Staff & Contacts List
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.
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure to
extinguishing materials, precautions to take when cleaning up after a fire and waste disposal.
Visit the Fire Safety and Prevention page for more information.
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.
This report is intended to provide guidance on identifying and evaluating potential risks related to storage of liquid nitrogen in laboratory space, and how to best mitigate those risks at the University of Washington. This paper provides an analysis of the available literature on the subject, example calculations of risk, and suggestions of best practices to detect an unsafe environment from liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic material spills and releases in rooms and spaces.
This paper provides information on the safe procurement, handling, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fire, injury and loss of intellectual and other property.
The General Health and Safety Training Course Selection Guide provides guidance on identifying the health and safety related training classes available to all University of Washington employees.
This guide helps UW personnel determine which trainings are relevant to the job, whether or not the training is required, how the training is offered, and how frequently it is to be taken.
The Guide for Principal Investigators (PI Guide) is an introduction to Environmental Health & Safety for principal investigators (PIs) who are new to the University of Washington and is a reference tool for any principal investigator. It outlines your health and safety responsibilities as a PI and provides links to related resources. It lists related requirements for grant proposals, purchases and similar actions and outlines how to plan for emergencies and disasters.