Be ready for a hazardous waste inspection
Do you generate hazardous waste? If so, are you ready for a regulatory inspection?The Washington State Department of Ecology can conduct a hazardous waste compliance inspection at any time.…
Lessons learned from a chemical fire
In December 2024, a group of undergraduate research students conducted an experiment in a shared research/shop space following a standard operating procedure (SOP) they had recently updated.…
Prepare for EPA's new rule for trichloroethylene
In December 2024, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the risks…
Emergency Procedures Flip Chart
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
New drowning prevention guidance
The Environmental Health & Safety Boating Safety Program created two new resources to help UW personnel identify and reduce the risk of drowning while working on, over, or alongside water. These…
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…
Chemical Spills in Laboratories
Be prepared with proper training, cleanup supplies and personal protective equipment to manage spills easily and safely.
If you work with chemicals, you will probably have a chemical spill at some…
Biotoxin Safety
Learn how to work safely with biotoxins and if the biotoxin you use is subject to additional regulatory oversight.
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…
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…
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…
Waste Evaluation Request
Request a Waste Evaluation if you are unsure how to dispose of a chemical.
New and updated shop and maker space safety resources
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published updates to our Shop and Maker Space Safety resources for units and departments that operate shops and maker spaces at the University of…
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…
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…
Fire Code Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Compliance
Labs, shops and other locations that use chemicals must comply with the hazardous materials provisions of the International Fire Code. This code limits quantities of certain chemicals based upon the…
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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The purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work…
Blank Chemical Template SOP
University units and researchers using hazardous chemicals can use the Blank Chemical SOP Template to modify to your specific location and procedures.Visit the Chemical SOPs…
Mercury Spill Cleanup Sheet
Mercury spills must be addressed quickly and completely by following safe cleanup procedures. If you are trained to manage a small mercury spill on a smooth surface, such as a thermometer…