2025 UW Biosafety Manual and Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Application updates
Biosafety Manual Updates
The 2025 edition of the UW Biosafety Manual is available for download. The updated information covers hazards associated with the use of biohazardous agents and…
Temporary Food Service Permit Fee Memo
This memo was sent to University of Washington (UW) unit leaders and contacts with temporary food service establishments on May 27, 2025 regarding Temporary Food Service Permit fees starting on July…
2025 Log of Changes - UW Field Operations Safety Manual
This is the log of changes for the 2025 UW Field Operations Safety Manual.
Work safely outdoors with heat and wildfire smoke training
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…
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.…
Chemical Hazard Communication (HazCom)
The UW is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, students and visitors. Individuals who work with or near hazardous substances need to be aware of the identity…
Shipping Hazardous Materials
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides online and classroom training courses for UW personnel who ship hazardous materials (refer to the Training section below).
We also ship…
Mercury
Elemental or metallic mercury is a potent neurotoxin, even with small exposures. Avoid exposure by replacing broken thermometers and lamps, and use a spill kit to manage a spill clean-up.
Health…
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Updated January 22, 2025
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are documents that describe the physical and health hazards of chemicals or chemical-containing products and must be readily accessible to employees…
Compressed Gases and Cryogens
Compressed and liquefied gases are routinely used in laboratories, shops and various other operations at the University. Compressed gas is a generic term used for describing compressed gases,…
Soil and Groundwater Contamination
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Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) oversees compliance activities for contaminated sites on UW properties.
Some UW properties have soil…
Underground Storage Tanks
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) oversees compliance activities for contaminated sites on UW properties, including underground storage tanks.
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Biohazardous Waste Management Plan
The Biohazardous Waste Management Plan describes the requirements for management of biohazardous waste and methods for compliance to regulations governing handling and disposal of biohazardous waste…
Packaging Sharps and Lab Glass Waste poster
Display this poster in your laboratory for guidance on properly packaging sharps waste and lab glass and plastic waste.
Exposure Response Poster
Use the Exposure Response Poster as a guide for responding to a biological, chemical or radiological exposure.
Post in your lab alongside the Spill Response Poster.
Biohazardous Spills
This document describes how to clean up spills of biohazardous agents including recombinant DNA. If you need help with a biohazardous spill, contact EH&S Research and Occupational Safety at 206.…