If your laboratory stores controlled substances in a safe with a battery-operated electronic keypad, please review the following recommendations from U-M’s Controlled Substances (CS) in Research Monitoring Program to help prevent lockouts and maintain reliable access:
- Replace safe batteries on a regular basis —
- Batteries should be replaced at least once a year
- If the safe is accessed frequently, replace batteries every six months
- Set a recurring calendar reminder for the DEA registrant and any responsible staff to check/replace batteries
- Replace the batteries immediately if —
- The keypad responds slowly or makes unusual beeping sounds
- The display becomes dim
- The lock requires multiple attempts to open
- A low-battery warning appears
- Verify access to the backup key —
- Confirm that a backup key is available and stored in a secure location accessible only to authorized personnel
- Note: the key should not be stored inside the safe or in an unsecured location nearby
- Contact the CS Monitoring Program at [email protected] if you do not have a backup key
- Confirm that a backup key is available and stored in a secure location accessible only to authorized personnel
Questions?
Additional questions or concerns regarding the use of controlled substances in research, including requirements for safe and secure storage, should be directed to [email protected].
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.