Hazardous Material Disposal and Recycling
University personnel have the following options for getting rid of hazardous materials and potentially contaminated supplies and equipment.Note: Not all options are available for all items.
Export restrictions on certain pathogens
EH&S Biosafety is sharing a message on behalf of the UW Export Controls Office:There are U.S. export license requirements for certain pathogens and toxins, including genetic elements from, and/or…
Biological Research Approval
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) is the process for reviewing and approving research involving biohazards, including recombinant or synthetic DNA/RNA.
Prevent Stormwater Pollution Focus Sheet
The Prevent Stormwater Pollution Focus Sheet asks the UW campus community to protect our waterways by keeping pollutants out of stormwater drains and reporting spills to EH&S.
Campus Event Safety
Event organizers, sponsors and hosts have a responsibility to take health and safety measures for events that occur at a University location.ApplicabilityThis event safety guidance applies to in-…
Pressure Vessels
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Pressure vessels, autoclaves and steam sterilizers operating at pressures greater than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and larger than…
Montlake Landfill Project Guide
This document is maintained by the University of Washington Environmental Health and Safety Department with the review and input from the Montlake Landfill Oversight Committee.
Chemical use in biological safety cabinets
A biological safety cabinet (BSC) can contain the most infectious pathogens. However, the BSC design determines its effectiveness. As a BSC user, it is important to understand there can be…
Fume Hood Condition Explanations
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides the following answers to common questions in response to receiving a notice on a fume hood.Frequently asked questionsWhy did I receive a Fume…
Emergency Procedures Flip Chart
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Respiratory Protection
When respirators are used properly, they can prevent injury and illnesses from exposure to airborne substances that may be inhaled.University managers and supervisors are responsible for controlling…
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of chemicals and particles. Fine particles in wildfire smoke can be harmful to health because they can reach lower areas of the lungs. Some individuals are more…
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews, approves and oversees research involving the use of recombinant or synthetic DNA/RNA and other biohazards. The IBC meeting is open to the public,…
Chemical Treatment and Recycling
Pollution prevention is intended to reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution at its source. Efforts towards pollution prevention at the UW include treatment by generator, universal waste management and…
Biosafety Month 2025: Learn how a biosafety cabinet protects you
October is Biosafety Month, a time to focus on biosafety practices in your lab. For 2025, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) encourages labs to learn more about how biosafety cabinets…
IBC Meeting Agenda
Agenda for a meeting of the UW Institutional Biosafety Committee
Biological Safety Cabinets
Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are used to protect personnel, products and the environment from exposure to biohazards and cross contamination during routine procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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The purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work…
Hazardous Material Spills
A hazardous material spill is an uncontrolled release of a substance that is potentially hazardous to humans, animals and/or the environment. University personnel and students working with hazardous…
Wastewater
All items that enter the the sewer system (e.g. poured down a drain or flushed down a toilet) must comply with local, state and federal wastewater rules, regulations, and standards. These rules are…