Specific Chemical Hazards

Chemicals are used in laboratories, maker spaces, shops and other areas across campus. EH&S provides information and guidance on safe practices for handling, storing, transporting and disposing of hazardous chemicals.

UW faculty, staff and students should review the Chemical Use Guidelines (PDF) prior to beginning work with potentially hazardous chemicals. Laboratories should use the templates on the Chemical SOPs page to customize SOPs that meet regulatory compliance requirements.

In addition, EH&S provides guidance and information for the safe management of specific chemicals. If you are seeking information about a specific chemical, compound or category that is not listed, please contact EH&S for a consultation.

Safe use guidelines and work practices

Biological toxins or biotoxins are poisonous substances produced by certain microorganisms, animals, and plants, but they do not replicate and are therefore not considered infectious. However, because biotoxins may be extremely toxic in very small quantities, manage them as hazardous chemicals. Review and implement our Biological Toxin Safe Work Practices for any work with biotoxins. You also need to have a specific SOP for each toxin and provide documented training. Use the Biological Toxin Checklist to help ensure safe work practices for research involving biotoxins.

Select toxins are those regulated by the Federal Select Agent Program and may require additional safety and security requirements including registration with EH&S and the CDC. See Select Toxins and Due Diligence for more information.