As part of a chemical safety / environmental compliance project, we were hired to put bar code labels on ALL containers in over a dozen laboratories across the US.  Some major problems the client had that were not answered included:

-       Is a case of aerosol cans a “container” or is each can a “container”?  What if the usage is approximately one can per day?  Should this be on the inventory as a “laboratory” chemical?

-       On some standards in ampoules, the smallest bar code label still obscured critical information on the ampoule label.  How do you attach the label to the container?  Same question applies to containers that are kept a lower than room temperatures – adhesive labels will not adhere.

-       What are you going to do with the information – HazComm, RCRA, fire plans, etc.?  What level of detail is required?  Do you want to know if the facility has the material or if a specific PI or other researcher has the material?  Do you need to know the room, the cabinet or drawer, or the shelf?

-       Who will maintain the system?  If shipping/receiving personnel attach the label, will that affect material handling time from the loading dock to the using facility?

Bottom line – we can see only problems, not solutions.

Good luck and be safe.

Hello All,

I am looking for an inexpensive way to generate barcode labels to inventory chemicals.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an easy way to print these labels or a good software you would recommend?

Thank you!

Beth Welmaker, CCHO, MS

Environmental Health & Safety Manager

Translating Research Into Health

Website: www.vgti-fl.org