2025 UW Biosafety Manual and Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Application updates
Biosafety Manual Updates
Heat illness prevention for outdoor workers
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
Wildfire smoke protections for outdoor workers
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:
UPDATE: Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP) Policy Implementation and Reminder
UPDATE: The White House issued an executive order on May 5, 2025, directing federal agencies to end funding for "dangerous gain-of-function research” and develop a new oversight policy within 120 days. Such research is defined in Section 8 of the order.
Help keep wildlife wild
Learn Why You Shouldn't Feed Wildlife at the UW
Feeding wildlife might seem like a kind gesture, but it can have unintended consequences for both animals and people and contribute to human-wildlife conflicts.
To learn more about the impact of feeding wildlife and discover alternative ways to connect with nature:
New online course for preventing slips, trips, and falls
Environmental Health & Safety is pleased to announce the launch of a 25-minute, self-paced online course to help reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most commonly reported work-related incidents at the UW.
The course covers identification, prevention, safe behavior techniques, and proper response to fall injuries. While not mandatory, this course is highly recommended to enhance your safety awareness and prevention skills.
Keep clear of Avian Influenza (bird flu)
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published a new focus sheet on Avian Influenza, commonly known as “bird flu.” This resource is intended to help the UW community stay informed on recent bird flu activity, ways to stay healthy, and how to report sick or dead wildlife.
While the current health risk to the public is low, sick animals and people have been reported in Washington state.
STAY HEALTHY
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:
Changes to Hazardous Material Shipping Regulations in 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published regulation changes for 2025, which may impact University units and departments that ship dangerous goods by air.
If you ship dangerous goods, please note the following significant changes: