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…
EH&S Guide for Principal Investigators
The Guide for Principal Investigators (PI Guide) is an introduction to Environmental Health & Safety for principal investigators (PIs) who are new to the University of Washington and…
Hydrofluoric Acid Focus Sheet
The Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Focus Sheet covers the health hazards of HF exposure, safe use, storage, emergency procedures, incident reporting, spills, and disposal.
Guidance for Building Water Flushing and Sampling During Low Flow or Low Occupancy
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and UW Facilities (UWF) have established a protocol for water quality verification and sampling in University buildings that were temporarily…
2-Mercaptoethanol SOP
Standard operating procedure template for laboratories using 2-Mercaptoethanol
Gear up for summer lab work
Summer in Seattle means hiking, biking, kayaking and ... lab work. Yes, many of us spend gorgeous summer days working in the lab. While it's fine to wear shorts, skirts, sandals or flip flops outside…
Hazardous Material Disposal and Recycling
University personnel have the following options for getting rid of hazardous materials and potentially contaminated supplies and equipment.Note: Not all options are available for all items.
Prepare for EPA's new rule for trichloroethylene
In December 2024, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the risks…
Prevent Stormwater Pollution Focus Sheet
The Prevent Stormwater Pollution Focus Sheet asks the UW campus community to protect our waterways by keeping pollutants out of stormwater drains and reporting spills to EH&S.
Campus Event Safety
Event organizers, sponsors and hosts have a responsibility to take health and safety measures for events that occur at a University location.ApplicabilityThis event safety guidance applies to in-…
Montlake Landfill Project Guide
This document is maintained by the University of Washington Environmental Health and Safety Department with the review and input from the Montlake Landfill Oversight Committee.
Fume Hood Condition Explanations
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides the following answers to common questions in response to receiving a notice on a fume hood.Frequently asked questionsWhy did I receive a Fume…
Emergency Procedures Flip Chart
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Mercury
Elemental or metallic mercury is a potent neurotoxin, even with small exposures. Avoid exposure by replacing broken thermometers and lamps, and use a spill kit to manage a spill clean-up.Health…
Laboratory-Specific Safety Training Record
UW research and training laboratories can download and use the Laboratory-Specific Safety Training Record to record trainings related to the Chemical Hygiene Plan, chemical safety,…
Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of chemicals and particles. Fine particles in wildfire smoke can be harmful to health because they can reach lower areas of the lungs. Some individuals are more…
Chemical Treatment and Recycling
Pollution prevention is intended to reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution at its source. Efforts towards pollution prevention at the UW include treatment by generator, universal waste management and…
Lab Refrigerators and Freezers for Flammable Materials
Flammable liquids should not be stored in standard refrigerators or freezers. Use the Lab Refrigerators and Freezers focus sheet to determine the best selection for your application.