Lead Safety for Scuba Divers Focus Sheet
Lead Safety in Shops and Labs Focus Sheet
Lead
Lead is toxic and can cause many acute and chronic health effects. Lead can affect the nervous system, reproductive system, blood, kidneys and cause digestive problems, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.
Emergency Washing Equipment
Emergency washing equipment (EWE) is provided in UW facilities for the purpose of rinsing chemicals or other harmful agents from the eyes or skin. It is an important safety tool that can prevent or limit damage to the body from exposure to harmful agents. Examples include:
Eyewash
Eyewashes are required in areas where any of the following agents are used: corrosives; strong irritants; or toxic chemicals of concern.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, persistent manmade chemicals that were widely used as an oil additive in electrical equipment and as a plasticizer in building materials. Congress banned the manufacture and use of PCBs in 1978.
Safety Data Sheet Template
Use a Safety Data Sheet Template (Word) if synthesizing a hazardous chemical. The PI or manager must generate a Globally Harmonized System (GHS) compliant label and safety data sheet (SDS) before shipping or transporting the chemical away from the campus.
Specific Chemical Hazards
Chemicals are used in laboratories, maker spaces, shops and other areas across campus. EH&S provides information and guidance on safe practices for handling, storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous chemicals.
Download secondary chemical container labels
September 7, 2018
Many laboratories use hazardous chemicals that are purchased in large quantities and then transferred into smaller secondary containers (e.g., vials, flasks or bottles), or prepared as diluted solutions or mixtures for use.
If your laboratory uses secondary containers filled with chemicals, the secondary containers must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard for Labels and Pictograms.
Dry ice is common, yet hazardous
August 1, 2018
A Tacoma woman died from asphyxiation and her daughter-in-law is in critical condition after riding in a car with containers of dry ice. Even at normal room temperatures, dry ice will warm and release carbon dioxide gas, which can displace the oxygen inside a small, enclosed space.
Dry ice is commonly used in UW research. Its properties allow for rapid cooling of materials, but also pose unique worker safety hazards.