STRATEGIC CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT - Program Overview

The Strategic Chemical Management Group has developed a continuous improvement chemical management process, which incorporates distinct modules or programs into a comprehensive management process. Each module has been developed so that it functions as a complete, stand alone activity.

The following modules may be implemented in various combinations based on specific facility or company requirements. Some modules are dependent on the prior implementation of other modules.

(Modules are described with a three-letter abbreviation in addition to a full name for ease of flowcharting. Each of the modules described below is comprised of several subsets of activity, not included here in the interests of a concise initial introduction to the concept.)

Strategic Chemical Management Group MODULAR PROGRAMS

Chemical Inventory, Minimization & Consolidation -CIM

Over the years multitudes of chemical products of various description are added to the supply system. Many companies have no mechanism for deleting obsolete products from the system. The result is a stock system offering many products which are either duplicates or very similar to one another in function. The CIM step identifies these duplications through the creation of a comprehensive chemical inventory and eliminates duplications whenever possible. This step, (which incorporates a continuous improvement loop to prevent recurrence), ensures that the strategic team, and therefore the customer, does not have to manage more products than absolutely necessary.

Toxic Use Reduction and Substitution - TUR

Numerous regulations impact emissions of industrial chemicals. The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and SARA dictate reductions in chemical emissions. The best way to reduce hazardous emissions is by eliminating the hazardous chemical in favor of an environmentally preferred alternative. In addition, appropriately substituting a product can reduce handling and transport, training and waste disposal requirements. The TUR step consists of a review of the products still in use after the CIM step in an attempt to eliminate or minimize the hazard class of substances used. Examples include elimination of ozone depleting solvents and refrigerants or hazardous air pollutants (HAP). Ultimately this step will also reduce risk and liability.

Strategic Sourcing & Supply - SSS

Once product duplications and hazardous materials have been minimized, a fresh look at the purchasing process will reveal additional cost saving opportunities. Vendors are brought into the strategic loop as Partner Suppliers who then provide better value on a line item basis. Product delivery cycles can be more easily scrutinized as the number of vendors decreases. This program is the key through which savings in scale and purchasing efficiency are realized.

Custom Packaging & Bar Coding - CPB

By purchasing the precise amount of the needed chemical, packaged in the proper container, per-use cost drops. If the container is pre-labeled for tracking, additional cost savings can be realized through streamlined inventory management. CPB addresses issues of efficient product purchase, storage, use, control and tracking, all through enhanced packaging options.

Integrated Warehousing, Delivery & Chemical Management - IWD

Even the most effective procurement scheme can be derailed by inefficiencies in the warehouse or on the shop floor. A streamlined warehouse and delivery methodology is created through the IWD step. All facets of warehouse management, delivery to end-user and waste reclamation are scrutinized to identify cost savings and efficiency improvements. SCMG personnel work on site to ensure that appropriate procedures are developed, tested, implemented and followed through to success.

Material Safety Data Sheet Management - MSD

All MSDSs are maintained in electronic form, (diskette, e-mail or Internet). The need to put up with or scan paper MSDSs is eliminated. Further, the use of a standard format ensures that critical data is current and easily accessible. MSDS expiration dates are tracked automatically generating an "update request" insuring that no MSDS is over three years old. By installing the MSD system on the corporate network, any employee can access a current MSDS without having to resort to paper files. Critical hazard and safety information is readily available for EH&S management and reporting.

Waste Management & Disposal - WMD

Perhaps the most vexing part of any chemical management program is the disposal of spent material. Our approach includes the WMD component to ensure that chemicals which become waste in the facility are handled in a compliant and cost effective fashion. SCMG analyzes waste streams to identify materials, which could be reused or recycled in a cost-effective fashion. Hazardous waste disposal involves participation of existing hazardous waste management vendors and other outside resources.

HAZCOM & Chemical Management Training - TRA

As the experts in chemical management, we are uniquely positioned to integrate OSHA-mandated compliance training into a chemical management program. Training through the TRA system is provided to staff directly, or through a "train the trainer" program, enabling partner staff to conduct training using tools which have been developed through other facets of the alliance. TRA takes advantage of all the aspects of the alliance system, as well as the OSHA and EPA required program content.

Facilities Emission Tracking - FET

The FET component of the system utilizes data collected from earlier steps in the system (SSS, CPD and WMD) as part of emissions tracking and reporting. This data may be used for Federal and State reporting including Title V emissions permitting under the CAA, for example. Additionally, this highly accurate data stream is used for monitoring voluntary pollution prevention and source reduction efforts such as Toxics Release I (TRI) and State Pollution Prevention Plans. Corporate Environmental Reporting - CER The final component of the system assembles data captured through the procurement process into a comprehensive "Corporate Environmental Report". The electronic data provided by the Parnter-Suppliers (including the MSDS and inventory information) can be used for an extensive range of regulatory reports, including Hazardous Material Management/Business Plans (HMM/BP). The emissions portion of this data may be integrated into mandatory Federal, State and local reports, including SARA and Title V. CER data is also an excellent tool for: supporting internal auditing to assess compliance, benchmarking chemical use reduction goals and custom reporting to corporate stakeholders through a "Chemical Emissions Annual Report".