Chemical Safety

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 is a reference tool for any principal investigator. It outlines your health and safety responsibilities as a PI and provides links to related resources. It lists related requirements for grant proposals, purchases and similar actions and outlines how to plan for emergencies and disasters.

The Reproductive Hazard Guidelines inform employees, students, and volunteers about potential reproductive and developmental hazards, and advise on safe work conditions and practices in their work environment. The guidance addresses both female and male reproductive health risks, and contains details on identifying, evaluating, and reducing those workplace risks. 

By law, Environmental Health & Safety is required to report all hazardous waste treatment at the University. If treating waste, you are required to:

1. Have an approved procedure;
2. Document training; and
3. Keep an updated Chemical Treatment Log.

Visit the Chemical Treatment and Recycling page for more information.

Log of most recent changes to the UW Laboratory Safety Manual

Laboratories can use this template to document the Laboratory Safety Manual as the lab's Chemical Hygiene Plan, which spaces it covers and what is included.

Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), is commonly used in UW research. Its properties allow for rapid cooling of materials, but also pose unique worker safety hazards. This focus sheet provides guidelines for how to work with dry ice safely.

This guide contains instructions for a list of specific shop-related wastes as well as general guidance for spills and disposal.

This guide was written for shops operated by UW Facilities. Other groups on campus, such as laboratories, that produce the chemical wastes discussed in this guide are welcome to also use it as a reference and training tool.