Sharps Safety
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is committed to working with University personnel to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries before, during, and after procedures involving sharps. The…
EH&S Annual Report FY24
The EH&S Annual Report FY24 summarizes the work of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) during fiscal year 2024.
Directions to EHS
View directions, parking, and public transit options for arriving at UW Environmental Health & Safety main office.
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…
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…
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 Updates
The 2025 edition of the UW Biosafety Manual is available for download. The updated information covers hazards associated with the use of biohazardous agents and…