Evacuation Plan for Individuals with Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities are invited to complete an evacuation plan using the template provided and provide it to the University building evacuation director or building coordinator.…
Fire Extinguisher Use
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher, which involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure toextinguishing materials,…
Preventable fire alarm initiative
Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division launched an initiative to avoid “false” (preventable) alarms.
Preventable alarms include:
Any activation of a fire alarm…
Control volatile organic chemical smells
Does your laboratory have volatile organic chemicals that produce strong, pungent odors even when the cap and bottle are intact? Controlling these smells, often found in chemical storage areas, will…
Make your electronic Chemical Hygiene Plan
Keeping your safety documents up to date and easily accessible are key for staying safe. Faculty, staff, and students working in research and teaching laboratories need to have access at all times to…
Fire Prevention Week October 6-12
During National Fire Prevention Week, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will host events on the Seattle campus to remind personnel and students of steps they can take to prevent fires and…
Battery recycling on the Seattle campus
The University of Washington recycles all types of batteries, which cannot be placed in the trash because they can be corrosive and contain toxic metals. Batteries and electronics are not…
Find the nearest defibrillator to help save a life
The UW community can help save a life by knowing where automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located in University buildings before a sudden cardiac arrest occurs. PulsePoint provides a map of…
Fire Extinguisher Safety Focus Sheet
Follow the guidance in the Fire Extinguisher Safety Focus Sheet to prepare to use a fire extinguisher safely.
Fire Safety and Prevention
The primary means of fire prevention is to control ignition sources such as open flames, heaters, cooking equipment, research activities involving flammable materials and other sources. Environmental…
Automated External Defibrillators
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are electronic devices designed to recognize cardiac arrhythmias and treat them through defibrillation, an electrical shock that allows the heart to…
Compressed Gases and Cryogens
Compressed and liquefied gases are routinely used in laboratories, shops and various other operations at the University. Compressed gas is a generic term used for describing compressed gases,…
Research Occupational Health
The UW Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Occupational Health Program mission is to ensure the health and safety of University personnel and students. We provide information…
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…
Specific Chemical Hazards
Chemicals are used in laboratories, maker spaces, shops and other areas across campus. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides information and guidance on safe practices for…
Laboratory Safety Manual
Welcome to the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM).
Please bookmark this page electronically or print a copy of the complete LSM and make it available to laboratory staff. Staff in UW…
Evacuations and Fire Drills
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for scheduling fire drills for the UW Seattle campus and major research stations, and we can assist at other locations. Drills help…
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Updated January 22, 2025
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are documents that describe the physical and health hazards of chemicals or chemical-containing products and must be readily accessible to employees…