Chemical Inventory Management
Diann Stedman
University Safety Policy SY39 - Hazardous Chemical Inventory Management - requires that all work areas maintain a chemical inventory in the Chemical Inventory Management System (CHIMS).
Regular use and required annual updates of the chemical inventory is an essential part of Penn State's efforts to comply with various regulations (e.g., Department of Homeland Security, Uniform Fire/Building Code, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know, etc.) as well as to provide critical information to emergency responders entering an area where hazardous chemicals are present.
Work areas are also required to maintain a hard copy of their CHIMS chemical inventory.
CHIMS data is managed in an online software platform, to access click on the link- LionSafe
Program Applicability
This program applies to all University personnel who store hazardous chemicals in any work area.
Hazardous chemicals include any substance—or combination of substances—that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or explosive properties, may pose a risk to human health or the environment. This includes, at a minimum, materials classified under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazard Classes, such as:
- Class 1—Explosives
- Class 2—Compressed gases
- Class 3—Flammable liquids
- Class 4—Flammable solids
- Class 5—Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
- Class 6—Toxic or infectious substances
- Class 8—Corrosive materials
- Class 9—Miscellaneous dangerous substances
Any work area storing chemicals within these classifications is required to comply with this program.
Program Requirements
To ensure accurate hazardous chemical tracking and regulatory compliance, the following requirements apply.
Work Units
Ensure that individuals who store hazardous chemicals understand and follow Policy CHIMS_SY39.
Supervisors
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining accurate chemical inventory records and ensuring compliance with this program. Supervisors manage chemical inventory information in CHIMS, keep required documentation, and communicate with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to support safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response.
Supervisors must:
- Enter chemical inventory information into CHIMS within 60 days of establishing or relocating operations in a Penn State facility.
- Enter chemicals regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immediately upon receipt and consult the DHS Chemicals of Interest webpage for guidance.
- Review and update the CHIMS chemical inventory at least once each year.
- Maintain a dated hard‑copy chemical inventory report with the Waste Management Logbook, when applicable.
- Submit written confirmation to the department or work unit CHIMS Officer after completing the annual inventory update.
- Provide Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) with information needed to manage the CHIMS database, including:
- A completed CHIMS New Account Request Form
- Hard‑copy chemical inventory reports for annual inspections
- Updates to facility status, chemical ownership, and system users
- Report any software issues that affect chemical inventory entry or management to EHS.
Documents and Forms
- CHIMS - Excel Template:
This template can be used to upload large amounts of inventory when the Chemical Owner does not already have existing records in LionSafe. Download the template, follow instructions outlined in the first tab to supply the required data, and email the completed template or questions to Lionsafe@psu.edu. - SY39 - Hazardous Chemical Inventory Management
Additional Resources
Electronic management of chemical inventories is available through the new platform - LionSafe. Chemical inventories from the previous system have been imported into LionSafe and can be managed through LionSafe. Information on the new platform, including "how-to" instructional videos, user guides, and FAQs are available through links on the main LionSafe webpage.
Assigning Safety delegates and Rosters: LionSafe People, Delegates, and Roster Members User Guide.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to strengthen security at the Nation's high-risk chemical facilities through the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. The CFATS program covers college and university activities and any chemical of interest must be immediately reported upon receipt to the EHS Department if it exceeds the Screening Threshold Quantity
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Program Fact Sheet
Please contact EHS with any CHIMS program questions at (814) 865-6391 or email psuehs@psu.edu
Program-Specific Information
Maintaining an accurate chemical inventory is a fundamental requirement that supports both regulatory compliance and laboratory safety. It is a mandated practice for the proper use, handling, and storage of hazardous materials.
Chemical Owner Responsibilities
- Enter a complete chemical inventory into LionSafe within 60 days of establishing or relocating operations in a Penn State facility.
- Immediately enter any Chemical of Interest (COI) under the DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS) upon receipt.
- Update the chemical inventory in LionSafe at least annually, and whenever significant changes occur (more frequent updates are strongly recommended).
- Maintain a copy of the inventory in an easily accessible location for review.
Materials to include in the Chemical Inventory
- Compressed gases (including liquefied gases)
- Flammable and combustible liquids (e.g., alcohols, solvents, light lubricants, oil-based paints)
- Flammable solids (e.g., magnesium powder, sodium metal)
- Strong oxidizers (e.g., bromates, chlorates, permanganates)
- Organic peroxides (e.g., benzoyl peroxide)
- Poisons (e.g., toxins, dyes, pesticides)
- Corrosives (e.g., strong acids and alkalis)
- Controlled substances (e.g., Schedule I or Schedule II substances listed by the DEA)
- Chemicals of Interest (COI) as defined by DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS)
- Biologically derived toxins (any concentration)
Materials Exempted from the Chemical Inventory
- Retail products used for routine household activities (e.g., cleansers, dish soaps)
- Working solutions that will be used to completion within 1-2 days
- Non-hazardous buffer solutions
- Sterile growth media
Materials Excluded from the Chemical Inventory
- Radioactive Materials (unless explicitly required by the Radiation Protection Division of EHS)
- Biological Materials other than biologically-derived toxins (e.g. enzyme or nucleic acid preparations, biological specimens)
Bulk Upload the Chemical Inventory
Bulk uploading chemical inventory is provided for new chemical inventory owners who have more than 250 chemicals.
- DownloadLionSafe Chemical Inventory Import Template (CHIMS) Excel Template
- Carefully read the provided instructions, then populate the template, ensuring all required fields contain accurate information.
- Email the completed template or any questions tolionsafe@psu.edu.
Accessing and Managing a Chemical Inventory in LionSafe
Access LionSafe using your official Penn State credentials. For comprehensive instructions on the management of LionSafe Chemical Inventory, please refer to Chemical Safety User Guide.
Perform an Annual Inventory Update
Perform an annual review of your chemical inventory to ensure safety and compliance. Follow these steps:
Verify container condition
Check for leaks, degraded caps, illegible labels, cracks, or rust.Ensure proper storage
Confirm chemicals are stored in appropriate locations, considering compatibility and required conditions.Identify and manage expiring chemicals
Pay special attention to chemicals that may become unstable over time, such as peroxide formers.Confirm secondary containment
Ensure containment is in place for chemicals that could leak.Manage expired or unwanted chemicals
Treat expired, corroded, or unnecessary chemicals as hazardous waste.Keep inventory current and complete
Update records and confirm accuracy.Ensure SDS accessibility
Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous materials must be readily available.