ChemTracker System
Jean Lee, ChemTracker@columbia.edu
Information Technology Management, Environmental Health & Safety

Environmental Health and Radiation Safety has implemented a new chemical tracking system on the Morningside Campus. The two key goals -- compliance with federal, state and city environmental regulations and minimization of hazardous waste -- will be achieved largely through efficient and appropriate use of this system.

The system was chosen by the Columbia University Chemical Tracking System (CTS) Steering Committee, which decided to join the ChemTracker Consortium, along with 21 other colleges and universities. The system, developed seven years ago at Stanford University, resides in Stanford’s network center, but is accessible to authorized Columbia University personnel via the Internet. Chosen after extensive review for ease of use and versatility in tracking chemical inventories (the minimum EPA-mandated requirement,) the system offers other resources that add up to an excellent scientific resource.

The consortium is also a forum for the exchange of information and the resolution of chemical inventory management issues for the participating institutions.

Chemical receiving is being centralized in two locations where tracking will occur: ChemStores in Chandler, and a new receiving room in Pupin, next to the CEPSR loading dock. Shipments will be bar-coded by personnel in these two locations, with little or no delay in delivery.

One additional step requires empty bottles to be discarded in designated waste receptacles, so that bar code information can be retrieved and inventories adjusted accordingly. ChemTracker will allow researchers to monitor their own chemical inventories on-line, if desired.

The Steering Committee included representatives from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Purchasing. Special thanks go to the Chemical Engineering Department for serving as a pilot department with previous vendors.

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