COVID-19 Health and Safety Resources

Updated: March 1, 2021 at 2:47 p.m.

UW students or employees reporting a positive COVID-19 test result, close contact exposure or a related issue, please email covidehc@uw.edu or call 206.616.3344.

The Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) has developed COVID-19 prevention guidance and resources for the UW community.

Additional information for the UW community about COVID-19 is available on the UW Novel coronavirus & COVID-19 page.

What's new

Recent updates to EH&S COVID-19 health and safety resources include:

Quarantine and Isolation Guidance - updated two questions on 2/19/21 about changes to quarantine guidance for individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 or were vaccinated
COVID-19 Food Establishment Operating and Reopening Guidance - updated 2/19/21 (see the log of changes for updates)
The new coronavirus variant strain: What you need to know - article added 2/10/21
Face Covering Requirements - added a new FAQ on 2/10/21 about wearing double facemasks
Alert: Counterfeit N95 respirators - added 2/6/21, updated 2/11/21 and 2/18/21
COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for In-Person Events - updated 2/5/21 (see the log of changes for updates)

The COVID-19 situation is evolving; EH&S will update its guidance as new information becomes available.

Join the EH&S COVID-19 mailing list get regular updates. Click on "Enter this group" to add yourself to the list.

COVID-19 resources

EH&S developed the following resources to assist custodial staff and University units to safely use disinfectants to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol (Updated September 3, 2020)

This protocol was developed by the University’s Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) in coordination with campus custodial and instructional support units and the University’s Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD). This protocol reflects requirements and guidelines set forth by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and federal, state and local public health agencies.

Read about how UW buildings are cleaned on the UW Facilities website.

COVID-19 Chemical Disinfectant Safety Information (Updated May 15, 2020)

THe COVID-19 Chemical Disinfectant Safety information covers safety information about EPA-registered disinfectants, such as potential health hazards and personal protective equipment recommendations, for commonly used disinfectants. Please note this list is not exhaustive, as there are a large number of disinfectants currently on the market. As new disinfectants are purchased and used by UW departments, EH&S will update this information. The safety information aligns with disinfectants in the EH&S COVID-19 Prevention: Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols document.

Electrostatic Sprayers Focus Sheet (Updated January 21, 2021)

The use of electrostatic sprayers for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are potentially or known to be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 virus have been identified as an alternative disinfection method. Electrostatic sprayers are typically used by custodians or other units tasked with disinfecting large areas. Follow the guidance in this focus sheet when using electrostatic sprayers.

Hand Sanitizer Fire Safety: Safe Handling, Dispensing and Storing

Because alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly flammable, the storage and dispensation within buildings are regulated by fire codes. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

Safer Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Strategies to Reduce and Prevent COVID-19 Transmission

Safer cleaning guidance from the University of Washington Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Continuing Education Programs

University units can purchase EPA-registered cleaning and disinfectant products approved for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 illness) at the Creative Communications Safe and Clean Storefront. Information about accessing the storefront is available from UW Procurement.

UW personnel and students may purchase supplies from the Healthy Huskies Vending Machines.

Contact EH&S at ehsdept@uw.edu or call 206.543.7262 with questions about cleaning and disinfection procedures.

EH&S, in coordination with local and state public health agencies, responds to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UW community and takes action to prevent further transmission.

The public health response activities include a case interview, risk assessment, providing guidance for self-isolation, notifications to those impacted and contact tracing.

The University’s response protocol is described on the COVID-19 Case Response page, which covers reporting requirements, case investigation, notifying close contacts, and evaluation of spaces for additional cleaning and disinfection.

Contact the EH&S COVID-19 Response Team with questions at covidehc@uw.edu or 206.616-3344.

The University of Washington COVID-19 Prevention Plan for the Workplace (PDF, Word, updated 10/29/20) helps ensure the health and safety of personnel by reducing the potential for COVID-19 transmission at the University of Washington. The measures are based on Governor Inslee’s Safe Start requirements, the regulatory directive of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Directive 1.70 General Coronavirus Prevention Under Stay Home-Stay Healthy Order, and guidance from public health agencies. This plan will be updated as regulations and public health guidance change.

The University Plan covers all University work environments. To ensure compliance with the University Plan, each University unit is required to develop and implement a unit-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan that covers all personnel of a unit work area(s). In addition to unit-level plans, work area or sitespecific plans are required as necessary and appropriate to address required COVID-19 prevention and control strategies.

EH&S hosted COVID-19 Prevention in the Workplace Webinars in collaboration with campus partners to assist University units with developing and implementing unit and site-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plans. View the video recording of the webinar on July 30, 2020.

