REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulates approximately 320 Chemicals of Interest (COI). Stony Brook University must comply with these security regulations for all Nitric Acid used and stored on campus. 

• What does DHS require?

  These regulations require SBU to ensure that the quantities of other COI are below threshold limits. In order to comply with these federal regulations, you are required to:

  • Control Access - Restrict access to known individuals. Nitric acid must be stored in a locked cabinet. The cabinet must be secured to the wall, floor or other cabinets so that it cannot be removed. If you do not have a locking cabinet immediately available to you, you must ensure that your lab or area is kept locked (including all interior doors to other labs, offices or chase ways) when it is occupied.
  • Maintain Inventory - Know where it is going
  • Reporting - Unaccounted stock and annual inventory
  • Training - for all Nitric Acid users
• How do I implement DHS requirements?

  Read the Nitric Acid Security Plan for details on implementing all of these steps.

• How do I ensure DHS compliance?

  The resources below provide information and guidance in attaining compliance with the DHS regulation. All areas will need to:

  1. Review the list of regulated chemicals.
  2. Perform a physical inventory using the worksheet provided.
  3. Report using the Stony Brook DHS Regulated Chemical Inventory Database, even if they do not possess any of the listed chemicals.

  See drop downs below for more information.

• Checklist for lab compliance

  Use the Chemical Security handout as a checklist to ensure your lab is in compliance.

• What about chemicals other than Nitric Acid?

  While the Nitric Acid Security Plan applies specifically to Nitric Acid, it is recommended that all chemicals on the DHS list within your possession be controlled in the same manner. The DHS is authorized by federal regulation to inspect facilities for compliance with various security requirements, and we expect that they will pay a visit to Stony Brook to ensure compliance.

• How do I estimate the quantity of the contents in a bottle?

  Do not try to estimate the quantity in any bottle. All bottles are counted as full.

• Do process or secondary containers need to be counted?

  No. Do not count process or secondary containers. Only count "chemicals of interest" that are in the original manufacturer's containers.

• Do I have to count hazardous waste in my accumulation area?

  No. Do not count chemicals in hazardous waste containers.

• What is a "threshold quantity", and is there a minimum quantity that needs to be counted?

  No. The "threshold quantity" refers to the entire quantity of the chemical on campus, not in individual labs or locations. Every container of a "chemical of interest" must be counted. EH&S will total the responses and determine if the threshold quantity has been met.

• How do I count my nitrocellulose paper?

  Do not count nitrocellulose paper, membranes or filters used for Western blots, etc.

• Who to contact with questions?

  EH&S at (631) 632-6410 or labsafety@stonybrook.edu. 

• Related links
  • DHS Chemicals of Interest
  • Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Fact Sheet
  • Nitric Acid Security Plan