The chemical inventories in MyChem are automatically assigned to a Chemical Safety Level (CSL) based on the quantity and type of hazards present. CSLs include both physical and health hazards and assist EH&S with identifying locations that may pose a greater risk to workers.
Please bookmark this page electronically or print a copy of the complete LSM and make it available to laboratory staff. Staff in UW laboratories using hazardous chemicals must have access to a copy of the manual and the supplemental laboratory-specific information.
Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60% is one of the key prevention measures to help reduce the potential for transmission of communicable diseases. Because alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly flammable, the storage and dispensation within buildings are regulated by fire codes. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Applicants completing an eGC1 are asked questions about quantities of hazardous materials they intend to use in their research. EH&S reviews this information to determine whether the proposed lab space is suitable for this intended purpose.
Following the announcement of the Seattle Police Department’s preventable fire alarm initiative (that will result in fines for false alarms starting January 1, 2020), EH&S has fielded concerns about whether a fire alarm should be trigged when a fire is not present.
Hazardous materials are classified according to the International Fire Code, which limits quantities of certain chemicals based on physical and health hazards, and sets requirements for storage and use.
Updated 12/23/21
Seattle Fire Department’s (SFD) Fire Prevention Division launched a initiative in 2020 to avoid “false” or “preventable” alarms. For this reason, the City of Seattle is introducing citations of $373 or greater beginning January 1, 2020 for preventable alarms. As a result of this initiative, the availability of fire department resources to respond to true emergencies is expected to improve.
Preventable alarms include:
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher.
In the event a heating system fails, or there is inadequate heat to an area, every effort should be made to correct the problem with building heating before using temporary or portable heat sources. Portable heaters are strongly discouraged due to energy and fire safety issues, but can be allowed in some instances provided the requirements are met.
Many labs and shops use at least one type of heating device, such as ovens, hot plates, heating mantles and tapes, and oil baths. Heating materials, especially chemicals, present a number of fire and safety hazards. Download the focus sheet and follow the recommendations when using heating devices.
