Staff & Contacts List
University units that use methylene chloride in products such as degreasers, paint strippers, adhesive removers, solvent welding products, or plastic bonding agents may be impacted by a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule and need to take action.
Read the Alert: New Rule for Methylene Chloride for more information.
Have you reviewed your full chemical inventory in MyChem this year?
Even if you have been adding to and deleting items from your inventory, you will still need to attest to a full review of the inventory by clicking the Review Inventory button at the top of the list.
Annual review
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 allowed in the garbage in the City of Seattle.
University departments and units have two options for recycling used batteries:
Does your laboratory have volatile organic chemicals that produce strong, pungent odors even when the cap and bottle are intact? Controlling these smells, often found in chemical storage areas, will help reduce your risk of exposure.
Volatile organic chemicals can escape their containers, which presents an exposure risk to everyone in the lab. Restricting the ability for the chemical to disperse into the air can lower that risk.
The Compressed Gas Cylinders Safety Guidelines provide information on their safe use and apply to all University personnel and students who handle or use compressed or liquefied gases or systems.
Visit the Compressed Gases and Cryogens page for more information.
University personnel have the following options for getting rid of hazardous materials and potentially contaminated supplies and equipment.
Note: Not all options are available for all items.
Below are questions asked during lab safety inspections and explanations for each question.
Please refer to the Laboratory Safety page for more information.
The following are questions and answers in response to receiving a notice on a fume hood.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I receive a Fume Hood Condition Notice?
During routine testing of your fume hood, our surveyor identified conditions that present a potential hazard to the lab and its occupants. These conditions are typically the result of equipment failure or worker practice.
What should I do?
Below are questions asked during safety equipment inspections and explanations for each question.
Principal investigators planning to use nitric acid should follow safe use and storage practices, develop an SOP and provide documented training to all lab personnel.
The hazards