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. We can also help with your lab's account acctivation. Fill out our Account Activation Smartsheet and we will do the rest for you.
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 Badge Access Smartsheet to request badge access.
Q. Is there a mark-up on products sold through the stockroom?
All products sold through the stockroom are 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 is out of stock?
ChemCentral stays on top of our product stock and place replenishment orders to refill our items before they hit a minimum. 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?
ChemCentral now allows returns for items that were purchased through the stockroom. We can issue a return for orders as long as the product was not opened or used and is in the same condition it was purchased as.
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.
Byers Hall & Genentech Hall
Q. When is the opening of ChemCentral at Byers and Genentech Hall?
ChemCentral is now open! This includes the Stockroom where chemicals and lab plastics can be purchased. This also includes Receiving that handles chemical receiving for Byers Hall and Genentech Hall.
Q. What are the hours and locations?
ChemCentral will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our Self-Checkout station which is located in the store will be open 24x7 with the proper access. The store will be located on the fifth floor in Room N543 of Genentech Hall. Our stockroom where we will do central receiving will be on the first floor of Genentech hall in Room N101.
Q. How does ChemCentral handle chemical receiving?
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. Will ChemCentral be doing solvent drum dispensing at this location?
Yes! This location will be the first time UCSF does chemical dispensing from solvent drums.We have a select list of chemicals that we will be dispensing. There will be a specific workflow to follow and required safety training needed to be done, but they are still in the process of being developed.
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 2R, 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 Neurosciences
Q. What are the hours and location 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. Our store is located on the first floor in Room 167.
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.