Computer database being developed at Temple will allow for better inventory of...( form in significant concentration the...)

In addition, Rappaport believes the inventories database will save the University money by monitoring chemicals and allowing for sharing within departments and adoption of no-longer-needed chemicals designated as orphans. This saves on both purchasing and hazardous waste disposal fees.

Rappaport said he looked at some commercial inventory packages that are currently available, but felt none provided all of the features that the University needed, so he began exploring the possibly of creating his own inventory database system. The Office of the Vice President for Research has supported the effort with a $10,000 grant. Computer Services has also agreed to help in the next phase of the project, which is to convert the database to a Web-based format and integrate the electronic data interchange that will allow researchers to purchase chemical supplies from University-approved vendors directly through the database.

Among the additional features that Rappaport has incorporated into Temples system are a biological agent inventory and a system for monitoring laboratory safety equipment and safety training for lab personnel. Weve created a database within the database that monitors what type of safety training particular individuals who work in the labs have received, explains Rappaport. Some of the training--for people who work with blood-born pathogens, for example--has to be renewed every year.

The database would monitor the training certification and send an automatic alert when it is about to expire.

The same thing with inspections of fire extinguishers, biological and chemical safety cabinets, emergency showers and eyewash stations in the labs--theyre all c
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Contact: Preston M. Moretz
pmoretz@temple.edu
215-204-7476
Temple University
24-Aug-2004