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…
Fire Extinguisher Use
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure toextinguishing materials, precautions to…
Preventable fire alarm initiative
Seattle Fire Department launched an initiative to avoid “false” (preventable) alarms.
Preventable alarms include:
Any activation of a fire alarm system that results in…
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…
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…
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Charter
The charter for the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) describes the purpose, function and operation of the University's IBC.
Biological Toxin Checklist
Use Biological Toxin Checklist to ensure compliance and safe work practices for research involving biological toxins.
BUA Application Submission Dates
The BUA Application Submission Dates document lists the submission due dates for the Biological Use Authorization (BUA) application.
Submit BUA applications at least four weeks prior to…
Lithium Battery Safety
This paper provides information on the safe procurement, handling, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fire, injury and loss of intellectual and other property…
Safety measures for lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are used supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-cigarettes, and are used in University operations and …
Biological Research Approval
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) is the process for reviewing and approving research involving biohazards, including recombinant or synthetic DNA/RNA.
Liquid Nitrogen and Alarms in University Research Space
This report is intended to provide guidance on identifying and evaluating potential risks related to storage of liquid nitrogen in laboratory space, and how to best mitigate those risks at the…
Do not block campus fire lanes
When 9-1-1 is called on the Seattle campus, UW Police and Seattle Fire Department emergency vehicles will use designated fire lanes to get to the scene of the emergency quickly. It is critical that…
Responding to Lab Inspection Findings in EHSA
University units use the guide Responding to Lab Inspection Findings in EHSA to respond to biosafety lab inspection findings.
Visit the Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA…
EGC1 Hazmat Screening Focus Sheet
Applicants completing an eGC1 are asked questions about quantities of hazardous materials they intend to use in their research. EH&S reviews this information to determine whether the…
Vaccinia Virus Research Safety Policy
The Vaccinia Virus Research Safety Policy outlines the safety and occupational health requirements for work with vaccinia virus.
Third Generation Lentiviral Vectors
This document outlines the UW Institutional Biosafety Committee's working definition of 3rd generation lentiviral vectors.