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…
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…
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,…
Exposure Response Poster
Use the Exposure Response Poster as a guide for responding to a biological, chemical or radiological exposure.
Post in your lab alongside the Spill Response Poster.
Chemical Waste Management Practices
University personnel who generate hazardous chemical waste for the University, including all campuses and off-site locations, are required to follow chemical waste management practices when…
Bloodborne Pathogens Training Resources
A list of resources to supplement Environmental Health & Safety's Bloodborne Pathogens for Non-Researchers course. Provided in English and Spanish.
Machine Safeguarding Guide
The intent of the Machine Safeguarding Guide is to provide UW shop managers, personnel, and students responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of shop machinery/equipment with…
Machine Guarding and Safety Assessment Self-Inspection Checklist
The Machine Guarding and Safety Assessment Self-Inspection Checklist (Word) is intended for the shop safety coordinator (or designee) to complete for each machine/equipment initially…
Fall Protection Self-Audit Checklist
Complete the applicable sections of the Fall Protection Self-Audit Checklist when performing an annual self-audit of your fall protection program.
Refer to the UW Fall Protection Program…
Sample Request New Chemical Waste Routine
Refer to the Sample Request for a New Chemical Waste Routine as a guide when completing a a Request New Chemical Waste Routine form.
New electrical safety training options
Updated May 15, 2024
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) now offers three electrical safety courses to meet the diverse needs of University personnel. These courses are designed to meet…
Tips for a successful chemical waste collection
Updated May 15, 2024
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has taken steps to increase staffing and is working with campus partners to reduce delays with chemical waste collections.…
Waste Evaluation Request
Request a Waste Evaluation if you are unsure how to dispose of a chemical.
Heat illness prevention for outdoor workers
As temperatures begin to rise, it's important to take measures to keep outdoor workers healthy and prevent heat-related illness.
University units with personnel who work outdoors are required to…
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…
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…
Faster way to request routine chemical waste collection
Chemical waste generators will soon have a new, faster way to submit a Routine Chemical Waste Collection Request.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is in the process of adding QR…
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…
Chemical Spills in Laboratories
Be prepared with proper training, cleanup supplies and personal protective equipment to manage spills easily and safely.
If you work with chemicals, you will probably have a chemical spill at some…