Introduction to Research Safety
Welcome to the research community at the University of Washington!
The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) developed this information to introduce you to the some of the…
Fire Extinguisher Use
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure toextinguishing materials, precautions to…
Preventable fire alarm initiative
Seattle Fire Department launched an initiative to avoid “false” (preventable) alarms.
Preventable alarms include:
Any activation of a fire alarm system that results in…
Replace Obsolete Biosafety Cabinets
There are multiple models of biological safety cabinets (BSCs) at the UW that Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has identified as obsolete.
Visit the Biological Safety Cabinets…
Replace your obsolete biosafety cabinet
The University has over 950 active biosafety cabinets (BSCs), and about 150 have become obsolete due to safer design standards and the challenge of obtaining replacement parts. Environmental Health…
Fire Code Classifications for Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are classified according to the International Fire Code, which limits quantities of certain chemicals based on physical and health hazards, and sets requirements for…
2019 Lab Safety Awards and Innovation Event winners
On December 9, 2019, EH&S hosted the Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovation Event to share new practices developed to enhance the culture of safety in UW research and teaching labs. Executive…
Should you pull the fire alarm after a chemical spill?
Following the announcement of the Seattle Police Department’s preventable fire alarm initiative (that will result in fines for false alarms starting January 1, 2020), EH&S has fielded concerns…
Lab Safety team nominated for UW Distinguished Staff Award
EH&S celebrated the nomination of our Laboratory Safety team for a Distinguished Staff Award at a reception on February 27, 2018. They were honored to be among 16 teams and 67 individuals…
Biological Toxin Checklist
Use Biological Toxin Checklist to ensure compliance and safe work practices for research involving biological toxins.
Lithium Battery Safety
This paper provides information on the safe procurement, handling, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fire, injury and loss of intellectual and other property…
Changes to Laboratory Safety & Compliance Training
Laboratory Safety and Compliance is now Laboratory Safety Compliance AND Laboratory Safety Practices!
In response to attendee suggestions, the Laboratory Safety and Compliance course has been revised…
Safety measures for lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are used supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-cigarettes, and are used in University operations and …
Liquid Nitrogen and Alarms in University Research Space
This report is intended to provide guidance on identifying and evaluating potential risks related to storage of liquid nitrogen in laboratory space, and how to best mitigate those risks at the…
Do not block campus fire lanes
When 9-1-1 is called on the Seattle campus, UW Police and Seattle Fire Department emergency vehicles will use designated fire lanes to get to the scene of the emergency quickly. It is critical that…
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…