Automated Chemical Compatibility & Compliance Scripts

Summary

I developed Python scripts to proactively automate the complex sorting of over 1,700 laboratory chemicals, streamlining the regulatory application process for Dangerous Goods (DG) storerooms with the Fire Service Department (FSD). This project optimized processes and solved a critical safety and efficiency bottleneck, reducing a multi-year manual task to a two-month automated process.

The Problem

The existing manual process for managing chemical storage and FSD applications was slow, risky, and inefficient.

Slow Progress: After 2 years of manual work, only 20% of the Dangerous Goods (DG) inventory was included in the FSD application for DG storerooms.
Safety Risk: Manual cross-referencing created a high potential for dangerous compatibility errors.
Wasted Space: Sub-optimal sorting led to inefficient use of expensive DG storeroom space.
Repetitive Work: Manually creating documentation for each storeroom application was a waste of effort.

My Solution

Recognizing these challenges, I took the initiative to design and write two Python scripts to solve these problems, where I applied my problem-solving skills and leveraged automation.

Chemical Sorting Script

This script efficiently processes a master list of chemicals against a defined set of compatibility rules. Utilizing advanced algorithm design and data analysis, it automatically sorts all 1,700+ chemicals based on their compatibility into safe, compatible groups for storage, generating optimal packing lists for each room. This approach ensures precise data management and adherence to safety protocols.

SDS Documentation Script

This script takes the precisely sorted lists and automatically gathers the correct Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each storeroom. It organizes the required documents into separate folders, making FSD applications simple and error-free through automated documentation management.

Key Results & Impact

The scripts I created delivered significant, measurable improvements for the department, highlighting effective process optimization.

Rapid 100% Compliance: Completed the entire inventory in just 2 months, a task that was projected to take years to finish manually.
Eliminated Human Error: Automated checks removed the risk of dangerous storage mistakes, ensuring higher safety standards.
Optimized Storage Space: Ensured the most efficient use of all DG storerooms, leading to significant cost savings.
Saved Hundreds of Hours: Drastically reduced the manual labor required for compliance and documentation, freeing up staff for other critical tasks.