University of Massachusetts establishes new chemical tracking program and facility

The University of Massachusetts opened a new chemical tracking program and facility Thursday in hopes of better regulation of the chemicals used on campus. The Chemical Environmental Management System (CEMS) and laboratory seeks to improve laboratory programs and provide important safety and response information. The department of environmental health and safety (EHS) has managed the CEMS and expects the new chemical programs to improve the use and control of chemicals on campus. According to the EHS, the new programs and laboratories are expected to result in drastic reduction of unnecessary chemical purchases in addition to improved overall control of the chemicals used on campus. The EHS also plans to develop more efficient disposal methods for the chemicals on campus and enhanced information for emergency response. The CEMS program will also fulfill new federal anti-terrorism laws that require universities and colleges to keep an inventory of specific chemicals to submit online to a federal database.
Source: http://media.www.dailycollegian.com/media/storage/paper874/news/2007/12/12/News/Umass.Establishes.New.Chemical.Tracking.Program.And.Facility-3142389.shtml