In December 2024, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the risks of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure. While certain portions of the rule are currently under legal review, most of its requirements are still expected to go into effect starting on September 15, 2025.
As outdoor temperatures rise and wildfire season approaches, it’s important to know how to protect yourself while working outdoors. Environmental Health & Safety offers two required online training courses to help you stay safe: Outdoor Heat Safety and Wildfire Smoke Safety.
Outdoor Heat Safety Training
As summer approaches and temperatures begin to rise, it's important to take measures to keep outdoor workers healthy and prevent heat-related illness.
University units with personnel who work outdoors are required to implement safety measures to help prevent heat-related illness, including
Last year, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updated the wildfire smoke exposure rules to establish minimum requirements to prevent smoke particle-related illness and reduce serious symptoms for outdoor workers.
University units with personnel who work outdoors are required to plan, prepare, and train for wildfire smoke exposure:
Most Environmental Health & Safety teams relocated to the new Gateway building above the Sound Transit Link light rail station on Brooklyn Avenue NE between NE 45th and 43rd Streets.
Programs and services that moved include:
View directions, parking, and public transit options for arriving at UW Environmental Health & Safety main office.
The EH&S Annual Report FY24 summarizes the work of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) during fiscal year 2024.
University units that use methylene chloride in products such as degreasers, paint strippers, adhesive removers, solvent welding products, or plastic bonding agents may be impacted by a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule and need to take action.
Read the Alert: New Rule for Methylene Chloride for more information.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule for methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane) for worker safety and public and environmental protection. The required actions and timelines to comply with the new rule are described below. The new EPA rule is in addition to existing Washington State Department of Labor & Industries rules for workplace safety.
Personnel working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects against electrical hazards.
Follow the PPE Inspection, Maintenance and Care Guidance to ensure protective equipment is maintained in a safe, reliable condition and is periodically inspected and/or tested according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Refer to the UW Electrical Safety Manual for more information.