Gear up for summer lab work
Summer in Seattle means hiking, biking, kayaking and ... lab work. Yes, many of us spend gorgeous summer days working in the lab. While it's fine to wear shorts, skirts, sandals or flip flops outside, wearing these items in the lab can expose you to hazards. Proper lab attire ensures your skin is covered and protected.
Even if you aren't working with hazardous materials that day, your coworker might be, so always dress to protect yourself. We recommend keeping an appropriate change of clothes and shoes in the lab so you are never without the right gear.
New Nanomaterials, Chloroform and Metallic Lead SOP Templates
Visit the EH&S’s Chemical SOPs page to find new standard operating procedures (SOP) templates for nanomaterials, chloroform, and metallic lead.
Why you are required to submit a Chemical Waste Collection Request
EH&S needs the information you provide in the Chemical Waste Collection Request for safety, legal, and logistical reasons.
Safety: Knowing the potential hazards associated with each container allows EH&S staff to prepare for safely evaluating, handling, transporting, and storing chemicals prior to disposal.
Hazardous Material Spills
A hazardous material spill is an uncontrolled release of a substance that is potentially hazardous to humans, animals and/or the environment. University personnel and students working with hazardous materials should be prepared to respond in the event a spill occurs.
Caution Sign Instructions
Use the Caution Sign Instructions for creating and posting caution signs in areas where hazardous materials are present.
Common hazardous waste mistakes to avoid
EH&S staff had an opportunity to speak with compliance inspector Chad Fisher from the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding three of the most common hazardous waste violations he's encountered at the UW. As it turns out, the majority of these violations are easily preventable and making simple corrections contributes to a safer lab environment.
Anesthetic Gases: Safe Use Guidelines
The purpose of the Anesthetic Gases: Safe Use Guidelines is to inform users and others who may be exposed to anesthetic gases of the potential health hazards and methods of controlling exposures.
Passive Scavenging Using Charcoal Canisters
Follow the steps in the Passive Scavenging Using Charcoal Canisters guide to control exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs).