Research & Lab Safety

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.

If your research work include operations out in the field, download the latest version of the UW Field Operations Safety Manual, which provides updated information on state regulations, UW policies, safe work practices, and document templates.

Field research conducted at the UW may include drone work, rocket tests, water sample collection, boat trips, and wildlife observation, to name just a few examples.

Visit the EH&S’s Chemical SOPs page to find new standard operating procedures (SOP) templates for nanomaterials, chloroform, and metallic lead.

The Notice of Laboratory Moveout form has step-by-step instructions to help you leave your laboratory clean and safe when partially or completely vacating for remodeling, relocation or closure,

Labs with chemicals, biohazards, radioactive materials, sharps, and other potentially hazardous materials are required to decontaminate equipment and surfaces, and properly dispose of regulated and/or hazardous waste prior to vacating the space.

The University’s Emergency Management and Office of Research have provided guidance to the research community to assist with business continuity planning. As a supplement to these resources and in response to requests for assistance at the lab level, EH&S has prepared a Guide to Business Continuity and Recovery Planning for Laboratories and Research Facilities.

Does your research require the use of Aqua regia or Piranha solutions? These are two types of acidic washes used for very specific purposes and have very important workplace health and safety considerations.