Adding or Modifying Information in the Online Database
New hazardous materials can be added to the existing database by any user. Also, existing hazardous materials information in the database can by modified by anyone provided the hazardous material has not been reviewed (NR*)'. To add or modify information for NR* materials, the user enters the new or modified information and the 'Chemical Reveiw Committee' (CRC) will be notified. If approved by the CRC, the change will take effect. Until approved, the information will appear in the database as 'NR*'. For complete information on the process select the appropriate link below. To make changes to hazardous materials which have been 'accepted' by the local agencies, an appeal must be submitted. Refer to the Chemical Review Committee below for more information regarding the appeal process.
Adding New Hazardous Materials to the Database
The user will initially search for the hazardous material(s) they wish to include in their Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement or they will do a 'batch upload' of their list of hazardous materials.
If a match(s) is not found, the user will be invited to add a new hazardous material.
The user will be provided a data entry screen consisting of entry fields for each data element required in the database.
Upon completion of the entry, the user will check 'Submit' and the hazardous material will be added to existing database and identified as 'Not Reviewed'. (Note that facility-specific information will not be added to the hazardous materials database.)
An automatic announcement will be emailed to the Chemical Review Committee indicating that a new hazardous material has been submitted for review.
The Chemical Review Committee members will review the information and provide a response to the 'Chemical Database Coordinator' indicating whether the information is acceptable, acceptable with noted changes, or unacceptable. When favorable responses are recieved from three or more Fire Agency committee members the hazardous material will be accepted into the database as an 'Accepted' chemical. If there are differing findings further evaluation by the Committee will be requested by the Coordinator before a decision is made.
An appeal may be filed at any time to request a review of additional information pertaining to an accepted hazardous material. Refer to the appeal process in the Chemical Review Committee Process.
Note that chemical is available to other users as soon as it is entered by the user but will be indicated in the database and on any HMIS submittal as an 'unqualified' chemical.
Modifying Information on Existing Hazardous Materials in the Database
Users can at any time submit a request to modify information for existing hazardous materials in the database, provided the hazardous material has not been 'accepted'. Changes to 'accepted' hazardous materials information must be handled as part of the appeal process described in the Chemical Review Committee Process.
To modify hazardous material information, the user must search and select the hazardous material, then check 'Modify Chemical Information'.
A dialog box will request confirmation that the user wishes to change the hazardous material information for the specified chemical. Upon confirmation the user will be provided a data entry screen consisting of the data element fields contained in the database. The user will make the desired changes and submit. The hazardous material in the database will be identified 'Modified'.
The Chemical Review Committee members will review the information and provide a response to the 'Chemical Database Coordinator' indicating whether the information is acceptable, acceptable with noted changes, or unacceptable. When favorable responses are recieved from three or more Fire Agency committee members the hazardous material will be accepted into the database as an 'accepted' chemical. If there are differing findings further evaluation by the Committee will be requested by the Coordinator before a decision is made.
An appeal may be filed at any time to request a review of additional information pertaining to an accepted hazardous material. Refer to the appeal process in the Chemical Review Committee Process.
Note that chemical is available to other users as soon as it is entered by the user but will be indicated in the database and on any HMIS submittal as an 'NR*' (not reviewed) chemical.
Chemical Review Committee and Chemical Review Coordinator
The Chemical Review Committee (CRC) will consist of members representing local CUPAs, PAs, Fire Departments, industry, institutions of higher learning and other interested parties. The purpose of the CRC is to assist in the review of new hazardous materials not currently accepted into the database and in the review of proposed modifications to information in the database for hazardous materials that have been previously accepted.
All members of the CRC are encouraged to review hazardous materials information and to provide comments and recommendations regarding hazard classification. Decisions regarding the hazard classifications shall be made by vote of local Fire Departments after considering input from the other CRC members. This is necessary because the database is intended to be used to assist fire and building officials in the classification of building occupancies as specified in the California Fire and Building Codes and Fire agencies.
Process
CRC members will be notified by automatic email of requests to add a new hazardous material or to modify information in the database regarding previously accepted hazardous materials. CRC members will review the request and indicate via email response to the Chemical Database Coordinator that they agree, agree with conditions, or disagree with the request.
The Coordinator will forward all comments to the Fire Agency CRC members. At least three local member Fire Agencies must agree in order for a change to be made to the database.
Appeal
Appeals may be made via email to the Chemical Database Coordinator. All such emails must contain the name(s) of those filing the appeal, their affiliation, an email address and phone number, the name of the hazardous material, the CAS number if one exists, the nature of the appeal, the technical reason for the appeal and suitable references justifying the appeal. Appeals made without supporting documentation will not be considered.
Appeals will be handled similar to requests for modifying information as described above. In the event the appeal fails to obtain the required three favorable votes of the member Fire Agencies the appeal may upon request be forwarded to the Santa Clara County Fire Chief's Association for further consideration.
Note that nothing in this process prevents any local agency from making it's own determination of the hazard class of a hazardous material, especially when local conditions require a more timely decision than this process allows.
More Information
If you would like more information regarding this project, please contact the website coordinator.
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