Fire & Life Safety

Staff & Contacts List

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 University. This commitment includes supporting a culture of health and safety across the University.

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is an administrative unit that assists University units in meeting their responsibility to protect the environment and to provide a safe and healthful place for employment and learning. Please read about our services described below.

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 during dispensing.

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 and assist EH&S with identifying locations that may pose a greater risk to workers.

Laboratory Safety Manual

Welcome to the UW Laboratory Safety Manual.

The UW Laboratory Safety Manual establishes procedures, safety equipment, and safe work practices to protect personnel from the health hazards of the chemicals used in UW laboratories.

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. Because alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly flammable, the storage and dispensation within buildings are regulated by fire codes. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

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 proposed lab space is suitable for this intended purpose.

Should you pull the fire alarm after a chemical spill?

December 18, 2019

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 about whether a fire alarm should be trigged when a fire is not present.

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 storage and use.

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 to
extinguishing materials, precautions to take when cleaning up after a fire and waste disposal.

Visit the Fire Safety and Prevention page for more information.

Space Heaters Focus Sheet

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 sources. Portable heaters are strongly discouraged due to energy and fire safety issues, but can be allowed in some instances provided the requirements are met.

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