Inventory and Tracking - hdbk11392002vol20028

DOE-HDBK-1139/2-2002

Individuals purchasing hazardous materials by credit card or petty cash are required to enter the purchase

information into the appropriate control area in HMIS and to ensure that an up-to-date MSDS is available

on the MSDS database. The Hazardous Materials Inventory group evaluates all hazardous material

requisitions, with the exception of those acquired through personal credit card and petty cash purchases.

The ORNL Chemical Management Center (CMC) has been established in order to facilitate the sharing of

chemicals that have been identified as chemicals that still have value, but are no longer needed by their

original custodian. HMIS provides users the capability of identifying chemicals for sharing through the

Hazardous Materials Exchange List thus helping to minimize the quantities of hazardous chemicals

brought on-site. Additionally, some ORNL divisions utilize Between Use Storage (BUS) areas in

order to reduce waste and provide free chemicals to laboratory personnel.

2.3 Inventory and Tracking

Hazardous materials are tracked at ORNL via the centralized, electronic HMIS database. HMIS tracks

chemicals from acquisition to the point that they have been declared waste. Each division has a HMIS

representative who is responsible for the implementation of HMIS in their respective division. Divisions

are responsible for determining an appropriate review schedule and ensuring that the hazardous chemical

inventory is complete. A custodian is assigned to each hazardous material control area and is assigned the

responsibility for maintaining the inventory and conducting a physical inventory annually at a minimum.

Bar code labeling is currently utilized by some divisions as an inventory tool and modifications are

currently being made to institute bar coding of chemicals throughout ORNL.

HMIS provides chemical thresholds, e-mail notification when new chemicals enter a work area, and

facility safety reports, along with a variety of reports that allow custodians and other organizations such

as Emergency Management and Fire Protection to determine the hazardous chemicals stored in a

particular control area or facility. E-mail notification for time-sensitive chemical purchases, as well as e-

mails for periodic inventory reminders, should be implemented by the end of FY01.

2.4 Transportation

Both onsite and offsite transportation of hazardous chemicals are conducted in accordance with the DOT

and/or site requirements and guidance. Logistical Services may be contacted for guidance or assistance.

Chemical inventories must be updated in the HMIS when ownership of chemicals is transferred.

2.5 Chemical Storage

ORNL has a large variety of chemicals on site, most of which are used in small quantities and rarely

exceed reporting quantities. Guidelines for chemical storage are available in the Chemical Safety subject

area procedure. These guidelines address chemical incompatibilities, storage of gas cylinders, flammable

and combustible liquids, and peroxidizable and shock sensitive chemicals. The Chemical Safety subject

area includes requirements and guidelines for chemical storage.

2.6 Control of Chemical Hazards

Processes for the safe use and storage, and disposal of chemicals are addressed in ORNL's Chemical

Safety subject area. Specific requirements include hazardous chemical lists, chemical labeling, worker

training, MSDS access, and where applicable, a written Chemical Hygiene Plan. Guidance is also

provided on such topics as housekeeping practices, disposal of unneeded chemicals, fire prevention,

emergency response, and spill response. Additional information is provided on chemical incompatibilities

and peroxide-performing, and shock sensitive chemicals.