Lead
Lead is a malleable, blue-gray, heavy metal that occurs naturally in the environment. Lead is found in many forms and can be hazardous when inhaled as a dust or fume, or accidentally ingested…
Space Heaters and Other Temporary Portable Heaters
In the event a heating system fails, or there is inadequate heat to an area, every effort should be made to correct the problem with building heating before using temporary or portable heat…
Respiratory Illness and Exposure Guidance
If you are experiencing respiratory virus symptoms or were exposed to someone with a respiratory illness, follow the steps in the UW Public Health Flowchart for Respiratory Illness.
Sample COVID-19 Case Notification
The Sample COVID-19 Case Notification (Word) represents a sample of the types of notifications that are sent to UW community members who are close contacts of individuals who …
Sample COVID-19 Close Contact Notification
The Sample COVID-19 Close Contact Notification (Word) represents a sample of the types of notifications that are sent to UW community members who are close contacts of individuals…
Mold in Cold Rooms Focus Sheet
Mold growth can occur in cold rooms when ambient humidity is high, where there is poor ventilation, insulation failure, or when wood, cardboard, and other porous materials that can grow mold…
Working Alone Safely Focus Sheet
Working alone applies to work or study occurring when no other person is in direct line of sight or within hearing range of the person working. A person may work alone in a lab, office, shop or…
Choose the right vacuum pump
Vacuum pumps are used to remove air and other vapors from a vessel or manifold. Weak points in containers or systems under vacuum can create implosion or explosion hazards, and cause injury by…
Fire Extinguisher Use
Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher, which involves training to operate it, awareness of potential personal exposure toextinguishing materials,…
EH&S Strategy Map
The UW Environmental Health & Safety programs and services follow our strategy map.
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 system…
Fire Code Classifications for Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are classified according to the International Fire Code, which limits quantities of certain chemicals based on physical and health hazards, and sets requirements for…
Should you pull the fire alarm after a chemical spill?
Following the announcement of the Seattle Police Department’s preventable fire alarm initiative (that will result in fines for false alarms starting January 1, 2020), EH&S has fielded concerns…
All-campus alert: Three UW students in Seattle screen for novel coronavirus
This message was emailed to the UW campus community on January 26, 2020.
Water Quality
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) collaborates with campus partners to maintain water quality for consumption and use on campus. We conduct pool and spa inspections and can arrange…
When to go to the Employee Health Center
The Employee Health Center provides scheduled preventive health care for UW employees who are at higher risk for occupational exposures to potentially hazardous materials. We provide physical exams,…
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…
Incident Reporting Poster
University units and departments download the Incident Reporting Poster and place it where personnel can view it as a reminder of the importance of timely reporting.