Original Date: 01/26/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2003

Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) pioneered the Depot Maintenance Hazardous Material Management System, which is often called a hazardous material pharmacy program. The Depot Maintenance Hazardous Materials Management System (DM-HMMS) is more than a relational database; it is a basic change in the way the Depot does business. Prior to the DM-HMMS, CCAD’s production controllers did not have a master list to gauge inventory when they ordered chemicals and solvents used in the aircraft overhaul process. Consequently, these materials were ordered in excessive quantities, creating more inventory than necessary and requiring much more disposal than what is now required with the new hazardous material management system.

With the DM-HMMS fielding in November 1993, CCAD was able to manage all inventories of hazardous materials, operating like a pharmacy system that is designed to control authorized access and ensure proper issuance of only the amount necessary. Consequently, hazardous material acquisition was substantially reduced.

The DM-HMMS has the capability to print all material safety data sheets, and identify and track hazardous materials and their users. Hazardous materials are issued at only 10 issue points in CCAD. With digital scale and bar code scanner, issue clerks track the amount of chemicals used, their remaining shelf life, user identification, and their location on the Depot. The DM-HMMS also has the capability to print environmental compliance reports.

Lessons learned from this project include: