Why should a chemical or product inventory be done?
Performing a periodic inventory can have several benefits:
- context Verify that hazardous products are being stored correctly and safely.
- context Remove products that are expired or no longer used.
- context Identify products that could be replaced with safer alternatives.
- context Identify locations needed for emergency response procedures and the municipal fire plan.
- context Comply with occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental regulations.
- context Meet integrated management system requirements (e.g., ISO, COR, or other auditing requirements).
- context Collect usage and waste data for the annual National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) and other jurisdictional toxic substance or emissions reports.
- context During preparation, other items related to chemical safety can be inventoried, including safety data sheets (SDS), personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency spill response supplies.
- context Evaluate if the training provided to workers matches the products on site.
What are general steps to follow when conducting a chemical or product inventory?
Plan appropriately. When doing an inventory, it is useful to have a floor plan where to mark the areas where chemicals or products are used or stored. Set a path to follow so that there are no missed products or locations.
Ideally, the inventory should be conducted by a team of two persons (one can write and the other can handle the products if needed). Consider the specifics of the area you will be inspecting and wear the personal protection equipment (PPE) required in that area.
Before the inventory begins:
- context Has a means of communication been established in case of a problem (e.g., exposure, spill, breakage, fire, etc.)?
- context Are spill response materials available? Are they appropriate for the products expected to be found?
- context Are safety data sheets (SDS) or manufacturer’s safe use instructions (consumer products) available to review? Are they current for the products being purchased and used?
- context Do team members know how to deal with any “unknown” products they may find?
- context Have team members know and understood what to do if they find a potentially hazardous situation?
- context Have team members been trained in how to use emergency equipment such as an eyewash station or deluge shower?
- context Does the team have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for the products being handled? Respirators, gloves, eye protection (glasses, goggles, face shields), clothing (aprons, coveralls), and foot protection (safety shoes, boots) made from appropriate chemical-resistant materials should be worn.
What should not be done when conducting an inventory?
During the inventory:
If you encounter a situation that needs to be addressed immediately, such as a spill, leak or the presence of ignition sources, follow the emergency notification protocol in your workplace.
- requirement DO NOT handle the products unnecessarily.
- requirement DO NOT remove products for disposal unless there is a process in place for storage and removal of hazardous wastes. Flag the product and have it removed safely and appropriately.
- requirement DO NOT reorganize the containers, unless you find products that are improperly stored and they require immediate attention (e.g., flammables near an ignition source, incompatible materials stored near each other, etc.).
- administrative DO NOT clean up a spill or leak if you are not trained to do so.
What information should be recorded?
Your information needs will be specific to your workplace, but in general you need to record:
*CAS stands for Chemical Abstracts Service, a service from the United States that assigns a unique number to each pure chemical. CAS numbers are used worldwide.
- context Name and specific identification (e.g., the product code or CAS number*) of all chemicals, materials and products that are in the workplace including consumer products (such as cleaning products, lubricants and pest control products sold in retail stores)
- context Amount, including the size and number of containers, amount remaining in the container, etc. Be as exact as you can.
- context Location of products used in every place in your workplace.
- context Manufacturer/supplier name
- context Hazard Classification (flammable, corrosive, toxic, etc.)
- context Classification
- context Physical state (solid, liquid, gas under pressure, etc.)
- context You may choose also to record:
- context Any amount or type of waste that is present
- context Containers that are not properly labelled (such as for WHMIS or consumer products )
- context Storage containers, areas, tanks, etc. that are in poor condition
- context Incompatible products being stored together
- context Expirerd products
- context Disconnected or damaged grounding wires
- context Inadequate spill containment (e.g., the spill containment pit, raised berm, or pallet has less available volume than the quantity of liquid product being stored there)
- context Poor housekeeping (cluttered storage, slip-trip-fall-risks).
- context Situations where hazards are present, such as:
- context Availability of an SDS for each product.
What is an example of a chemical or product inventory form?
Determine the level of detail needed for your workplace. Customize this form accordingly.
Chemical or Product Inventory Form - Example
Inventory Date (MM/DD/YYYY) and Time (start – end):
Location or Building Name:
Inventory completed by:
Chemical or Product Name and
Manufacturer
CAS #
Quantity
(number, volume, etc.)
Use / Process
Storage Location
SDS
on file?
Status
Other Comments
(Adapted From: Implementing a Chemical Safety Program, CCOHS