Updated lab housekeeping and flammable fridge focus sheets
Flammable materials storageCold storage of flammable materials, including chemicals, requires a refrigerator or freezer that is explosion-proof or intended for storage of flammable materials. Refer…
New and updated resources for teaching laboratories
Are you responsible for a teaching lab that uses chemicals, biological materials, or hazardous equipment? Download new and updated resources to support safe and effective teaching lab operations.New…
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…
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…
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…
Boating Safety Manual Log of Changes
This document will be used to track all changes to the University of Washington’s Boating Safety Manual. Contact the Boating and Diving Safety Program with questions or to request…
Biohazard Transport Policy
Transporting Biohazardous Agents and Laboratory SpecimensThis policy outlines the proper procedures for transporting biohazardous agents and laboratory specimens within buildings and between…
Two new federal policies impacting research with synthetic nucleic acids and biological agents and toxins expected in May 2025
In May 2025, two new federal policy frameworks impacting research are scheduled to be implemented. More information will be provided prior to implementation. We understand that these new…
Biotoxin Safety
Learn how to work safely with biotoxins and if the biotoxin you use is subject to additional regulatory oversight.
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…
Laboratory Shutdown Checklist
The Laboratory Shutdown Checklist is a quick reference for safely shutting down a research space and continuing operations remotely.
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…
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…
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…