Why do lab personnel have to do the inventory? Why can’t an administrative assistant or Health, Safety and Environment do the inventory?
Only lab personnel really know where the chemicals are located. Lab staff are trained to handle the chemicals and are familiar with their hazardous properties. Also, lab personnel are able to determine whether a chemical still has value or should be disposed. Inventory time is a good opportunity for house-cleaning. Finally, it can be disruptive for lab staff to have people unfamiliar with the laboratory searching through their work space.
