Site operations
Reconciling your chemical inventory with what is actually on site on construction sites
For subcontractors and safety managers: how to check that the chemicals listed in your register match what is stored on site, and keep safety data sheets current for the products crews actually use.
By Reldro · · 2 min read
Registers drift
For your subcontractor crews, use this guidance with the current work phase, trade responsibilities and approved procedures in view. Keep your safety manager involved in record reviews and follow-up. This guidance supports record keeping and coordination, not technical authorization to carry out the work.
Products are delivered, substituted, used up and left behind. Over months, the chemical register describes a site that no longer exists. Crews may then reach for a safety data sheet that does not match the container in front of them.
Walk and compare
A periodic walk-through is the most reliable check. Compare each storage location against the register.
- Products on site but missing from the register
- Registered products no longer present
- Containers without readable labels
- Safety data sheets that are not the current version from the supplier
Fix the gaps
Add missing products with their safety data sheets, archive products that have gone, and assign follow-up for unlabelled containers. Record the date of the check so the next one has a starting point.
The takeaway
A register is only useful when it matches the shelf. Regular reconciliation keeps safety data sheets relevant to the work.