Guidance for labs experiencing work disruptions
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) recognizes the impact of federal funding and policies creating uncertainties on our research community. In the case that researchers receive a directive…
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.
General Autoclave Safety
Use the General Autoclave Safety document to familiarize yourself with the hazards involved with operating an autoclave. Learn how to protect yourself before operating an autoclave. These…
Safety Equipment Status Report
This report shows the most recent survey status of UW laboratories' safety facilities and equipment (eye washes, fire extinguishers, emergency showers and autoclaves). Its data is ordered by…
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…
Laboratory Safety
The Laboratory Safety program oversees safety and compliance in all UW research and teaching laboratory spaces to reduce the risk of injury and exposure, decrease the risk of property loss, lessen…
Diving Control Board (DCB) Meeting Agenda
View the agenda for the UW Diving Control Board's quarterly meeting. Visit the Diving Safety Program page for more information.
UW Float Plan
University units/departments may use the UW Float Plan as a template to develop their float plan.
Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.
Lab Safety Rating Calculations
Safety rating calculations are based on an inspection's answers to 30 target questions derived from the checklist. These target questions address the most pressing issues related to lab safety.
Visit…
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…
NFPA Hazard Ratings and Permit Thresholds
The NFPA hazard rating system refers to a safety standard by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) that outlines a hazard rating system for emergency personnel.
The NFPA 704…
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…
Updated Lab Safety Manual now available
The December 2024 version of the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) is now available for download or printing. It's time for principal investigators to review, bookmark, or…
Standard Operating Procedures versus Safety Data Sheets
Safety data sheets (SDSs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are both required elements of a laboratory’s chemical hygiene plan but each captures different types of information. Use the…
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…