Two new federal policies impacting research with synthetic nucleic acids and biological agents and toxins expected in May 2025
In May 2025, two new federal policy frameworks impacting research are scheduled to be implemented. More information will be provided prior to implementation. We understand that these new…
Biotoxin Safety
Learn how to work safely with biotoxins and if the biotoxin you use is subject to additional regulatory oversight.
Autoclave Safety
Learn how to safely operate an autoclave and treat biohazardous waste for disposal according to applicable regulations.
Updated ABSL-1 waste disposal procedures
Processes for treatment and disposal of animal biosafety level 1 (ABSL-1) animal carcasses have been updated with input from the UW Infectious Waste Committee and the UW Institutional Biosafety…
New chemical integrators approved for autoclaving biohazardous waste
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) recently identified that the chemical integrator 3M Comply™ SteriGage™ used for steam sterilization of biohazardous waste is no longer manufactured or…
Revised template for Bloodborne Pathogens Site-Specific Exposure Control Plan
EH&S updated the Site-Specific Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Control Plan template in congruence with Washington state BBP regulations. This update includes an expanded list of personal…
UW Select Toxin Transfer Due Diligence Form
Complete this form for any transfer of select toxins in any amount to any intra- or extramural entity or individual requires documentation of due diligence. Submit the completed form to uwsa@uw.…
Biosafety SOP template
Use the Biosafety SOP template (Word) to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) for procedures involving biohazards.
Select Agent Program
The Federal Select Agent Program regulates all work with select agents and toxins, including possession, use and transfer. Researchers at the UW working with select agents and toxins are required to…
Chemical Container Labels
Chemical container labeling is one of the most effective and efficient ways to communicate hazard information to your coworkers and prevent accidents and injuries.
Clear and consistent labeling…
2-Mercaptoethanol SOP
Standard operating procedure template for laboratories using 2-Mercaptoethanol
Soldering SOP
Standard operating procedure (SOP) template for labs using electric soldering irons to address the hazards of leaded and non-leaded soldering of electrical components.
Fire Code Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Compliance
Labs, shops and other locations that use chemicals must comply with the hazardous materials provisions of the International Fire Code. This code limits quantities of certain chemicals based upon the…
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Image
The purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work…
Pressure Vessels
Image
Pressure vessels, autoclaves and steam sterilizers operating at pressures greater than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and larger than…
Blank Chemical Template SOP
University units and researchers using hazardous chemicals can use the Blank Chemical SOP Template to modify to your specific location and procedures.
Visit the Chemical SOPs…
Mercury Spill Cleanup Sheet
Mercury spills must be addressed quickly and completely by following safe cleanup procedures. If you are trained to manage a small mercury spill on a smooth surface, such as a thermometer…
Mercury-Containing Lamps
Broken fluorescent lamps and other broken mercury-containing lamps or bulbs must be cleaned up and disposed of as a hazardous waste.