What is a Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS)?

Most jurisdictions where cannabis is grown, processed, or extracted require the submittal of a Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) to identify the chemicals used and the code requirements. An HMIS is a document that provides information about the hazardous materials present in a cannabis production facility or related workplace to ensure the safe handling and storage of hazardous substances.
The specific requirements for an HMIS can vary depending on the regulatory framework of the specific jurisdiction where the cannabis production facility is located. It is essential that growing and processing facilities carefully comply with applicable regulations and maintain accurate HMIS records to meet legal obligations and protection standards for facilities as well as mitigate potential risks that come with the hazardous materials associated with growing, processing, and extracting marijuana to produce cannabis products.
HMIS reports typically include detailed information about the types and quantities of hazardous materials present in a cannabis facility, as well as their physical and chemical properties. These materials could include nitrogen- or potassium-based fertilizers used to grow cannabis or solvents such as ethanol or butane that are used for extraction purposes to separate the desired compounds from cannabis plant material.

Why is NFPA 13 important for a cannabis production facility to comply with?

NFPA 13 — Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems provides essential code protection standards for facilities to follow and bring cannabis growing and processing operations into compliance. Because cannabis facilities involve the cultivation, processing, and storage of cannabis products which can present fire hazards, NFPA 13 provides guidelines for designing and installing sprinkler systems to ensure adequate fire protection standards for facilities. Sprinkler systems can help control or extinguish fires, minimizing the potential damage to the facility, its occupants, and valuable cannabis products.
Many jurisdictions and regulatory bodies require compliance with NFPA standards for fire safety. Following NFPA 13 ensures facilities that produce, process, and extract cannabis meet these requirements, which can be essential for obtaining permits and licenses to operate legally. Compliance also demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for employees working in growing and processing facilities as well as those living in the surrounding community. By following NFPA 13, facility owners and operators can identify and address potential fire hazards, such as proper spacing and placement of sprinklers, ensuring appropriate water supplies, and adequate system design, all of which help minimize the risk of fire and limit its potential consequences and provide protection standards for
facilities.

What is the best way to keep track of chemicals and hazardous materials being used in a cannabis
growing and processing facility?

If you own or manage one or more cannabis facilities, whether they specialize in the cultivation, production, extraction, or processing of cannabis, TheHazMatApp can be used to quickly develop your HMIS and easily modify the inventory as needed. TheHazMatApp, which is a building and fire code hazmat classification assistant, provides engineers, consultants, building owners, and inspectors with an extensive database of hazardous materials that have been assigned building and fire code hazard classifications by experts and industry professionals.
The classification of hazardous materials and subsequent report generation can be a long arduous process. TheHazMatApp is a helpful tool that provides an easy-to-use database of chemicals that can generate report templates based on chemical quantities input by the user. TheHazMatApp simplifies the code compliance process, in turn saving the user time and money during the inventory process of accounting for hazardous materials.
Most of the chemicals used to grow, process, extract, and produce cannabis are already classified in TheHazMatApp, so there is no need to identify hazard classifications associated with the chemicals. Download a free 30-day trial of TheHazMatApp at thehazmatapp.com to see how it can help you with your HMIS and permit submittal process. The mobile version can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
TheHazMatApp helps users track chemicals and hazardous substances in the arenas of cannabis processing, extraction, production, and cultivation, all of which must adhere to strict regulations and guidelines set by local regulatory bodies to ensure product safety and consumer health. Proper storage, handling, and compliance with applicable safety protocols are essential to minimize risks associated with hazardous chemical use and to provide protection standards for cannabis growing and processing facilities.