Emergency Procedures Flip Chart
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Prepare for EPA's new rule for trichloroethylene
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.
Personal Flotation Device Requirements Flowchart
Use the Personal Flotation Device Requirements Flowchart to determine whether you are required to wear a personal flotation device.
Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.
Personal Flotation Devices Focus Sheet
In work areas where the danger of drowning cannot be mitigated by engineering or other workplace safety measures (e.g., guardrails), the University of Washington is required to provide and ensure personnel wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).
Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.
Lessons learned from a chemical fire
In December 2024, a group of undergraduate research students conducted an experiment in a shared research/shop space following a standard operating procedure (SOP) they had recently updated. One of the students had performed this work before; no supervisor was present.
The experiment involved heating a chemical mixture on a hot plate inside a fume hood. The mixture overheated, ignited, and caused second-degree burns on a student’s hands. The student received medical care and has recovered.
What contributed to the incident?
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.
2025 Log of Changes - UW Field Operations Safety Manual
This is the log of changes for the 2025 UW Field Operations Safety Manual.
Guidance for labs experiencing work disruptions
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) recognizes the impact of federal funding and policies creating uncertainties on our research community. In the case that researchers receive a directive from a federal funding agency to stop, pause, suspend, or terminate activities, we provide the following resources:
Laboratory Shutdown Checklist
The Laboratory Shutdown Checklist is a quick reference for safely shutting down a research space and continuing operations remotely.
Updated ABSL-1 waste disposal procedures
Processes for treatment and disposal of animal biosafety level 1 (ABSL-1) animal carcasses have been updated with input from the UW Infectious Waste Committee and the UW Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). These updates were made to align with current regulatory requirements and best practices.
Updated ABSL-1 waste treatment and disposal procedures
ABSL-1 animal waste will now be packaged and sent for off-site incineration.