Staff & Contacts List
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.
Use the Caution Sign Instructions for creating and posting caution signs in areas where hazardous materials are present.
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.
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.
Follow the steps in the Passive Scavenging Using Charcoal Canisters guide to control exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs).
UW Environmental Health & Safety's mission is to partner with the UW community to provide a healthy and safe campus and protect our environment.
The University of Washington is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for faculty, staff, students, visitors, and volunteers in all sites owned, operated, or controlled by the University. This commitment includes supporting a culture of health and safety across the University.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is an administrative unit that assists University units in meeting their responsibility to protect the environment and to provide a safe and healthful place for employment and learning.
Anesthetic gases and vapors that leak into the surrounding room are considered waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). If equipment is not set up or functioning properly or if the WAG is not properly exhausted or captured via scavenging, or if ventilation not adequate, healthcare workers, researchers, and veterinary staff may be exposed to WAGs. This exposure creates a risk of potentially developing adverse health effects.
Use and dispensing of flammable liquids presents fire and explosion hazards to facilities and occupants. Proper grounding and bonding limits the potential of static electrical spark during dispensing.
Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHPs) include lab-specific information and relevant documents in addition to the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) provided by EH&S. This information must be reviewed at least annually and is necessary to fulfill WAC 296-828-20005. Read the Creatiing Electronic Chemical Hygiene Plans focus sheet for more information and instructions on creating one for your lab.