Montana Tech utilizes a Chemical Inventory Management System based on the software package ChIM. Each department has a Chemical Acquisitions Manager (CAM) who is the “gatekeeper” for chemical acquisitions for the department (purchases, donations, etc.). Everyone must go through a CAM to acquire chemicals. NO EXCEPTIONS! If the departmental CAM is unavailable, another CAM on campus may be used.
The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires that we have a complete inventory of all the chemicals on site. Our chemical management system is designed to ensure that all chemicals are inventoried and that Material Safety Data Sheets are secured for each chemical.
When a chemical is needed, give the CAM all the information you have for ordering the chemical. The CAM will then:
Use the Chemical Disposal Sheet to accumulate barcodes for disposal in the database.
Make the appropriate changes in the computer if a chemical is redistributed to another person or department or disposed of as hazardous waste. The CAM must receive the chemical shipments initially to take care of the inventory and MSDS requirements. As a user of chemicals, be sure to order only what you need and will use up in a reasonable amount of time.