Disaster Response (PEAT)
The Pre-Entry Assessment Team (PEAT) is the University's first responder disaster team that consists of members of EH&S and UW Tacoma Safety and Security.Following a disaster, our…
Laboratory Safety Manual
Welcome to the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM).Please bookmark this page electronically or print a copy of the complete LSM and make it available to laboratory staff. Staff in UW…
Chemical Safety Levels and Hazard Codes
The chemical inventories in MyChem are automatically assigned to a Chemical Safety Level (CSL) based on the quantity and type of hazards present. CSLs include both physical and health hazards…
Heating Devices Focus Sheet
Many labs and shops use at least one type of heating device, such as ovens, hot plates, heating mantles and tapes, and oil baths. Heating materials, especially chemicals, present a number of…
Hand Sanitizer Fire Safety Focus Sheet
Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60% is one of the key prevention measures to help reduce the potential for transmission of communicable diseases…
EGC1 Hazmat Screening Focus Sheet
Applicants completing an eGC1 are asked questions about quantities of hazardous materials they intend to use in their research. EH&S reviews this information to determine whether the…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Plan for emergency evacuations in a hybrid work environment
University units and departments that establish hybrid work schedules need to ensure adequate coverage for evacuation wardens in the event of an emergency that requires evacuation. Environmental…
New Low Voltage Electrical Safety training course
Updated April 10, 2023
EH&S is offering a Low Voltage Electrical Safety training course which is required for University electricians, welders, and other personnel who are assigned to…
Fire Extinguisher Safety Focus Sheet
Follow the guidance in the Fire Extinguisher Safety Focus Sheet to prepare to use a fire extinguisher safely.
Owner Project Requirements Template for Capital Safety Project
The purpose of the Owner Project Requirements Template (Word) is to provide clear and concise documentation of the Project Owner’s goals, expectations and requirements for a Capital…
Hazardous Material Spills
A hazardous material spill is an uncontrolled release of a substance that is potentially hazardous to humans, animals and/or the environment. University personnel and students working with hazardous…
Electrical Safety: Resetting Circuit Breakers Focus Sheet
An unqualified electrical worker may reset a breaker if they are trained to do so, and the cause of the trip was an overloaded circuit. Follow the guidance in the Electrical Safety:…
Grounding and Bonding Focus Sheet
Use and dispensing of flammable liquids presents fire and explosion hazards to facilities and occupants. Proper grounding and bonding limits the potential of static electrical spark…
Welcome to Environmental Health & Safety
The University of Washington is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for faculty, staff, students, visitors, and volunteers in all sites owned, operated, or controlled by the…