Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Chemical Inventory Program (CEMS)

Under the Hazard Communication Standard (OSHA requirement 29CFR.1910.120), employers must maintain complete and accurate Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all hazardous chemicals. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a detailed document prepared by the manufacturer of a chemical that describes the physical and chemical properties, physical and health hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency and first-aid procedures, and control measures. To ensure chemical safety in the workplace, SDSs must be available to all employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances during the course of work. Members of the University community may also use the web-based SDS search program to research chemicals used on campus. This chemical inventory program, CEMS, has over 23,000 entries. 

The inventory program is also used to keep an accurate current list of all laboratory and studio chemicals from entry point to elimination via barcode analysis. As a result, one is be able to rapidly and accurately generate chemical inventory lists and usage reports. It also facilitates the sharing of chemicals and designating chemicals as surplus so as to reduce purchase costs and the production of hazardous waste.

The link to this program is found here, CEMS, and also on the Westfield State University log in page under SDS locator. Anyone can access the SDS module, but you must be approved to view the chemical inventory. Please notify the Chemical Hygiene Officer to request an approval and password: vmelanson@westfield.ma.edu

Barcodes are placed on chemical containers when they arrive in each department. Specific information is entered into the CEMS program relative to the barcode number. This includes the name, quantity, manufacturer, location, and owner. When the chemical container is empty the barcode must be removed and placed on a sheet in the laboratory or studio so that it can be recorded as "empty" in the inventory program.