Work safely outdoors with heat and wildfire smoke training
As outdoor temperatures rise and wildfire season approaches, it’s important to know how to protect yourself while working outdoors. Environmental Health & Safety offers two required online…
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…
Export restrictions on certain pathogens
EH&S Biosafety is sharing a message on behalf of the UW Export Controls Office:There are U.S. export license requirements for certain pathogens and toxins, including genetic elements from, and/or…
Emergency Procedures Flip Chart
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Biosafety Month 2025: Learn how a biosafety cabinet protects you
October is Biosafety Month, a time to focus on biosafety practices in your lab. For 2025, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) encourages labs to learn more about how biosafety cabinets…
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…
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…
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…
Fall Protection Self-Audit Checklist
Complete the applicable sections of the Fall Protection Self-Audit Checklist when performing an annual self-audit of your fall protection program.Refer to the UW Fall Protection Program…
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…
New electrical safety training options
Updated May 15, 2024
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) now offers three electrical safety courses to meet the diverse needs of University personnel. These courses are designed to…
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…