EH&S assists with regulatory permits for biological samples
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has noticed an increase in regulatory inspections and audits related to permits for biological samples. EH&S Biological Safety is available to…
New safety resources for 3D printers
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, occurs on UW campuses in maker spaces, research labs and classrooms. New safety resources are available to University personnel and students using…
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…
Many older UW buildings are made of hazardous materials
Do-it-yourself repairs or projects that disturb walls, floor tiles, ceilings, fixtures and other building materials can expose you to substances that pose serious health risks.
University policy…
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…
Resources for laboratory equipment maintenance
If your research involves the use of centrifuges, ovens/furnaces, vacuum pumps, or other laboratory equipment, the Laboratory Equipment Maintenance webpage provides resources that can help you…
Preventable fire alarm initiative
Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division launched an initiative to avoid “false” (preventable) alarms.
Preventable alarms include:
Any activation of a fire alarm…
Control volatile organic chemical smells
Does your laboratory have volatile organic chemicals that produce strong, pungent odors even when the cap and bottle are intact? Controlling these smells, often found in chemical storage areas, will…
New Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety Resource
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published a new focus sheet that provides information to support the safe and compliant use of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also referred to as…
Make your electronic Chemical Hygiene Plan
Keeping your safety documents up to date and easily accessible are key for staying safe. Faculty, staff, and students working in research and teaching laboratories need to have access at all times to…
Avoid slips, trips and falls in wet weather
Slips, trips and falls are leading causes of injury at the UW.
A slip, trip or fall can have a serious impact on a person’s health and well-being.
Avoid slips, trips and falls in wet…
2023 Hepatitis A outbreak associated with frozen organic strawberries
June 9, 2023 - This recall has been expanded to include select Wawona Frozen Foods Organic Daybreak Blend frozen fruit blend packages that were distributed in Washington state Costco stores…
2024 Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled charcuterie meats
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH), and other public health partners are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella…
Fire Prevention Week October 6-12
During National Fire Prevention Week, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will host events on the Seattle campus to remind personnel and students of steps they can take to prevent fires and…
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…
Walk safely on wet, icy and slippery surfaces
Slips, trips and falls are more frequent in rainy or icy weather, in darkness, when walking on uneven surfaces, and when we're in a hurry.
Visit the UW Alert Blog and Snow Removal…
Select the correct PPE to protect against eye hazards
Several recent incidents have occurred at the University in which a chemical or infectious material splashed or splattered into the eye because the individual was not wearing the correct…
New safety guidelines for working near wireless cellular antennas
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) published new guidelines for radiofrequency safety aimed at protecting workers who perform tasks on rooftops with wireless cellular antennas.
The key…
Safely store compressed gases and cryogens
Compressed gases and cryogenic liquids are stored in gas cylinders under high pressure, which can have several safety considerations to prevent injury and property damage. University units and…
2023 Laboratory Safety Awards and Innovations Event
The 2023 Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovations Event honored 22 labs, departments, and individuals to recognize their significant contributions to fostering a strong culture of safety in…