The University of Washington’s COVID-19 Safety Training: Back to the Workplace includes information on safe work practices for all personnel. This course describes our roles, responsibilities, and steps for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Note: COVID-19 Safety Training: Back to the Workplace must be completed by all University personnel before or upon returning to work on site at a University location. even if personnel have been performing critical work on site at a UW work location. University units/departments may provide their own training that covers the elements of the University’s COVID-19 Safety Training (e.g., medical centers). In addition to general COVID-19 safety training, units/departments are required to provide documented training on the contents of their unit or site-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plan.

COVID-19 Safety Training Report

University supervisors, managers and unit leaders can access a report of COVID-19 Safety Training records by organization code or manager using the COVID-19 Safety Training Report tool.

For more information about safety training, contact EH&S at ehsdept@uw.edu or 206.543.7262.

As part of the EH&S phased plan to increase work on-site, EH&S continues to conduct work both remotely and on-site to support activities in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 Prevention Plan for the Workplace and EH&S's site-specific COVID-19 Prevention Plans.

View the full list of on-site services (updated 10/23/20) EH&S provide to help ensure the health and safety of operations.

EH&S is committed to COVID-19 prevention practices while providing critical on-site services to members of our campus community. Please review our EH&S COVID-19 Prevention Practices for Site Visits.

While COVID-19 circulates in the community, social and physical distancing, good hygiene (e.g., washing hands, not touching faces), and other preventive measures are necessary to prevent the transmission of the virus. Health and safety continue to be the top priority for the University of Washington and EH&S.

Individuals who are interested in hosting a event or social gathering at a UW location must follow the COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for In-Person Events (updated 2/5/21).

For events that require approval through the Use of University Facilities (UUF) process, event organizers must submit a completed In-Person Event COVID-19 Prevention Plan with their UUF Request Form.
For events that don’t require approval through the UUF process, event organizers must submit a completed In-Person Event COVID-19 Prevention Plan to the relevant University unit representative or sponsor.

University of Washington COVID-19 Face Covering Policy and Frequently Asked Questions

University units can purchase face coverings at the Creative Communications Safe and Clean Storefront. Information about accessing the storefront is available from UW Procurement.

UW personnel and students may obtain supplies from Healthy Huskies Vending Machines.

Guidance on Facemask Use for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 (Updated January 11, 2021)

Masks can help protect others by containing respiratory droplets when the mask wearer coughs, sneezes or speaks. This guidance assists units with selecting facemasks and provides instructions on the correct use and care of facemasks.

Refer to the Facemask Focus Sheet (updated January 11, 2020) for quick guidance on the use of cloth face coverings and medical/procedure masks, along with important safety tips for safe use.
Refer to the Differences between Face Coverings, Facemasks and Respirators to understand the differences and similarities of these face protectors.

Workplace COVID-19 Risk Level and Selection of Personal Protective Equipment (Updated January 11, 2021)

EH&S characterizes work at the different risk exposure levels, and lists required and recommended PPE for the specific job roles/activities.

COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies Performance Standards and Guidelines for purchasing (Updated July 7, 2020)

The purpose of this document is to assist departments during the personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement process and serves as a guide to determine if PPE meets minimum performance standards. This helps ensure PPE will provide adequate protection to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Advisory Information for Employees Who Voluntarily Use Respirators

Voluntary use of respirators is permitted as long as exposure to substances remains below the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) permissible exposure limits (PELs) or there is no exposure to an airborne biological hazard. All UW employees who voluntarily choose to use a respirator must review and sign the Advisory Information for Employees Who Voluntarily Use Respirators.

Steps for safely putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) PPE:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructions for using personal protective equipment (PPE)

Instructions for cloth face coverings/masks:

The Whole U - Protective Cloth Mask Making Tutorial
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
VIDEO: Hilary Godwin, dean of the UW School of Public Health explains why wearing a facemask is important

Instructions for removing disposable gloves:

How to Remove Gloves instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
VIDEO: The Beaking Method of Glove Removal by Sean Kaufman

Guidance for Conservation of Personal Protective Equipment

EH&S recommends measures to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) while maintaining our commitment to provide a safe and healthy place to work. This aligns with current guidance from the CDC and King County.

Individuals who are interested in hosting a event or social gathering at a UW location must follow the COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for In-Person Events (updated 2/5/21).

For events that require approval through the Use of University Facilities (UUF) process, event organizers must submit a completed In-Person Event COVID-19 Prevention Plan with their UUF Request Form.
For events that don’t require approval through the UUF process, event organizers must submit a completed In-Person Event COVID-19 Prevention Plan to the relevant University unit representative or sponsor.

