Software for chemical standards can help your business deal with organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Those groups offer guidelines that limit allowable employee exposure to thousands of chemical substances. Guidelines like the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) involve detailed, regular assessment of workers in nearly every chemical industry and determine how much of a given chemical a worker can be exposed to in a work day.

OSHA regulated only 600 chemicals when the organization started out in 1971 and now regulates thousands, so it's no surprise that the software industry is profiting with highly technical and organized chemical standards software. If you decide to buy chemical standards software, you can not only keep track of inventory but you can also document disposal methods, stay on top of exposure limits and manage inventory.

Before you buy chemical standards software, consider the three following options:

1. Professional management options

2. Online directories that provide links and reviews to help you purchase chemical standards-related software

3. Web-based versions of chemical standards software

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase chemical standards-related software from professionals for big jobs

For large enterprises, the best bet is to find chemical standards software applications from companies who can manage the database for you. Software programs for chemical standards should always include MSDS -- or Material Safety Data Sheets -- for employee safety but should also include features like instrument maintenance, label printing and backup services, especially if you're going to pay full-service prices.

I recommend: ChemSW has provided chemical standards software applications and management since 1991. MSDS Online offers competitive rates and boasts a timely turnaround.

Peruse service directories for chemical standards software programs

Think you can handle chemical management in-house? If you want to get an idea of what kind of services chemical standards software programs have to offer, browse online service directories. There you will find both general chemical standards software programs as well as those that are custom-suited to specific chemicals and industries. Most of these companies will offer a chemical standards related software download to let you get started instantly.

I recommend: Find software with a directory dedicated specifically for the engineering industry at Engineering-Software.com. ChemistrySoftware.com can also get you a list of vendors and full-service firms.

Let Web-based chemical standards software help you get the job done in real time

A Web-based chemical standards related software supplier can help you do business in real time, conduct transactions online and do business 24/7 with any computer. Web-based systems can also quickly notify you of expired chemicals and any compliance updates from regulatory authorities. And, with systems managed via the Web, it's likely you won't have to worry about necessary memory backups.

I recommend: Chematix features top-rated software as well as an environmental safety suite. Chemoventory offers free demos of the company's standard and MSDS software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When entering chemical names into your database applications for chemical standards, double check spelling or symbols and use either the complete chemical name, the partial name, the CAS number or the molecular formula. It will streamline your system and cause less confusion in the future.