Licensing & Subscription – FAQs
Do I need to purchase a license for every user?
Yes. HMEx offers named user licensing, so each user requires a license. This licensing model enhances the security of your data and enables you to assign Administrator authority to individual users.
Can I add more users to my subscription?
Yes. Account Administrators can add users up to the number of licenses available on any subscription. You can also reassign licenses when users leave the company or no longer need access.
Can I add more licenses to my subscription?
Yes. Currently, we do not have a self-service option for adding licenses to your subscription outside of the initial purchase and renewal periods. If you would like to add licenses off-cycle, please contact our Support team.
How do I start a free trial?
Sign up here for a free 14-day trial. No credit card is required to activate the trial, and you’ll get access to all of the HMEx features.
What happens to my data after the free trial ends?
We’ll keep your data for 30 days after your trial ends. If you decide to subscribe, you’ll continue to have access to all your trial data – you won’t lose a thing!
How do I activate HMEx after my free trial ends?
You can activate HMEx after your free trial ends by subscribing to one of the available plans in our Shop.
Who’s eligible for the Assistant - Governmental license?
Local, state and federal regulatory agencies and some regulatory workgroups within large organizations that have established internal code enforcement teams. Please get in touch with us if you have questions about your or your team’s eligibility for these discounted licenses.
Can I pay for the subscription monthly?
All subscriptions are paid in annual payments; monthly payments are not currently an available payment option.
What payment methods are accepted?
When purchasing via our website or adding licenses through our Customer Portal, you can pay using a credit card or PayPal account. We also accept payment via check and wire transfers in particular circumstances. To get help with these other types of payment methods, please contact Support or call us at +1 877-389-3160.
How do I purchase a subscription?
You can purchase a subscription to HMEx in our Shop with a credit card or PayPal account. Or, if you prefer an invoice, please let our Support team know or reach out to us at +1-877-389-3160.
Can I change or cancel my plan later on?
Yes. But we don’t currently have a self-service feature that allows you to change your plan outside of the annual renewal period, so please contact us if you would like to change your plan.
What happens when my subscription expires or is about to expire?
Thirty days before your subscription expires, we’ll begin notifying you via email that the expiration date is approaching.
If your subscription does expire before you can resubscribe, you’ll no longer have access to the account; but don’t worry. You won’t lose any data.
We’ll hang on to the data for another 90 days, and if you resubscribe before those 90 days are over, it’ll be like you never missed a beat. After 90 days, the account data will no longer be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a code official, why would I need HMEx?
HMEx helps you quickly, confidently, and consistently verify the accuracy of hazard classifications assigned to hazardous materials by architects, design engineers, and facility owners based on the International Fire and Building Code hazard classification system.
Confirming the proposed occupancy classification based on hazard classifications and quantities is critical in ensuring the proposed design includes the proper fire and life safety controls required to mitigate the hazards.
Can’t I just find the chemical classifications on the product safety data sheet (SDS)?
No. Safety data sheets (SDS) do not provide hazard classifications for materials based on the International Fire Code (IFC) and International Building Code (IBC) hazard class definitions. SDSs provide classification based on the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) adopted by OSHA, and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) system, which addresses the hazards of transporting hazardous materials. These systems provide insight into relevant hazards, but neither provides the classification information needed for compliance with the IFC and IBC.
How can I be sure the information in the Hazard Class Summary Report has been calculated correctly?
HMEx considers your answers to a few simple questions about the facility, protection systems, and the materials’ location. It then applies consistent formulas developed by qualified engineers to convert units, aggregate quantities, and compare actual inventory quantities with limits set by the International Fire and Building Code.
The formulas have been tested and retested to eliminate errors that occur when calculating complex equations by hand. But we’re not perfect. So, if you think you’ve encountered an error or have any questions about the methodology we’ve used to arrive at an answer, please promptly let us know so we can look into it.
How will this save me money?
Because HMEx is a trusted source of hazard class information, you’ll minimize the time you spend rummaging through material safety data sheets (SDS) or technical reference manuals, looking for hard to find IFC/IBC hazard classifications. And by creating and maintaining your chemical inventory in HMEx, you’ll save the time (and frustration!) you’d otherwise spend evaluating whether inventory quantities exceed the code’s quantity limits and generating hazardous materials inventory statements (HMIS) and hazard class summary reports.
What’s more, HMEx could save you days or weeks of delay in plan review or construction permit issuance caused by submitting incomplete or inaccurate hazardous materials inventory information to code officials. Our inventory statements and summary reports are formatted to make it easy for code officials to review and approve.
So, not only are we confident HMEx will save you time and money, but we’re sure it will increase consistency and accuracy across your team and take a lot of the hassle out of hazardous material code compliance.
Who has access to my data?
All of your account users can see the chemical inventory and facility data entered into HMEx. Only individuals you’ve assigned as Account Administrators can see the account, subscriptions and user information. No one outside of your organization is able to access the inventory information except the HMEx Assistant owner and IT Administrators.
What happens to my data if my subscription expires or I cancel my subscription?
We’ll hang on to your data for 30 days after your subscription expires or you decide to cancel. Just let us know if you didn’t get to downloading your data in time and we’ll make sure you get a copy. Unless you tell us otherwise, we’ll delete your data 30 days after your subscription expires.
Do you offer an offline version of HMEx?
No. HMEx does not currently offer offline functionality or a locally installed version of the software.
Can I port my inventory data over to HMEx?
Yes. You can import existing inventories using an Excel spreadsheet template provided online by HMEx.
What if I need a chemical or feature HMEx doesn’t offer?
We definitely want to hear about the chemicals and features you’d like us to add to HMEx. Just visit our Request Classification page to recommend new chemicals or engage us to classify chemicals for you. And, let us know about any new features you’d like to see via our Contact Us page.

GET IN TOUCH
HMEx Assistant, LLC
1101 McKenzie Ave, Unit 203
Bellingham, WA 98225
+1 877-389-3160
[email protected]