Hazardous Material Disposal and Recycling
What type of material or equipment do you want to get rid of?
University personnel have the following options for getting rid of hazardous materials and potentially contaminated supplies and…
Waste Evaluation Request
Request a Waste Evaluation if you are unsure how to dispose of a chemical.
Compressed Gas Cylinders Safety Guidelines
The Compressed Gas Cylinders Safety Guidelines provide information on their safe use and apply to all University personnel and students who handle or use compressed or liquefied…
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…
MyChem
UW personnel who use chemicals or chemical-containing products at any UW owned or leased facility are required to maintain chemical inventories in MyChem, the UW’s chemical tracking system.
Alert: New Rule for Methylene Chloride
University units that use methylene chloride in products such as degreasers, paint strippers, adhesive removers, solvent welding products, or plastic bonding agents may be impacted by a new…
EH&S move to Gateway building
Most Environmental Health & Safety teams relocated to the new Gateway building above the Sound Transit Link light rail station on Brooklyn Avenue NE between NE 45th and 43rd …
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.
Cranes, Hoists and Rigging Safety
The UW Crane, Hoist, and Rigging Safety Program establishes the key requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent personal injury or illness that could result during the use of overhead…
UW Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual
The University of Washington Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual establishes requirements for University units and departments to ensure the safety of personnel and…
Supplemental Crane, Hoist and Rigging Program Template
The Supplemental Crane, Hoist and Rigging Program Template is modified by University units to addresses unit-specific hazards and safety guidance to ensure the safety of personnel…
Chemical Hazard Communication (HazCom)
The UW is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, students and visitors. Individuals who work with or near hazardous substances need to be aware of the identity…
Chemical Exchange
The Chemical Exchange program allows MyChem users to share unused chemical inventory to save money and reduce waste.
The Chemical Exchange allows you to search for available chemicals or chemical…
Shipping Hazardous Materials
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides online and classroom training courses for UW personnel who ship hazardous materials (refer to the Training section below).
We also ship…
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…