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…
Laboratory Shutdown Checklist
The Laboratory Shutdown Checklist is a quick reference for safely shutting down a research space and continuing operations remotely.
Guidance for labs experiencing work disruptions
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) recognizes the impact of federal funding and policies creating uncertainties on our research community. In the case that researchers receive a directive…
New spend category and purchasing requirements for research with synthetic nucleic acids and synthesis equipment
A new spend category has been created for the purchase of synthetic nucleic acids and synthesis equipment to help ensure compliance with the Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. This…
UPDATE: Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP) Policy Implementation and Reminder
UPDATE: The White House issued an executive order on May 5, 2025, directing federal agencies to end funding for "dangerous gain-of-function research” and develop a new oversight policy within 120…
2025 UW Biosafety Manual and Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Application updates
Biosafety Manual UpdatesThe 2025 edition of the UW Biosafety Manual is available for download. The updated information covers hazards associated with the use of biohazardous agents and…
2025 Log of Changes - UW Field Operations Safety Manual
This is the log of changes for the 2025 UW Field Operations Safety Manual.
Lessons learned from a chemical fire
In December 2024, a group of undergraduate research students conducted an experiment in a shared research/shop space following a standard operating procedure (SOP) they had recently updated.…
UW Biosafety Manual
The UW Biosafety Manual provides students, staff, and faculty at UW with information that is necessary to protect them and the surrounding community from possible hazards associated with the use of…
BUA Change Application
This application is for changes to existing research projects that involve biohazards and therefore require Biological Use Authorization (BUA) from the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). …
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) application (new and renewal)
Complete the Biological Use Authorization (BUA) application for new and renewal projects to obtain approval for research involving biohazards. Submit BUA applications at least four weeks prior to the…
Biosafety Manual Log of Changes
Log of updates to the UW Biosafety Manual