Reference > FireDB
The FireDB database contains Fire Reporting information for a vast catalog of materials. That information is automatically added to existing CISPro material data, through a matching process based on the CAS numbers and/or names of the materials. The data items available in FireDB include special flags such as EHS, Waste or Not Reportable, Hazard Categories and Hazard Classes. In addition to the FireDB Module (included with ChemCat), the Fire Reporting (HMIS) module must also be installed and enabled in order to provide users with an intuitive interface in which to access the FireDB data and a set of specialized reports designed to summarize the data and make it easy to understand for each selected Hazard Class and location within a site (known as a Control Area).
The Matching ("Syncing") Process
The FireDB data is automatically appended to new materials when they are created and/or when a material’s CAS # is modified and saved.
The system tries to match FireDB data with materials in CISPro, first by using the CAS #. If the material has no CAS # associated with it, then the material's name is used. In order for a record to be found in the FireDB Database using the material name, however, the CISPro material name must exactly match the name used in the FireDB. Since spellings and technical names for chemicals may vary slightly, the CAS # is considered the more reliable method for matching.
How to Sync to the Fire Database
The following example illustrates the process of acquiring FireDB data on a new material.
| 1. | Create a new material called “Guanidine nitrate” |
| 2. | Navigate to the Hazards tab and click the Fire Reporting link |
Notice that there are several check boxes already checked. This is because Guanidine nitrate exists in the FireDB Database. The data was synced by material name in this case.
Syncing Differently Named Materials
If the material name that you entered isn't exactly the same as what is found in the Fire Database, the match can be made using the CAS #:
| 1. | Create a new material called “Picric Acid” |
| 2. | Navigate to the Hazards tab and click the Fire Reporting link |
Notice that there are no check boxes checked for this material. Picric Acid exists in the Fire Database, but it is listed with the name “Picric acid, dry.” Let’s add the CAS # to this material.
| 3. | Navigate to the Identity tab for the Picric Acid material you just created |
| 4. | Enter the CAS # “88-89-1” and click Save |
| 5. | Navigate to the Hazards tab and click the Fire Reporting link. |
Observe that the data has been synced and several of the check boxes are now checked for this material. This time the Fire Reporting data was attached to the material on the basis of CAS #.
The Fire Database (FireDB) is included as part of the ChemCat chemical information system, an optional module that can be purchased from ChemSW, Inc. or through one of its distributors. Please contact your Sales Representative for more information.