Stocktaking of Hazardous Substances
Outcomes of Stocktaking
During stocktaking you may come across chemicals that are:
- in the wrong location or missing;
- expired;
- without a barcode label;
- labelled with the redundant chemical labelling symbols (orange and black pictograms)
You must rectify any issues that are raised during the stocktaking process. For example, this could be be adding a missing item an inventory, disposing of a chemical or adding a missing location.
Review & Disposal Criteria
- Leaking containers or damaged lids
- Outdated hazard pictograms (orange symbols)
- Chemicals manufactured before 2015
- Expired chemicals (based on packaging date)
- Opened chemicals past manufacturer鈥檚 recommended use period
- Peroxide-forming chemicals 鈥� check age and condition
Storage & Stock
- If ~10% remains, consider transferring to a smaller container
- Combine identical chemicals to reduce duplicate bottles (if all are already opened)
- Review required quantities to minimise excess stock
- Chemicals marked as expired in LabCup (red entries) should be reviewed:
- Update status if still usable
- Dispose if no longer suitable
- Usable chemicals can be shared with other groups via LabCup to reduce waste
Completing a Stocktake
If you plan to carry out your stocktake using a barcode scanner, you must first contact the Physics Admin team to check availability and book a date and time (physicsadmin@warwick.ac.uk).
On your agreed date:
-
Collect the scanner from the Physics Finance Office (P5.58)
- Complete the form with your name, group details/location and the date you have signed the scanner out for use.
-
Make note of your allocated return time and complete the return form once you are finished with the scanner.
Please return the scanner promptly once you have finished. It may be booked by another staff member or group, so timely return is important.
Instructions on how to set-up and use the scanner can be found hereLink opens in a new window and are available in the scanner pack which is to be collected/returned to P5.58.
Useful Links
- LabCup 鈥� Health and Safety Services
- LabCup stock taking guidance
- (part of the LabCup training Moodle - Scroll down to 'Stock take in LabCup鈥�)
Improving Compatibility Awareness from Stocktaking
Clear Cabinet Labelling
All storage cabinets must be clearly labelled to indicate the type of chemicals they contain. Labels should be large and easy to read. Categories include:
- Flammables
- Oxidisers
- Acids
- Alkalis
- Water-based, non-hazardous chemicals
Where necessary, labelling should also be applied at shelf level to help users correctly store chemicals.
Use of Sub-Locations
A clear decision should be made on whether sub-locations will be used. This avoids unnecessary time spent creating and managing them if they are not required.
Spill Containment
All chemicals should be stored in trays to contain any potential spills.
Storage of Small Containers
Small containers should be grouped in labelled boxes, especially in:
- Fridges
- Freezers
This reduces the time doors are left open when searching for items.
- Boxes must be clearly labelled
- Sub-locations for these boxes must be recorded in LabCup
Handling of Strong-Smelling Chemicals
Chemicals with strong odours must be secondary contained, for example:
- Plastic clip-on boxes or similar containers (e.g., available via OPERA)
Storage Order: Solids vs Liquids
- Solids must always be stored above liquids within cabinets