Each year, on or before March 1st, every facility that stores hazardous chemicals is required to file a SARA Tier II report. But, the submission has to be accurate, and that’s why organizations need to know the rules and requirements properly. Due to a single mistake, they may have to face penalties or even imprisonment. However, the hassle can be easily avoided with the help of an online SDS management system. This kind of solution can save time and money by streamlining the reporting procedure and guaranteeing compliance. 

To complete a proper SARA Tier II report, facilities need access to a lot of important information. Also, the process is indeed tedious as it includes identifying the reportable chemicals along with ensuring proper submission. But an SDS management system has simplified the process, and in this blog, we’ll help you know how. However, a proper understanding of tier II reporting will be beneficial. So, continue exploring for more information. 

Understanding SARA Tier II Reporting

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act(SARA) of 1986 Title III identified the need for publicly available hazard information. As a result, State Emergency Response Commissions (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) were formed. It was also decided that organizations would also need to submit a Tier II form every year. This keeps these two bodies, along with fire departments, informed about the chemicals the facilities are storing. As a result, the state agencies also revise their emergency preparedness strategies.

Who Must Submit Tier II Reports?

Tier II reporting is required if an agency handled, stored, or used 500 pounds or more of Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) in the preceding year. To submit this report, the facilities must also meet the requirements listed below.

  • If an agency stored at least 500 pounds of an Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS), or its threshold planning quantity (TPQ), whichever was less.
  • In case the organization stored at least 10,000 pounds of any chemicals listed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHO). 
  • Any retail gasoline or diesel station with an inventory of 75,000 gallons of gasoline or 100,00 gallons of diesel. 
  • In case state agencies like SERC or LEPC request it. 

Information Required for Proper Reporting

Each eligible facility must fill out a form involved in the SARA Tier II report. However, they must keep in mind that the mode of submission may not be the same for each state. Facilities must provide some crucial details such as its name and address along with its coordinates. They must also share the maximum number of occupants and important contact information. Apart from providing background information, certain details about the hazardous chemicals are also required. So, along with the identity of the chemicals they will also have to share their physical state thoroughly. Organizations also must reveal the details of the chemicals, their amounts, and storage locations.

The Role of the SDS Management System

The tedious part of filing SARA Tier II reporting is sharing the key details of the chemicals. With an advanced SDS management system, facilities can automate key tasks. Moreover, it’s a comprehensive platform for managing chemical inventory and SDS documentation. 

Here’s how it can help:

  1. Access to Centralized Data Storage:
    With this, organizations get a centralized repository for storing and accessing SDS documents. It also provides enough storage to keep chemical inventory data and facility information. Thus, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping is possible, along with access to up-to-date information. 
  2. Reduces the Risk of Error
    Tier II report filling should be done carefully, and it has to be error-free. But based on the stored chemical data inventory, error-free submission is guaranteed. This streamlines the entire reporting process while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. 
  3. Real-Time Updates
     For error-free submission, organizations need the latest data record. With this software, getting access to real-time updates on the chemical inventory is possible. This ensures that emergency responders have reliable information when it matters most.

 

Conclusion:

 

State bodies need to stay prepared to take prompt action against the adverse effects of harmful chemical releases. The SARA Tier II report helps make effective preparations by sharing proper updates on such chemicals. Agencies often face challenges during data collection, but with an online SDS management system, it can be simplified. Thus, facilities can file reports more accurately and avoid penalties.