MyChem users required to upload SDSs
MyChem requires users to upload a safety data sheet (SDS) when adding a new chemical to an inventory if that chemical does not currently exist in the MyChem database. If you have chemicals in…
Key Elements of Lab Self-Inspections
Use the Key Elements of Lab Self-Inspections to ensure that all key elements are covered when you conduct a self-assessment of your laboratory or research space.
Grounding and Bonding Focus Sheet
Use and dispensing of flammable liquids presents fire and explosion hazards to facilities and occupants. Proper grounding and bonding limits the potential of static electrical spark…
National Biosafety Month 2021: Wear a Lab Coat to Protect Yourself
October is National Biosafety Month, a time to focus on your lab’s biosafety policies and procedures. For 2021, EH&S would like labs to focus on the importance of wearing lab coats. Lab…
Sharps and Lab Glass Waste
Laboratory personnel and principal investigators (PIs) are responsible to properly identify, packaging, decontaminate, and dispose of sharps and laboratory glass and plastic waste. For site-specific…
New Notice of Cleaning and Decontamination Form
A new Notice of Cleaning and/or Decontamination Form was published in August 2021 to replace the prior decontamination form. The new form contains expanded information to include cleaning as…
2021 Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovations Event Winners
Awards were given to labs, departments, and personnel in recognition of their achievements in safety culture.The 2021 award winners for Top Dawgs in Safety:Burke MuseumDepartment of PharmacyCenter…
Anesthetic Gases
Anesthetic gases and vapors that leak into the surrounding room are considered waste anesthetic gases (WAGs). If equipment is not set up or functioning properly or if the WAG is not properly…
Mission and Vision
UW Environmental Health & Safety's mission is to partner with the UW community to provide a healthy and safe campus and protect our environment.
Nitric Acid Safety Focus Sheet
Nitric acid is a highly corrosive mineral acid and strong oxidizer used primarily for nitration of organic molecules and washing glassware or metal equipment. Nitric acid reacts violently…
Reduce your risk of a nitric acid incident
Principal investigators planning to use nitric acid should follow safe use and storage practices, develop an SOP and provide documented training to all lab personnel.
The hazards…
Laboratory Risk Assessment Tool
It is important to conduct a risk assessment whenever a new experiment, procedure or project is developed in your lab. A risk assessment focuses on hazard identification at each step or task…
Biological Toxin Safe Work Practices
Review and implement these guidelines in your laboratory if you work with biotoxins.
Use the Biological Toxin Checklist to ensure compliance and safe work practices for research involving biotoxins…
Two ways to submit a chemical waste collection request
Chemical waste generators at the University have two ways to submit waste collection requests:
Directly from your MyChem inventory
From the Chemical Waste Disposal page
You can…
EGC1 Hazmat Screening Focus Sheet
Applicants completing an eGC1 are asked questions about quantities of hazardous materials they intend to use in their research. EH&S reviews this information to determine whether the…
Lab Safety Surveys and Inspections
The University is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environmental for learning, teaching and conducting research. Executive Order 55 gives authority to the Environmental Health &…
Guide to Business and Continuity and Recovery Planning for Laboratories and Research Facilities
The Guide to Business and Continuity and Recovery Planning for Laboratories and Research Facilities was developed to help laboratory managers, principal investigators, responsible…
Business continuity and recovery planning resources for labs and research spaces
The University’s Emergency Management and Office of Research have provided guidance to the research community to assist with business continuity planning. As a supplement to these resources and in…
Centrifuge Maintenance SOP Template
Labs use the Centrifuge Maintenance SOP Template (Word) to develop standard operating procedures for routine maintenance of centrifugal equipment.
Furnace Maintenance SOP Template
Labs use the Furnace Maintenance SOP Template (Word) to develop standard operating procedures for the use and routine maintenance of furnaces.