Welcome to the research community at the University of Washington!
The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) developed this information to introduce you to the some of the important elements required for safety practices and safety compliance in your research space.
Please review the materials below and and complete all of the items on the Essential To Do List.
Essential to-do list
1. Get a copy of the UW Laboratory Safety Manual. Make it accessible in all of your laboratory spaces.
2. Complete or enroll in the following training courses:
3. Determine, complete and document all relevant EH&S safety training.
4. Determine and document work policies specifically for your laboratory spaces.
5. Create a MyChem account and enter the chemicals in your chemical inventories.
6. Print caution signs for all entrances to your laboratory spaces (after completing MyChem inventories). Contact labcheck@uw.edu for assistance.
7. Ensure that you have SOPs for all of your current chemicals and hazardous equipment.
8. Create and post floorplans in all of your laboratory spaces and multiroom spaces (see the UW Laboratory Safety Manual for guidance).
9. Ensure that a first aid kit is available and fully stocked in all of your laboratory spaces.
10. Submit a Biological Use Authorization form if you will be working with biological hazards. Contact ehsbio@uw.edu for assistance.
11. Submit a Radiation Use Authorization form and/or register equipment if you will be working with radiological materials or lasers. Contact radsaf@uw.edu for assistance.
Key resources
UW Laboratories Safety Responsibility Matrix
Understand your role and the roles of others (director, dean, chair, investigator, lab manager, safety professional, administrator and student) in the lab.
EH&S Guide for Principal Investigators
Read about your safety responsibilities as a PI and the resources available to help you conduct your research safely.
EH&S Training Matrix
Determine the required and recommended safety trainings for you and your lab staff and ensure they are completed and documented. Enrollment is through the EH&S Training page.
UW Laboratory-Specific Information Form
Record the responsible parties and room locations of your lab(s). This serves as a checklist of lab-specific information for inclusion in your chemical hygiene plan.
Laboratory Safety Checklist
Review the checklist and compliance expectations. Use this list to conduct self-inspections and for preparation prior to a scheduled assessment by the EH&S Lab Safety Team.
SOP Required Elements
Ensure the minimum safety elements are included in the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your chemicals. Templates are available on the Chemical SOPs page.
Additional resources
The Guide for Principal Investigators (PI Guide) is an introduction to Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) resources for PIs who are new to the University of Washington. This guide is a reference tool that outlines a PI's health and safety responsibilities when working with potential hazardous materials and equipment in a research laboratory.
In addition, EH&S offers guidance and resources on the following topics:
- Animal Use Medical Screening
- Bloodborne Pathogen Control Plan Template
- Guide for selecting personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Lab Safety Design Guide
- Medical Clearance
- Move In Checklist
- Sharps Safety in Research
- Use Authorizations (Biological, Radiological)
Safety reminders for posting in the lab:
- Autoclaves and Pressure Vessels
- Chemical Inventory Tracking
- Posting a Caution Sign
- Compressed Gases and Cryogens
- Flammable Liquid Storage
- How to Make a Biohazardous Spill Kit
- Hydrofluoric Acid
- Labeling hazardous waste containers and secondary containers
- Ordering Radioactive Materials
- Ordering a Spill Kit
EH&S offers required and recommended training courses for faculty, staff and students who handle potentially hazardous materials.
The Lab Safety Training Matrix can help you identify courses you need to work safely with potentially hazardous materials.
- Biohazardous Waste Disposal
- Chemical Waste Collection Request
- Chemical Waste Guide for UW Facilities
- Chemical Waste Management Practices
- Disposing of chemicals in the trash and sewer (treatment by generator)
- Hazardous Material Disposal and Recycling
- Sharps Waste
- Radioactive Waste Management
- Recycling unused chemicals via the Chemical Exchange
- Universal Waste and Recycling
Safety Considerations for Youth in STEM Environments are guidelines are to assist those planning and holding a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focused youth program at the University. The goal is to provide a valuable learning experience while ensuring the health and safety of minors, employees and students.
Need assistance?
Please contact the Lab Safety Team at labcheck@uw.edu for assistance.