First online software to maintain dangerous chemicals’ database

The creation of new federal policies requiring universities to maintain detailed records about specific laboratory chemicals deemed dangerous has presents new challenges for the nation's institutions of higher education and hospitals.

Fortunately, Raleigh company, EasierTech Software, has developed the solution: the country's first online database software application designed for colleges and universities that generates chemical hygiene plans, required for OSHA, and tracks the Dept. of Homeland Security's target list of chemicals. The program enables university environmental health and safety managers to maintain the new DHS chemical facility antiterrorism standards while also managing lab safety.

"We believe our software will help colleges and universities beyond reporting compliance by reducing wasteful inventory practices and man hours. With our software, in case of a fire, you generate an inventory of a building for emergency first responders. Also, in case there is an accident, you can immediately see if the proper safety equipment was in place," states Samuel Polsky, CEO EasierTech Software.

The first institution to deploy the new chemical hygiene software was North Carolina State University. The system manages chemical and safety information for more than 1,200 laboratories across campus. Last week, Towson University in Baltimore became a client.

"The safety plan concept was originally developed for compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Codes. With the windfall of information available, technological advances have allowed a quick, concise central depot of this information for streamlined reporting, emergency response planning and data sharing between numerous divisions, to promote a safe and sound research/work environment.

From my experience, this system is a strong regulatory tool and customer service friendly data capture method. The database is robust and offers a myriad of options," remarks Amy B. Orders, M.S., M.Ed., RT(R), Assistant Director, Environmental Health and Safety, North Carolina State University.

The Easier Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Suite, software is designed for facilities of any size. It was developed in conjunction with North Carolina State's Environmental Health and Safety Department and has received a prestigious award from CSHEMA (Campus Safety Health and Environmental Association) for its role in the university's online safety plan compliance process.