Tracking Systems Our Path from There to Here
September 11, 2001 • Events on this day changed forever how Universities perceived laboratory safety and security.
SUNY’s Expectations • December 30, 2002 memo from Chancellor King to Advisory Council Presidents questions chemical and laboratory security on SUNY campuses.
Specifically asked: • Are critical areas properly identified? • Are federal requirements known? • Have we reviewed the credentials of all who have access to sensitive procedures? • Have those who have access been properly trained in security procedures?
SUNY Fredonia’s Response • Discuss chemical and laboratory management practices with applicable departments to determine what level of security exists on campus and who is responsible for it. Responsible? Good Question !
Chemical Security? Who ya gonna call? Environmental Health & Safety
EH&S Response “You can’t secure what you don’t know exists!”
What did we need to know? • What chemicals we have on site. • Where chemicals are stored and used. • How much is in each location.
Simply put… • WHAT • WHERE • HOW MUCH
A QUESTION? What is the most dangerous chemical on your campus? THE UNKNOWN CHEMICAL
EH&S THE ASSIGNMENT: (Should EH&S choose to accept it) Find a way to better secure the chemicals stored and used on campus!
THE SOLUTION: GO SHOPPING Of Course!
Chemical Inventory Software The Quest for What Where How Much
Chemical Inventory Software The Quest for “What, Where, and How Much” Putting the Pieces Together
KEY CONSIDERATIONS . . . →EH&S Who are the key players? → Academic Departments How will we track the What, Where, and How Much? → Technical Support → Available Staffing What are the available resources? → Time Commitments → Financial Limitations → Locate WWHM → Current Inventory → Identify Software
√ Chemical Biological Committee With Key Personnel Identified ↓ √Locate and Inventory √Resources Able to Determine ↓ Began the Process ↓ Which Leaves . . .
SOFTWARE Which way do we turn?
First Course of Action! World Wide Web
Software Review Pre-packaged software Greater initial expense / Reduced maintenance expense Internet-based software Reduced initial expense / Greater maintenance expense • DISADVANTAGES • Lack of Expert Knowledge at Local Level • Limited Functionality • Overall Cost/Hidden Fees • Training Requirements • ADVANTAGES • Quicker Implementation • Reduced Maintenance Challenges
$AMPLE PROPO$AL From a more “Cost Effective” Internet-Based Software Company Monthly Subscription per facility (max 10 users) Includes all upgrades and support $1,200.00 / mo. Additional Users per license $ 120.00 / ea. Additional Support Services – REQUIRED (3 days) On-Site Training Set-Up Assistance $ 125.00 / hr. $1,200.00 / day
2003 Rates Start Up Fee $ 6,600.00 Minimum Annual Fee $14,400.00 Minimum First Year Fee $21,000.00 Cost Effective?
Alternative Approach Chemical Biological Committee: Combining broad talents and expertise • Conceived and Developed Methodology • Identified Functionality • Created Detailed Illustration • Hired outside vendor to assist in building the shell module in existing software program based on EH&S illustration and spec’s • Purchased and incorporated additional software and hardware components to allow bar code printing and scanning • Refined and defined additional features • Created compliance / reporting component • Final revisions “Cost Effective?”
SUNY Fredonia’s ProgramSo what make’s it different? Created by Chemists & Biologists, Support Staff, Compliance Officers, and Administrators For use by Chemists & Biologists, Support Staff, Compliance Officers, and Administrators
Our wish list….Dare to Dream • Flexibility • A total compliance tool • Inventory Control • Emergency Response • Ease of Use
Building the Database From the Ground Up
Chemistry/Biology Departments • Order, unpack, put away chemicals • Prepare solutions and reagents for teaching labs • Waste disposal
Inventory Requirements: • Name of chemical (and synonym) • Size of container • Amount in the container • Number of containers • CAS Number • Hazard Type • Threshold Amounts
It’s NEVER as easy as you think it will be…………… • Phenol or carbolic acid • 3-methyl-1-butanol or isoamyl alcohol • What if the chemical is not on the shelf? Use of alternate print-out • Size of barcode (small bottles are placed in a 50 ml beaker)
Some materials don’t have a CAS numbers…. Another issue encountered: Can I track them??? • Solutions from vendors… • Pre-packaged Kits… • Many enzymes…