Installing Equipment, Furnishings and Fixtures in UW Buildings
University departments and units must follow the guidance in the Installing Equipment, Furnishings and Fixtures in UW Buildings Focus Sheet to avoid potential exposures to regulated building materials.
Lead Design Guide
Basic Electrical Safety
We rely on electricity, but sometimes underestimate its capability of causing injury. Even household current (120 volts) can stop your heart. UW personnel need to be aware of the hazards electricity poses, such as shock, fire and explosion, and either eliminate or control those hazards.
Building Emergency Procedures and Resources
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) offers resources to help organizational units prepare for various types of building emergencies that may arise. This page provides documents that can be useful to help plan for these emergencies.
Additional information about responding to emergencies and conducting evacuation drills can be found on the Building Evacuation and Fire Drills page.
Automated External Defibrillators
Updated April 12, 2024
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are electronic devices designed to recognize cardiac arrhythmias and treat them through defibrillation, an electrical therapy shock that allows the heart to reestablish its proper rhythm.
Laboratory Animal Allergy Focus Sheet
Laboratory animal allergens can pose a serious health concern for those who work with or near animals.
General Autoclave Safety
Use the General Autoclave Safety document to familiarize yourself with the hazards involved with operating an autoclave. Learn how to protect yourself before operating an autoclave. These general autoclave safety guidelines need to be reviewed by any person that operates an autoclave for any reason.
Exposure Response Poster
Use the Exposure Response Poster as a guide for responding to a biological, chemical or radiological exposure.
Post in your lab alongside the Spill Response Poster.
Sharps and Lab Glass Waste
Sharps waste is regulated by state law and requires special handling. Sharps are instruments used to puncture or cut body parts. In a waste container, sharps can cause cuts, punctures and potential exposure to waste handlers.
Laboratory glass and plastic waste are not technically sharps but can puncture regular waste bags and injure waste handlers. The rules for packaging and disposal of laboratory glass and plastic waste differ depending on whether or not the items are contaminated.