Hazardous Materials

Procurement Services, in collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), have updated the expense card policy for the purchasing of hazardous materials.

Effective immediately, the updated policy allows for items that meet the “household consumer use” definition to be purchased with an expense card if the supplier does not have a Workday punchout. This revision supports operational needs while ensuring safety and compliance.

What qualifies as “Household Consumer Use”?

“Household consumer use” refers to the purchase and use of products that differ in purpose, scale, and consumption from commercial, industrial, or institutional use. Specifically, these are products:

  • Available to the general public,
  • Intended for small-scale use within an office or work area, and
  • Used for cleaning, disinfecting, or maintenance

Examples include:

  • Multi-purpose cleaners
  • Bleach

Quantity limits:

  • Liquids: ≤ 5 gallons (20 liters)
  • Solids: ≤ 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms)

Note: While individual purchases within these limits are allowed, multiple purchases under this exception may be reviewed to ensure compliance and safety.

To provide additional support, two additional resources are available which include:

  • An updated purchasing Flow Chart is located here to provide staff with a road map of the purchasing process.
  • A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list is included at the end of this communication and here in Workday.   

We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient working environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I purchase multiple household consumer products at once?
Yes, but please be aware that multiple purchases may be subject to review by Procurement Services and EHS to ensure they remain within the scope of household consumer use.

Q2: What if I need more than the allowed quantity?
Use a purchase order for quantities exceeding 5 gallons or 5 pounds.

Q3: Are these products still considered hazardous?
Yes. Even though they qualify under the household consumer use exemption, these products may still contain hazardous components. Proper storage, handling, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are required.

Q4: Do I need to notify EHS before making a purchase?
No, if the purchase clearly meets the definition and limits. When in doubt, consulting EHS before proceeding is strongly recommended.

Q5: Where can I find more information or get help?
For questions or guidance, please contact: