Safe Handling of Cryogenic Substances
A superconducting magnet uses two types of cryogens (liquid helium and liquid nitrogen). Cryogenic liquids can be handled easily and safely, provided certain precautions are followed as…
Hydrofluoric Acid Focus Sheet
The Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Focus Sheet covers the health hazards of HF exposure, safe use, storage, emergency procedures, incident reporting, spills, and disposal.
Chemical Waste
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for the collection of hazardous chemical waste for the University, including all campuses and off-site locations. There is no charge for…
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Application FAQs
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are designed to help you complete the BUA application. The below FAQs correspond to the new/renewal BUA application. The FAQs also pertain to the Change to BUA…
Facilities Safety Equipment Checklist Explanations
Below are questions asked during safety equipment inspections and explanations for each question.
Fume Hood Condition Explanations
The following are questions and answers in response to receiving a notice on a fume hood.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I receive a Fume Hood Condition Notice?
During routine testing of your…
Laboratory Survey Checklist Explanations
Below are questions asked during lab safety inspections and explanations for each question.
Please refer to the Laboratory Safety page for more information.
Administrative Plans & Materials…
Empty Chemical Containers
The Empty Chemical Containers Focus Sheet provides guidance to dispose of or reuse chemical containers in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
Hazardous Material Disposal and Recycling
What type of material or equipment do you want to get rid of?
University personnel have the following options for getting rid of hazardous materials and potentially contaminated supplies and…
Waste Evaluation Request
Request a Waste Evaluation if you are unsure how to dispose of a chemical.
Compressed Gas Cylinders Safety Guidelines
The Compressed Gas Cylinders Safety Guidelines provide information on their safe use and apply to all University personnel and students who handle or use compressed or liquefied…
Battery recycling on the Seattle campus
The University of Washington recycles all types of batteries, which cannot be placed in the trash because they can be corrosive and contain toxic metals. Batteries and electronics are not…
October is Biosafety Month: Schedule a spa day for your lab
October is National Biosafety Month, a time to strengthen and reevaluate biosafety practices in the lab.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) encourages you to set aside some time for…
MyChem
UW personnel who use chemicals or chemical-containing products at any UW owned or leased facility are required to maintain chemical inventories in MyChem, the UW’s chemical tracking system.
EH&S assists with regulatory permits for biological samples
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has noticed an increase in regulatory inspections and audits related to permits for biological samples. EH&S Biological Safety is available to…
Sharps Safety Tools and Resources Presentation
The Sharps Safety Tools and Resources Presentation recommends safer sharps devices, PPE and other tools to reduce the risk of sharps injuries.
Visit the Sharps Safety page for more information.
Sharp Safety Devices Poster
The Sharp Safety Devices Poster recommends safer sharps devices and other tools to reduce the risk of sharps injuries.
Visit the Sharps Safety page for more information.
Alert: New Rule for Methylene Chloride
University units that use methylene chloride in products such as degreasers, paint strippers, adhesive removers, solvent welding products, or plastic bonding agents may be impacted by a new…
EH&S move to Gateway building
Most Environmental Health & Safety teams relocated to the new Gateway building above the Sound Transit Link light rail station on Brooklyn Avenue NE between NE 45th and 43rd …