Mission and Vision
UW Environmental Health & Safety's mission is to partner with the UW community to provide a healthy and safe campus and protect our environment.
BSL-3 and Select Agent Medical Management Information
Use the BSL-3/ABSL-3 Medical Management site to access agent-specific information and medical management plans for BSL-3 and select agent research at UW.
COVID-19 Research Biosafety
Learn the research requirements and safe lab practices for work with SARS-CoV-2 and associated samples.
Nitric Acid Safety Focus Sheet
Nitric acid is a highly corrosive mineral acid and strong oxidizer used primarily for nitration of organic molecules and washing glassware or metal equipment. Nitric acid reacts violently…
Laboratory Risk Assessment Tool
It is important to conduct a risk assessment whenever a new experiment, procedure or project is developed in your lab. A risk assessment focuses on hazard identification at each step or task…
Biological Toxin Safe Work Practices
Review and implement these guidelines in your laboratory if you work with biotoxins.
Use the Biological Toxin Checklist to ensure compliance and safe work practices for research involving biotoxins…
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…
Lab Safety Surveys and Inspections
The University is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environmental for learning, teaching and conducting research. Executive Order 55 gives authority to the Environmental Health &…
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.
Guide to Business and Continuity and Recovery Planning for Laboratories and Research Facilities
The Guide to Business and Continuity and Recovery Planning for Laboratories and Research Facilities was developed to help laboratory managers, principal investigators, responsible…
Business continuity and recovery planning resources for labs and research spaces
The University’s Emergency Management and Office of Research have provided guidance to the research community to assist with business continuity planning. As a supplement to these resources and in…
Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (PEPP)
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…
Centrifuge Maintenance SOP Template
Labs use the Centrifuge Maintenance SOP Template (Word) to develop standard operating procedures for routine maintenance of centrifugal equipment.
Furnace Maintenance SOP Template
Labs use the Furnace Maintenance SOP Template (Word) to develop standard operating procedures for the use and routine maintenance of furnaces.
Vacuum Pump Maintenance SOP Template
Labs use the Vacuum Pump Maintenance SOP Template (Word) to develop standard operating procedures for routine maintenance of diaphragm vacuum pumps.
Occupational Health Recommendations for Working with Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Gerbils
UW personnel working with guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils should follow these occupational health recommendations.
Biological Reproductive Hazards Focus Sheet
The Biological Reproductive Hazards Focus Sheet provides guidance to University personnel who may be potentially exposed to certain biological agents and are pregnant or planning to…