Question 1

How is MIRS™ software structured and how do I know what I need to purchase?

Accepted Answer

MIRS™ is an integrated, modular software package built around the hazardous materials used or stored in your facility. Most modules address a specific regulation or data management need. For example, the FORM R module addresses SARA Title III, Section 313 Toxic Release Inventory compliance.
 
Modularity provides clients with the option to purchase only the modules that pertain to their facility’s regulatory compliance needs, with the option to add modules at any time.

Integration means that the information you enter into MIRS™ is accessible from any module. This eliminates tedious re-entry of data and makes the most of information by sharing databases from one module to another.
 
You should purchase the specific modules which address your facility’s compliance needs. For example, if your facility files Tier reports each March, has SDS management needs, and Clean Air Act permits, you would purchase SARA, SDS, AIR and CLE modules. You may also purchase PERMIT, INVENTORY and OSHA HAZCOM to expand your EHS data management capabilities. No matter what you purchase or when you purchase, you can always add modules to MIRS™ without time or cost penalty.

Question 2

What configuration options are available with MIRS™?

Accepted Answer

There are many configuration options available, including:
 • Single stand-alone workstation. Install MIRS™ on your standalone workstation and track EHS information for one facility right at your desk.
 • Multi-facility. This multi-facility option allows a user or multiple users to track information at multiple facilities from a central location. The information for each facility is stored separately and the user can produce separate facility reports. Data can also be shared between facilities. The MIRS™ multi-facility option allows up to 999 facilities. Additional facilities can be added to MIRS™ at any time.
 • Multi-User LAN connected workstations. A Local Area Network MIRS™ installation allows multiple users, with multiple access levels. A user’s access can be restricted by facility, by module or by function.

Question 3

Can I manage more than one facility with MIRS™?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with any one of the following approaches:
 • A multi-facility version of the MIRS™ software. (See Multi-facility description above, for capabilities.)
 • A multi-facility version of MIRS Online™ software. (See below)
 • Multiple installations of MIRS™. Install MIRS™ at each of your facilities.

Question 4

Sometimes we have trouble keeping our software current because we have to wait for IT to download new versions.  This puts us in a difficult position since we have to meet reporting deadlines. Do you have any services that might help?

Accepted Answer

MIRS Online™ can give you safe, secure access to all the MIRS™ modules and your data from any location that has a high-speed internet connection: at your office or plant location, on the road, or at home.

Question 5

I am responsible for EH&S reporting but I spend a lot of time on the road. The MIRS™ software is installed back at the plant location and I don't have any remote access. Do you have any services that can help me out?

Accepted Answer

MIRS Online™ can give you safe, secure access to all the MIRS™ modules and your data from any location that has a high-speed internet connection: at your office or plant location, on the road, or at home.

Question 6

My company has just started a work-at-home policy and now I can do a lot of my reporting and administrative work from home. However, for security reasons, I cannot connect to the company servers to access the MIRS™ software and databases. Do you have any services that can help me in my new situation?"

Accepted Answer

MIRS Online™ can give you safe, secure access to all the MIRS™ modules and your data from any location that has a high-speed internet connection: at your office or plant location, on the road, or at home.

Question 7

What is the difference between MIRS™ and MIRS Online™?

Accepted Answer

MIRS™ is purchased software that you install on your stand-alone workstation or laptop or on your company network server.  
 • You can select modules based on your compliance needs. 
 • The initial installation as well as new version upgrades can be downloaded from the MIRS™ technical support website.
 • A V Systems recommends that you install MIRS™ where it will be included in your company's regular backup cycle.
 • You can continue to run MIRS™  if you allow your annual support to lapse. Warning: if you allow your annual support to lapse, you miss out on new features and regulatory updates.

MIRS Online™ is leased software hosted on a secure and protected cloud server with daily backups.
 • MIRS Online™ includes all modules and add-on options except SDS NETVIEW. 
 • A V Systems performs the initial installation and new version upgrades, relieving you and your IT staff of this burden.. 
 • Access MIRS Online™ from any computer that can run Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection.  No additional hardware or software installation is required. 
 • MIRS Online™ is best for situations when users want to log in from multiple locations, like your facility, on the road, or home.
 • Access to MIRS Online™ ends if you allow your lease to lapse (you can backup your data to your local or network drive if desired).

The interface, features and capabilities are the same in both MIRS™ and MIRS Online™.  Current clients get unlimited, senior level  telephone and email technical support in both MIRS™ and MIRS Online™.

Question 8

What security options are available to control access to MIRS™?

Accepted Answer

MIRS™ provides an option to require a password or user id option for controlling user access. Access can be secured by:
 • Module - Access to a specific module can be restricted by user
 • Access rights within a module - Access rights can be restricted by access type (read/write/edit/view, etc.) and menu option type (data entry, report, utility). For example, an administrative level employee could have data entry access, and a shop floor employee view-only access, while a manager could have ability to enter data and print reports.
 • Facility - User access rights can be restricted to specified facilities.
You can also use the PC network’s security scheme to limit access.

By design, access to SDS NETVIEW, the MIRS™ add-on module which provides Worker Right-to-Know compliance, is limited to retrieval-only.

Question 9

What chemical information is provided in MIRS™?

Accepted Answer

Each MIRS™ module includes access to a complete EPA SARA-regulated database of approximately 3,000 chemicals. This database covers all chemicals regulated by SARA Section 302 (Extremely Hazardous Substances list), Section 304 (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Emergency Liability Act), and Section 313 (Toxic Release Inventory).

Data included for each chemical (when available or applicable) includes CAS registry number, name, synonyms in English and other supported languages, EC number, RTECS number, UN/NA Number, DOT hazard class, RCRA Waste Number*, Color Index number, formula, molecular weight, physical properties*, OSHA / ACGIH and many other exposure limits*, GHS classification*, etc.
* = when available for specific chemicals.
 
Other modules or add-ons increase the chemical database size:
 • The FORM R module provides the complete 3,000-strong chemical EPA SARA-regulated database, including all listed SARA Section 313 toxic chemicals and adds more than 20,000 category chemicals not individually listed by the EPA.
 • The CLE (Chemical List Extension) add-on chemical database includes all the chemicals mentioned above. Additionally, CLE supports 100+ agency lists, with a total of more than 220,000 chemicals and categories. A V Systems researches and monitors changes to agency lists and then incorporates those changes into the CLE. This saves you the time and trouble of researching which chemicals in your facility are reportable under various regulations. The CLE is required for LOCAL and AIR modules.

Frequently Asked Questions