Purchase & Storage of Tax-Free Pure Ethanol for Laboratory Use
Purpose
This guide outlines the procedures for purchasing, receiving, storing, and disposing of tax-free ethanol in accordance with federal regulations. It is intended for use by ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½) personnel involved in scientific research.
Scope
Applies to all ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ personnel who order, purchase, or use tax-free pure ethanol.
Responsibilities
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS): Manages the inventory, permitting of Alcohol Custodians, and other regulatory aspects of the Tax-Free Alcohol program.
- Purchasing Department: Manages the distribution of Tax-Free Ethanol to laboratories approved by EHS.
- Principal Investigator (PI): Ensures laboratory compliance with federal and state regulations and is approved as an authorized user by EHS and as an Alcohol Custodian. The Alcohol Custodian manages the receipt, storage, and record-keeping of tax-free alcohol in the lab and provides inventory status annually and at the time of purchase. The PI may designate an Alcohol Custodian for the lab.
Alcohol Custodian Permit
A Federal Industrial Alcohol User Permit is required for purchasing and using tax-free ethanol. Laboratories must register with EHS to be included on the general permit as an Alcohol Custodian user and complete training.
- All laboratories holding a permit must be in full compliance with all EHS safety compliance programs.
- Mandatory is required for all custodians/PI before handling or receiving tax-free alcohol. Be sure to be logged into your ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Google account.
- If a laboratory holding alcohol leaves or no longer wishes to participate in the Tax-Free Alcohol program, they must surrender their stocks or use them up prior to cessation of tax-free alcohol participation.
Purchasing and Receipt
- Tax-free alcohol orders must be placed through Smart Cart.
- Orders will be routed to EHS to determine permit/training status and compliance status.
- New users will need to register initially with EHS to obtain a permit prior to ordering.
- Along with the order, a copy of the current inventory on hand by PI, Building, room must accompany the order.
- Orders will be delivered directly to the Alcohol Custodian and must be received.
Storage
Tax-free ethanol must be stored securely in a locked flammables cabinet and must not be removed from its original container until empty.
Prohibited Uses
- Tax-free alcohol cannot be used for beverage purposes, in any food product, or sold.
- It must remain on premises unless authorized by the permit.
Inventory and Recordkeeping
- Custodians must maintain detailed inventories and records for at least 3 years.
- Semi-annual physical inventories must be conducted and reported. This may occur at the time of ordering new materials.
Losses and Claims
- Immediate reporting of any loss is required to EHS, and in the case of theft, to University Police.
Contact Information
- For more details or to report issues, contact EHS (cwruehs@case.edu 216-368-2907).