Investigators must ensure that all chemicals are properly labeled and an MSDS is available for each chemical. These and other program obligations are required by the OSHA hazard communication standard. Chemical Inventory Investigators on the Evanston campus who supervise laboratories subject to the 1996 building code must maintain detailed chemical inventories. ORS identifies laboratories subject to the inventory requirement, coordinates data collection, and prepares reports for the City of Evanston. ORS trains laboratory personnel in bar coding, scanning, and data entry utilizing remote terminals or portable computers.
Investigators are responsible for ensuring that the chemical inventory is complete and current.
ORS provides training in the inventory method. There is no charge for routine chemical pickups. Investigators should take advantage of this service because civil and criminal penalties for improper waste disposal may be severe, and long-term storage of surplus chemicals may create hazardous situations. ORS stocks a variety of containers for chemical waste collection. These are available at no charge.