Work-Related Incident Reports
Recordable incidents are tracked in the University's Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses in accordance with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I)…
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…
2024 UW Work-Related Injury and Illness Summaries
The University’s 2024 Work-Related Injury and Illness Summaries are now available for download and posting. University units are required to download the summary for their location and post it…
Updated biosafety requirements for SARS-CoV-2 research
The recent biological safety level recommendations from the CDC and NIH to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 risk group biosafety levels (BSLs) prompted the University of Washington Institutional Biosafety…
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…
Adjust Your Workstation
There are important steps you can take to set up your office workstation (e.g., chair, desk, footrest, monitor, keyboard, mouse) to increase your comfort and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal…
2025 Lab Safety Awareness Week Packet
Lab Safety Awareness Week is sponsored by CSHEMA and held at academic institutions nation-wide February 12-16, 2024. This event is dedicated to recognizing the successes of laboratory safety programs…
Lab Safety Awareness Week 2025
Help raise awareness of safe lab practices at the UW!
Lab Safety Awareness Week is sponsored by CSHEMA and held at academic institutions nationwide February 10-14, 2025. This event is dedicated to…
Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan
University organizational units are required to develop a written Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan (FSEP) for each campus building they occupy. EH&S provides fire safety resources to our campus…
Change or Cancel Registration
You can view, change or cancel a safety training course registration by accessing the Safety Training Registration tool.You must log in with a valid UWNetID, Employee ID Number (EIN) or Student…
Diving Safety Manual
The UW Diving Safety Manual applies specifically to scientific diving conducted under the auspices of the University of Washington. Additionally, it incorporates the standards of the American…
Laboratory Animal Allergy Focus Sheet
Laboratory animal allergens can pose a serious health concern for those who work with or near animals.
EH&S Guide for Principal Investigators
The Guide for Principal Investigators (PI Guide) is an introduction to Environmental Health & Safety for principal investigators (PIs) who are new to the University of Washington and…
Laser Alignment Guidelines
The Laser Alignment Guidelines provides guidance for developing specific alignment procedures for a Class 3B or Class 4 laser system.
Laser Pointer Safety
A laser pointer contains a small diode laser that emits an intense beam of light often used for directing attention during a presentation. Follow these safety considerations when using a…
Radio Frequency Safety Exposure Categorization
Radio Frequency Safety Exposure Categorization describes control measures and required signage for four categories of exposure to radiofrequencies.
Superconducting Magnets: Basic Safety
There are a number of basic safety considerations for personnel using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other superconducting magnetic equipment,…
Inspecting Radiation PPE Focus Sheet
All UW units are required to inspect radiation personal protective equipment (RPPE) provided for employee protection; follow the requirements in the Inspecting Radiation PPE Focus…