Chemical Inventory A requirement for University of Kentucky research laboratories

University of Kentucky Department of Research Safety policy and best practices stipulate that an accurate chemical inventory, to be reviewed and updated no less than annually, is required for each location that stores chemicals with the following characteristics:

•Carcinogenic or otherwise harmful to human health
•Corrosive
•Flammable
•Oxidizing
•Reactive
•Toxic
•Harmful to the environment
•Liquids and gases under pressure, including liquid nitrogen tanks and compressed air cylinders

These materials are identified by both their container and chemical manufacturer-provided SDS. All hazardous chemicals shipped after June 1, 2015, are required to be labeled with specified elements including GHS pictograms, signal words and hazard and precautionary statements (er the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200. GHS Pictograms may be seen here: GHS Pictograms

If the original stock container for a chemical in the lab does not display the GHS pictograms, they were shipped prior to June 1, 2015 and shall be evaluated for expiration date and/or any signs of compromised integrity. Labs are encouraged to promptly submit waste tickets for removal of these items via the E-Trax system.

Chemical storage areas shall be visually inspected at least annually for the removal of expired chemicals or those no longer needed for active research. Chemical containers shall also be checked for structural integrity, and if compromised, either transferred to a compatible container or, if needed, disposed of by contacting Environmental Quality Management (EQMD) at (859)-323-6280.  The laboratory’s chemical inventory for the space shall be updated as needed and/or reconciled, at a minimum, once a year.

While some laboratories have opted to utilize alternative systems to document their inventories, we require the lab’s inventory to be submitted into the CHEMATIX system every year in conjunction with the Lab Safety Inspection. This furthers compliance by keeping accurate totals of hazardous material storage within acceptable regulatory limits, informs our first responders in the event of an emergency, and facilitates prompt chemical waste pickup.

• Etiologic agents (bacteria, viruses, select agents, and toxins)
• Radioactive materials (unless mixed with hazardous chemicals)
• Biological culture media, agar, serum proteins, albumin
• Enzyme preparations
• Non-hazardous buffers
• Commercial food, drugs, and cosmetics, covered by the FDA
• Commercially packaged drugs in solid, final form (tablets, pills) for direct administration
• Pre-packed test kits for medical labs
• Materials to be used within 1-2 days (“working solutions”)
• Retail products used and stored in amounts and frequencies typical to ordinary household usage.

Q: We already have an inventory system in place. Can we import our inventory into CHEMATIX?

A: Yes, you can import your initial chemical inventory using csv or .xls files. Please contact labsafety@uky.edu for more information or see the "Special Processes" section of the CHEMATIX User Guide (linked above).  

Q: Can we use our existing barcodes with Chematix?

A:  All barcodes must be unique. If the barcodes have not been generated within the CHEMATIX system or did not originate from pre-printed barcode labels provided by the Research Safety/Chemical Safety Team, they may not be used. 

Q: I can't log in to CHEMATIX. What is the problem?

A: The CHEMATIX system may be accessed using your linkblue credentials. Before users are granted user access, two things must occur: 1) The user must have completed the online Hazardous Waste training located here, and 2) Once Hazardous Waste training has been successfully completed, the user's lab supervisor or principal investigator must contact Environmental EQMD Waste Management Services Coordinator to add the user to the system (859-323-5005 or brianbutler@uky.edu).

Q: My chemical is not in the CHEMATIX CAD, what do I do?

A: Email labsafety@uky.edu with the chemical name and CAS number.  If the CAS number is unavailable, please also submit the chemical's SDS from the manufacturer.  Once emailed, chemicals will be added and available in the system within one business day.