The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has created the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) to prevent the intentional misuse of specific Chemicals of Interest (COI) through theft, sabotage, or attack. CFATS requires laboratories and non-laboratory facilities to report certain quantities of chemicals listed as a COI. A top-screen questionnaire is required for chemicals that exceed screening threshold quantities within each facility (e.g. university building). In addition to reporting, a site security plan, training, and specific record keeping will be required. OSU Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) will assist laboratories and non-laboratory facilities in the top-screen reporting process.

FAQs

All PIs or facility managers are responsible for keeping an up-to-date inventory in our chemical inventory system. EH&S routinely checks for quantities of COI and will notify you if your facility is near or exceeding the limit. You are also responsible for letting EH&S know prior to purchasing a COI if the amount exceeds the screening threshold quantity outlined in Appendix A.

You must email EH&S prior to the purchase of the chemical. EH&S has 60 days to submit a Top-Screen questionnaire after we receive the chemical. You will also have to take CVI training through DHS. From there EH&S will work with you to get the questionnaire completed and the subsequent site safety plan, etc.

EH&S reviews the chemical inventory for COI quantities on a monthly basis.

Additional Resources