Chemical Inventory
Laboratories must maintain precise, up-to-date chemical inventories that accurately represent all chemicals in their possession. This inventory responsibility extends beyond the main laboratory space to include all storage locations, such as shared spaces, refrigerators, freezers, and cold rooms. The chemical inventory management process follows a straightforward tracking system. Each new chemical container receives a unique barcode upon acquisition and is assigned a specific storage location in the database. When a chemical container is completely consumed or disposed of, it is removed from the inventory system.
The online inventory system must be regularly updated to reflect the status and location of all chemical materials in these areas, ensuring a complete and accurate record at all times. All hazardous chemicals must be tracked through the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) supplied inventory system, according to the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Hazardous materials include any substance or chemical that poses a threat to health or physical safety.
Getting Started
Vertere is an EHS supplied chemical inventory system utilizing a cloud-based inventory management solution for managing and tracking chemicals within labs and departments across Cornell University. If access to Vertere is needed, contact askEHS@cornell.edu.
For details on accessing Vertere and changing your password, click the login link below:
Cornell University is in transition to a new inventory software, Risk and Safety Solutions. Consult your local inventory manager or askEHS for more information. If your lab has been transitioned into Risk and Safety Solutions, please click the log in link below:
EHS Support
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) offers comprehensive Chemical Inventory Training through Workday Learning, course number EHS 4035. This self-guided training teaches participants all essential aspects of the Vertere chemical inventory system, including how to enter new chemicals, generate barcode labels, document chemical transfers, and record proper disposal. This training ensure users can effectively manage their laboratory's chemical inventory. Enroll in the training through Workday Learning or contact askEHS@cornell.edu for more information. In many cases, inventory access cannot be granted without first completing EHS 4035 training.
Why Keep a Chemical Inventory
A well-maintained chemical inventory serves multiple essential purposes:
- Purchase Management: Accurate inventory tracking helps laboratory managers monitor available materials and make informed purchasing decisions. This prevents duplicate orders and ensures supplies are reordered at appropriate times to maintain necessary stock levels.
- Material Location: The inventory system documents precise storage locations of all chemicals, enabling researchers to quickly locate needed reagents. This efficient tracking system prevents unnecessary purchases of materials already present in the laboratory.
- Waste Management: Regular inventory monitoring helps identify unused or expired materials that require disposal. The inventory system's search function enables laboratories to locate and share chemicals across research groups, promoting efficient resource utilization and reducing both unnecessary purchases and waste generation.
- Emergency Preparedness: Chemical inventories provide crucial hazard information to Emergency Responders. These details help fire and hazmat teams respond effectively and safely during emergency situations on campus.
- Regulatory Compliance: The inventory system ensures compliance with fire and building codes by tracking hazardous material quantities. It also monitors chemicals of interest identified by the Department of Homeland Security, helping maintain appropriate security measures and storage thresholds.