Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer
Viral vectors are popular research tools in biological sciences and other fields. They are customizable, allowing for research with different genes of interest in a variety of in vitro and in vivo…
Lab Self-Inspections
All labs at the University of Washington are expected to conduct at least one self-inspection annually. It is recommended that self-inspections are done at least several months after the most recent…
Lab Self-Inspection Presentation
Click on the link below to view a presentation that discusses how to effectively conduct self-inspections of your research spaces and labs, how to use the new self-inspection tool,…
Introduction to Research Safety
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…
Fire Extinguisher Use
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher, which involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure toextinguishing materials,…
EH&S Strategy Map
The UW Environmental Health & Safety programs and services follow our strategy map.
Preventable fire alarm initiative
Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division launched an initiative to avoid “false” (preventable) alarms.
Preventable alarms include:
Any activation of a fire alarm…
Replace Obsolete Biosafety Cabinets
There are multiple models of biological safety cabinets (BSCs) at the UW that Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has identified as obsolete.
Visit the Biological Safety Cabinets…
Replace your obsolete biosafety cabinet
The University has over 950 active biosafety cabinets (BSCs), and about 150 have become obsolete due to safer design standards and the challenge of obtaining replacement parts. Environmental Health…
Fire Code Classifications for Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are classified according to the International Fire Code, which limits quantities of certain chemicals based on physical and health hazards, and sets requirements for…
Radiation Exposure During Pregnancy
There are additional health and safety considerations for employees who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to minimize exposure of their unborn child.
While an employee is not required to stop…
2019 Lab Safety Awards and Innovation Event winners
On December 9, 2019, EH&S hosted the Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovation Event to share new practices developed to enhance the culture of safety in UW research and teaching labs. Executive…
Should you pull the fire alarm after a chemical spill?
Following the announcement of the Seattle Police Department’s preventable fire alarm initiative (that will result in fines for false alarms starting January 1, 2020), EH&S has fielded concerns…
All-campus alert: Three UW students in Seattle screen for novel coronavirus
This message was emailed to the UW campus community on January 26, 2020.
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Charter
The charter for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) describes the purpose, function and operation of the University's IBC.
Radiation Safety Inspections Guide
The Radiation Safety Inspections Guide provides instructions for viewing and responding to findings from Radiation Safety inspections.