Chemical Inventory and Tracking

DOE-HDBK-1139/2-2002

proceed. Otherwise, the requester must complete a 442 form (Agent/Chemical Request and Evaluation

Form) and submit it along with an MSDS for the CPCHA.

Not only does the 442 form establish an acquisition process for a first time purchase of a CPCHA, it

facilitates two other processes. First, it provides accurate and complete information about the CPCHA

that can be entered into the ICMS prior to the acquisition. The Chemical Management Services staff also

uses the form to review the CPCHA, populate information fields in the ICMS, and develop a CDSS for

the CPCHA. Secondly, the request is reviewed by facility environmental and safety personnel, to insure

facility involvement. When all reviews are complete, the CPCHA is procured.

2.3 Chemical Inventory and Tracking

Barcode numbers are used to track chemicals from the time they arrive at the INEEL to disposition. The

barcode numbers are tracked in the INEEL oracle-based database (the ICMS). The ICMS provides

inventory tracking as well as safety information, such as hazards of the CPCHA, storage classification

information (to ensure chemicals are stored compatibly), and carcinogen information. The ICMS is

linked to an electronic data base containing INEEL MSDSs. In addition, the ICMS can generate reports

to support ES&H, emergency response, and facility operations; provides a hazardous agent inventory

information to support industrial hygiene activities, and electronically generates data used for Federal and

state mandated reports.

2.4 Transportation

INEEL is a reservation approximately the size of Rhode Island, located 50 miles west of Idaho Falls,

Idaho. There are numerous facilities located around the site on the desert, as well as research facilities in

Idaho Falls. When CPCHA movement between facilities occurs over public highways, Department of

Transportation (DOT) regulations are followed. INEEL maintains an organization that is specifically

tasked with transporting materials according to DOT regulations.

2.5 Storage

Because of the large number of requirements associated with CPCHA storage, INEEL uses one document

to consolidate all storage requirements. This document is tied to a requirements-management database to

ensure complete coverage and traceability of all requirements. Proper implementation also requires

developing additional procedures for (1) compatible storage of CPCHAs (2) management of time-

sensitive CPCHAs, and (3) adherence to facility storage limits.

The INEEL program that ensures compatible storage of chemicals involves a procedure that describes

how to identify proper storage areas (i.e., a storage area constructed of materials compatible with the item

to be stored) and details a compatibility scheme based on color designations. Employees use the CDSS to

determine what the compatibility classification is for a specific CPCHA and whether there are any special

storage requirements (e.g., refrigeration, keeping under an inert atmosphere).

INEEL also developed a program to manage time-sensitive chemicals that involves use of a procedure

and the CDSS. The procedure directs the employee to the CDSS to determine whether the CPCHA is a

time-sensitive material and, if so, its class. The procedure then describes how the employee should

manage time-sensitive chemicals, inspect expired containers, and test the CPCHA to determine if it is

hazardous. The procedure also provides specific criteria for determining whether the CPCHA is

hazardous.