Staff & Contacts List
Laser cutters pose potential hazards from exposure to the laser light, high temperatures that could result in a fire, and air contaminants (fumes, vapors or particulates produced when the laser cuts material) that might be inhaled. Follow the precautions on the Laser Cutter Safety Focus Sheet to safely operate a laser cutter.
The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) created guidelines for safely conducting photo and video sessions in University locations with hazards while also ensuring the images reflect health and safety requirements and best practices.
Help raise awareness of safe lab practices!
Lab Safety Awareness Week is an event held at academic institutions nation-wide February 13-17. This event is dedicated to recognizing the successes of laboratory safety programs and offering ideas on how to keep faculty, staff and students safe.
Participants in this year’s Lab Safety Awareness Week who conduct a check of their lab’s safety resources are eligible to win a prize from EH&S by completing our 2023 Lab Safety Awareness Week Challenge Card.
The UW Photography Guidelines are intended for use in research, shop settings and other University locations with hazardous materials and/or physical safety hazards.
A Crystalline Silica Exposure Control Plan (Word) is required when respirable crystalline silica exposure is assumed or known to be at or above 25 μg/m3TWA8e of respirable crystalline silica in air.
The Respirable Crystalline Silica Safety Manual outlines the responsibilities of University units, personnel and the Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) to protect personnel from occupational respirable crystalline silica exposure. This document also contains guidelines and procedures for exposure control, respiratory protection, and medical evaluations.
Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in the earth's crust. When airborne, respirable crystalline silica can be inhaled deep into the lungs where it can cause damage.
Air-purifying devices, such as a portable air cleaner, can be an effective supplement to building ventilation and can help improve indoor air quality, especially when eliminating the source of air pollution is not feasible and/or increasing outdoor air ventilation is impractical or ineffective.
The purpose of the Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies Performance Standards and Guidelines are to assist University units and departments during the procurement process; it serves as a guide to determine whether PPE and related supplies meet minimum performance standards.