General
Q. How do I create an account?
The ChemCentral stockroom uses RSS software (the same group as LHAT, Chemicals, WASTe, etc.). Account set up only takes a couple minutes, but must be completed by either the PI or Delegate. Once an account has been set up, all members of the group chemical inventory will be able to make purchases.
Click here for instructions on account set up
Q. How do I get badge access to the stockrooms?
For security, ChemCentral facilities are locked at all times. However, researchers may be granted 24/7 badge access to the space. Please use our smartsheet to request badge access.
Q. Is there a mark-up on products sold through the stockroom?
All products sold through the stockroom at priced either at or below the BearBuy price, including case discounts. For example, if a 4X4L case of chemical X is available on BearBuy for $100, you'll be able to purchase a single 4L bottle from the ChemCentral stockroom for $25. This means you'll see no increase in chemical cost for using the stockroom, and should actually see a savings since chemicals sold through the stockroom have no shipping charge and have reduced taxes!
Q. What happens if a product out of stock?
ChemCentral receives daily deliveries. Please check back later in the day, or the following day to see if the item has been restocked.
Q. Can I return an item to the stockroom?
For safety and quality reasons, the stockroom does not accept returns.
Q. Can I ask ChemCentral to carry new items?
Yes, the program is happy to consider new items. However, due to limited space ChemCentral can only carry items that are beneficial to the overall research community that it serves. Please send requests to [email protected] and we will evaluate their suitability.
Q: How does this program affect how I order compressed gases and liquid nitrogen?
ChemCentral does not impact how you purchase compressed gases or liquid nitrogen.
Q. What happens if I exceed my maximum allowable quantities (MAQs)?
There are several things you can do to reduce your MAQs: review your inventory in UC Chemicals to learn what chemicals are causing the overage and discard some of those chemicals not in use, put some of those chemicals in H3 closet, and/or update your inventory in UC Chemicals if there is a discrepancy between what is in the lab and what is in the software. Please see the MAQ Notification workflow (coming soon) and the MAQ information on the Fire Prevention webpage here.
Parnassus
Q. How do I get badge access to HSE310?
For security, the ChemCentral stockroom is locked at all times. However, researchers may be granted 24/7 badge access to the space. Request access to door C00439 using Hitatchi. To ensure your request is approved, please include the PI/laboratory name in the requestor notes. You can also use our smartsheet to request badge access.
Q. What chemicals are available in the stockroom?
ChemCentral carries the 50 most common chemicals used by UCSF researchers at Parnassus. Despite UCSF having over 29,000 unique chemicals, these 50 account for over 40% of our chemical purchases! Select one of our locations under the locations menu tab to find the site specific product list.
Q. Can ChemCentral carry non-chemicals?
Yes! Our stockrooms are currently stocked with a variety of Polycarbin products. This includes different lab plastics like pipette tips and conical tubes. Visit one of our locations to test out samples before any purchases. We have space for other products and would love to know what you'd like to see. Send us an email with your suggestions!
Pride Hall
Q. What are the hours and location of ChemCentral at Pride Hall (ZSFG)?
ChemCentral at Pride Hall will be staffed from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be available 24x7 as self-service. ChemCentral in Pride Hall is located on Level 2, Room 2551 near the Loading Dock on the NorthEast side of the building. To get to the room, you will need to either go through the loading dock or enter the building from the NorthEast side.
Q. How does ChemCentral handle chemical receiving at Pride Hall?
Chemicals labeled with a hazardous commodity code that are ordered through BearBuy will be received through ChemCentral. The address will be automatically redirected to the ChemCentral room and will be received by our staff. Our staff will unpackage the item, inventory the product, and reach out to whomever the package is addressed to and have it picked up on our "Ready for Pickup" shelf.
Q. How can I purchase dry ice through ChemCentral?
*Due to insufficient cost recovery, ChemCentral will be discontinuing the dry ice service at our Pride Hall location. The current dry ice tote will not be refilled. Effective 3/4/24*
Weill
Q. What are the hours of ChemCentral at Weill Neurosciences?
ChemCentral at Weill will be staffed from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be available 24x7 as self-service.
Q: Where will my chemicals be delivered?
Chemicals ordered either from Stock Solution or through BearBuy will be delivered by ChemCentral staff to your Drop Zone. You must move chemicals from your Drop Zone to their final storage location after delivery and accept the transfer in UC Chemicals.
Q. Where is my Drop Zone?
Your Drop Zone is a designated cabinet where ChemCentral staff will deliver chemicals. The Drop Zones are located in the bottom cabinets directly across from the lab’s chemical storage rooms (446A, 484A, 546A, 584A). You may also place tags from empty containers in the Drop Zone to be removed from the inventory by ChemCentral staff.