Research & Lab Safety | UW Environmental Health & Safety

Standard Operating Procedures versus Safety Data Sheets

Safety data sheets (SDSs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are both required elements of a laboratory’s chemical hygiene plan but each captures different types of information. Use the Standard Operating Procedures versus Safety Data Sheets Focus Sheet to understand what types of information can be provided by or included in each type of document and how to effectively use these documents as part of your laboratory’s chemical hygiene plan.

Updated Lab Safety Manual now available

January 22, 2025

The December 2024 version of the UW Laboratory Safety Manual (LSM) is now available for download or printing. It's time for principal investigators to review, bookmark, or print a copy of the updated LSM and make it available for all personnel and students in your lab.

Motorboat Operator Training Course Flyer

The Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) is recommended for all University of Washington personnel who operate motorized watercraft less than 65 feet in length to perform their duties.

Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.

Motorboat Operator Instructor Training Course Flyer

The Motorboat Operator Instructor Training Course (MOITC) is for experienced motorboat operators who have a desire to teach courses, specifically the Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC).

Visit the Boating Safety page for more information.

EH&S move to Gateway building

January 7, 2025

Most Environmental Health & Safety teams relocated to the new Gateway building above the Sound Transit Link light rail station on Brooklyn Avenue NE between NE 45th and 43rd Streets.

Programs and services that moved include:

Animal Worker Occupational Health and Safety

zebrafish in research tank

Animal research involves a diverse range of hazards, some that pertain to animals, and others are a result of the work being performed. University personnel working in animal care and use environments must receive hazard awareness training, review all pertinent occupational health information, and follow safe and healthy practices.

Be aware of your health at work

Directions to EHS

View directions, parking, and public transit options for arriving at UW Environmental Health & Safety main office.

EH&S Annual Report FY24

The EH&S Annual Report FY24 summarizes the work of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) during fiscal year 2024.

Replace your obsolete biosafety cabinet

November 26, 2024

The University has over 950 active biosafety cabinets (BSCs), and about 150 have become obsolete due to safer design standards and the challenge of obtaining replacement parts. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) recommends replacing obsolete cabinets before they fail to minimize disruptions to research projects.

The following resources are available to assist you with the purchase and replacement of BSCs:

Prepare for new rules for methylene chloride

November 13, 2024

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new rule for methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane) for worker safety and public and environmental protection. The required actions and timelines to comply with the new rule are described below. The new EPA rule is in addition to existing Washington State Department of Labor & Industries rules for workplace safety.