The Teaching Laboratory Risk Assessment Tool (Teaching Lab RAT) provides a framework for risk assessment of work done in teaching laboratories.
This tool provides a format for responsible parties and personnel to systematically identify and control hazards to reduce risk of injuries and incidents.
Review the Teaching Lab R.A.T. Guidelines for further details.
Areas with hazardous materials can post the Emergency Procedures Flip Chart to be prepared in case of an emergency.
In December 2024, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the risks of trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure. While certain portions of the rule are currently under legal review, most of its requirements are still expected to go into effect starting on September 15, 2025.
Use the Personal Flotation Device Requirements Flowchart to determine whether you are required to wear a personal flotation device.
Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.
In work areas where the danger of drowning cannot be mitigated by engineering or other workplace safety measures (e.g., guardrails), the University of Washington is required to provide and ensure personnel wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).
Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.
In December 2024, a group of undergraduate research students conducted an experiment in a shared research/shop space following a standard operating procedure (SOP) they had recently updated. One of the students had performed this work before; no supervisor was present.
The experiment involved heating a chemical mixture on a hot plate inside a fume hood. The mixture overheated, ignited, and caused second-degree burns on a student’s hands. The student received medical care and has recovered.
What contributed to the incident?
Summer in Seattle means hiking, biking, kayaking and ... lab work. Yes, many of us spend gorgeous summer days working in the lab. While it's fine to wear shorts, skirts, sandals or flip flops outside, wearing these items in the lab can expose you to hazards. Proper lab attire ensures your skin is covered and protected.
Even if you aren't working with hazardous materials that day, your coworker might be, so always dress to protect yourself. We recommend keeping an appropriate change of clothes and shoes in the lab so you are never without the right gear.
This is the log of changes for the 2025 UW Field Operations Safety Manual.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) recognizes the impact of federal funding and policies creating uncertainties on our research community. In the case that researchers receive a directive from a federal funding agency to stop, pause, suspend, or terminate activities, we provide the following resources:
The Laboratory Shutdown Checklist is a quick reference for safely shutting down a research space and continuing operations remotely.