UW Float Plan
University units/departments may use the UW Float Plan as a template to develop their float plan.
Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.
Lab Safety Rating Calculations
Safety rating calculations are based on an inspection's answers to 30 target questions derived from the checklist. These target questions address the most pressing issues related to lab safety.
Visit…
Lab Employee Safety Training Record
UW research and training laboratories can download and use the Lab Employee Safety Training Record to record trainings related to the Chemical Hygiene Plan, chemical safety, equipment…
Incompatible Chemicals Focus Sheet
The Incompatible Chemicals Focus Sheet contains a Chemical Compatibility Chart chart adapted from the CRC Laboratory Handbook which groups various chemicals into 23 groups with…
NFPA Hazard Ratings and Permit Thresholds
The NFPA hazard rating system refers to a safety standard by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) that outlines a hazard rating system for emergency personnel.
The NFPA 704…
Caution and Warning Signs
Caution Signs are required to be posted at the entrance to a space where hazardous materials are stored or used. The Caution Sign is based on a location's chemical inventory; it alerts emergency…
Updated Lab Safety Manual now available
The December 2024 version of the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) is now available for download or printing. It's time for principal investigators to review, bookmark, or…
Standard Operating Procedures versus Safety Data Sheets
Safety data sheets (SDSs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are both required elements of a laboratory’s chemical hygiene plan but each captures different types of information. Use the…
Updated biosafety requirements for SARS-CoV-2 research
The recent biological safety level recommendations from the CDC and NIH to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 risk group biosafety levels (BSLs) prompted the University of Washington Institutional Biosafety…
New focus sheet explains SDSs vs. SOPs
Why should labs have a standard operating procedure (SOP) for a chemical when the manufacturer safety data sheet (SDS) is available? Both documents are required in the lab and offer different…
2025 Lab Safety Awareness Week Packet
Lab Safety Awareness Week is sponsored by CSHEMA and held at academic institutions nation-wide February 12-16, 2024. This event is dedicated to recognizing the successes of laboratory safety programs…
Lab Safety Awareness Week 2025
Help raise awareness of safe lab practices at the UW!
Lab Safety Awareness Week is sponsored by CSHEMA and held at academic institutions nationwide February 10-14, 2025. This event is dedicated to…
Boating Safety Manual Log of Changes
This document will be used to track all changes to the University of Washington’s Boating Safety Manual.
Contact the Boating and Diving Safety Program with questions or to request…
Biohazard Transport Policy
Transporting Biohazardous Agents and Laboratory Specimens
This policy outlines the proper procedures for transporting biohazardous agents and laboratory specimens within buildings and between…
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…