How Do I:
Know if a chemical or drug is regulated and requires special controls?
Controlled Substances: The following controlled substances are commonly used for research in campus laboratories:
- Anabolic steroids
- Buprenorphine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Ketamine
- Methamphetamine
- Morphine
- Phenobarbital
A complete list of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) controlled substances by schedule. A complete federal list (List I Chemicals) of precursors. The State of California maintains a list of precursor chemicals which includes all federal List I Chemicals plus a few additional chemicals.
Get authorization to use controlled substances in my research?
In order to work with controlled substances on the Berkeley campus, the principal investigator (PI) must obtain a controlled substances use authorization (CSUA), and each researcher working with the controlled substance(s) must be added to that registration.
CSUA approval is required prior to use of any controlled substances in research activities.
Please contact csuse@bekeley.edu with any questions about controlled substances use authorizations (CSUAs).
Obtain a CSUA for Research
Only a principal investigator (PI) may submit a registration application to obtain a CSUA for their research.
Project Registration
Complete and submit a Project Registration Form. Paper copies must be delivered to EH&S in 317 University Hall.
Animal Use Protocol
For projects involving administration of controlled substances to animals, a copy of the Animal Use Protocol (AUP) approval letter must be sent to EH&S at csuse@berkeley.edu.
Criminal Background Check and Required Forms
Obtain a criminal background check (Live Scan) with the campus police department (UCPD). Please refer to How do I Get a Background Check? for details and required forms.
Complete Training
All principal investigators must complete the required training prior to approval of a CSUA. EHS 501 Controlled Substances Used in Research is an online course available in the UC Learning Center.
EH&S Inspection and Approval
Prior to approval of a CSUA, EH&S will perform an inspection of the proposed storage space and verify its security.
Additional Requirements
Research activities involving controlled substances not administered to animals require additional verification from an organizational official. This may include a department chair, college dean, or other organizational executive.
Add a Researcher to an Existing CSUA
Only a principal investigator (PI) may request an amendment to an existing CSUA.
Request an Amendment
Principal investigator completes and submits a Project Registration Update Form to EH&S at csuse@berkeley.edu. For more information about updating your registration, see: How do I make changes to my controlled substances use authorization?
Criminal Background Check and Disclosure
Researchers must obtain a criminal background check (Live Scan) with the campus police department (UCPD). Submit a signed copy of the background check disclosure form to EH&S.
Complete Training
All researchers working with controlled substances must complete the required training course. EHS 501 Controlled Substances Used in Research is an online course available in the UC Learning Center.
Get a background check?
Steps:
- Contact your departmental HR to arrange the documents and schedule an appointment at UCPD.
- Bring completed Background Check documents (Live Scan Service Form, Background Check Disclosure Form, 2-Page Release and Disclose Form, and Interdepartmental Order/Charge form) to your appointment at UCPD.
Documents:
Make changes to my controlled substances use authorization?
The Principal Investigator (PI) must use the Controlled Substances Program Project Registration Update Form for changes in personnel, location of storage, or addition of new chemicals. Forms that have been completed, dated and signed must be forwarded to EH&S: csuse@berkeley.edu.
Note: Some applications or updates will require additional information. You will be contacted after your initial submission if this information is necessary.
Order and purchase controlled substances?
The Principal Investigator (PI) must already have obtained a Controlled Substances Use Authorization (CSUA) for Research. If this step has not already been completed, please refer to How do I Get Authorization to Use Controlled Substances in my Research? and contact csuse@berkeley.edu with any questions.
- Contact OLAC if the controlled substances are used under the ACUC approved protocol.
- Use BearBuy to order controlled substances used in other research.
Note: Verification of the end user authorization is included in the purchasing process.
The requestor will be notified once the controlled substances will be delivered to the campus.
Dispose of controlled substances?
To request pick up of the unwanted controlled substances complete the following steps:
- Complete the return forms for controlled substances. Include all required information. Do not sign the return forms. Forms must be signed at the time of EH&S pick-up to document the chain of custody and transfer of compound's ownership from the lab to EH&S.
- Schedule II (PDF)
- Schedule III-V (PDF)
- Send the completed forms to CSuse@berkeley.edu
- EH&S Hazardous Materials Management Team will then contact the requestor to schedule the pick-up time.
- Disposal documents, signed and dated at the EH&S pick-up, must be kept together with the controlled substances log books.