Autoclave Safety
Learn how to safely operate an autoclave and treat biohazardous waste for disposal according to applicable regulations.
Updated ABSL-1 waste disposal procedures
Processes for treatment and disposal of animal biosafety level 1 (ABSL-1) animal carcasses have been updated with input from the UW Infectious Waste Committee and the UW Institutional Biosafety…
Changes to Hazardous Material Shipping Regulations in 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published regulation changes for 2025, which may impact University units and departments that ship dangerous goods by air.If you ship dangerous…
New spend category and purchasing requirements for research with synthetic nucleic acids and synthesis equipment
A new spend category has been created for the purchase of synthetic nucleic acids and synthesis equipment to help ensure compliance with the Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. This…
Revised NIH Guidelines address research involving gene drive modified organisms
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published revisions to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines). The published changes…
Sample Request New Chemical Waste Routine
Refer to the Sample Request for a New Chemical Waste Routine as a guide when completing a a Request New Chemical Waste Routine form.Please visit the Chemical Waste…
Approval required for use of recombinant or synthetic DNA or RNA in animals
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) reminds researchers that all research with biohazardous agents at the University of Washington requires review and approval by the Institutional…
Tips for a successful chemical waste collection
Updated May 15, 2024
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has taken steps to increase staffing and is working with campus partners to reduce delays with chemical waste collections…
Updated Bloodborne Pathogens Training Course
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) launched the revamped course Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) for Researchers Online! The updated version offers enhanced language, visuals, and…
Updated Biological Use Authorization (BUA) applications now available for biological research approval
The EH&S Biological Use Authorization (BUA) application has undergone major revisions with the goal to clarify and improve the questions necessary for the biosafety risk assessment for…
Waste Evaluation Request
Request a Waste Evaluation if you are unsure how to dispose of a chemical.
BUA Change Application
This application is for changes to existing research projects that involve biohazards and therefore require Biological Use Authorization (BUA) from the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). …
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…
October is Biosafety Month: Schedule a spa day for your lab
October is National Biosafety Month, a time to strengthen and reevaluate biosafety practices in the lab.Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) encourages you to set aside some time for…
Safe Handling of Cryogenic Substances
A superconducting magnet uses two types of cryogens (liquid helium and liquid nitrogen). Cryogenic liquids can be handled easily and safely, provided certain precautions are followed as…