Room Occupancy Limits - Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention (added 1/15/21)

EH&S provides guidance for determining room occupancy limits for use by University units to support COVID-19 prevention efforts in UW owned and leased facilities.

Eating Space Guidelines for COVID-19 Prevention (added 12/21/20)

Eating and drinking, as unmasked activities, present one of the higher exposure risks at school and work. University units should implement COVID-19 prevention practices when establishing and maintaining a safe eating space.

Study Space Guidelines for COVID-19 Prevention (added 12/21/20)

This guidance is intended to assist University units in providing spaces for students studying on site at a University location while implementing measures to help prevent COVID-19 transmission.

COVID-19 Prevention for Building Maintenance (updated 10/8/20)

These guidelines supplement the UW COVID-19 Prevention Plan for the Workplace requirements that specifically address hazards associated with University maintenance and repair activities.

Public Restroom Guidance (updated 10/9/20)

University units may use this guidance to incorporate public restrooms into their unit or site-specific COVID-19 prevention plans.

UW Facilities Building Readiness Guidelines page contains information for building coordinators, including EH&S's Building Readiness Checklist.

COVID-19 PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR SCUBA DIVING OPERATIONS

The COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for SCUBA Diving Operations (added January 19, 2021) were developed to help ensure the health and safety of personnel conducting scuba diving by reducing the potential for COVID-19 transmission. All University employees and students engaged in scuba diving are expected to adhere to the most current and up-to date University of Washington, local, state, and CDC guidelines prior to commencing field operations.

COVID-19 QUARANTINE AND TESTING RISK FRAMEWORK FOR FIELD WORK

The COVID-19 Quarantine and Testing Risk Framework for Field Work (updated January 15, 2021) is intended to assist University research and field personnel to determine COVID-19 quarantine and testing protocols for field research or assignments determined by their units as critical. The testing and quarantine requirements are one component of the Fieldwork Health and Safety Plan.

COVID-19 PREVENTION FOR SMALL BOAT OPERATIONS

These COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines for Small Boat Operations are intended to supplement the University's COVID-19 Prevention Plan for the Workplace. The COVID-19 Prevention for Small Boat Operations guidelines should be followed and included as a part of the site-specific plan.

GUIDANCE FOR RESUMING RESEARCH

The Guidance for Resuming Work in Research Labs During and After State Restrictions (updated January 11, 2021) is for research labs resuming work during and after Washington state's Stay Home, Stay Health order. A checklist is included to assist you in planning for resuming research activities.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING

EH&S has created a Guide to Business Continuity and Recovery Planning for Laboratories and Research Spaces to supplement your existing business continuity plans. It includes a checklist and is intended to assist faculty, staff, laboratories and research facilities in maintaining research continuity consistent with their own unique needs and circumstances.

COVID-19 RESEARCH BIOSAFETY GUIDANCE

EH&S has COVID-19 Research Biosafety Guidance to assist investigators planning research involving SARS-CoV-2 to understand the health and safety considerations and compliance expectations necessary to safely facilitate the research.

ENHANCED CLEANING AND DISINFECTION

EH&S asks research laboratories and facilities to also implement enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces. This includes switches, benchtops, commonly used hand tools, and shared PPE.

Disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant, an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol, or a 10% bleach/water solution.
It is also recommended that all departments purchase single-use disinfectant wipes for touchpoints within their workspaces.
Please avoid putting disinfectant gels or liquids on electronics and other equipment, including elevator buttons, unless they have been indicated as safe to use on those devices.
Additional guidance is available in the enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Additional Resources:

Office of Research: Mitigating Impacts to Research Activities Due to COVID-19

University COVID-19 information and Resources

If you have any questions please contact EH&S Research & Occupational Safety at labcheck@uw.edu or 206.685.3993.

The University of Washington Guidance for Plexiglass Barriers (updated October 29, 2020) provides a review of the benefits, limitations and performance standards for plexiglass barriers, and guidance for prioritizing the installation. University units considering the use of barriers may consider this alternative strategy as a component of their overall COVID-19 prevention efforts.

Requests for plexiglass barriers are initiated by submitting the Plexiglass Barrier Request Form (updated June 15, 2020) to UW Facilities. UW Facilities units will coordinate with EH&S to review the requests. EH&S can also be consulted for assistance at 206.543.7262 or ehsdept@uw.edu.

The Stay Healthy, Huskies toolkit contains posters for COVID-19 prevention that should be placed in work areas:

Post “Back to the Workplace” in work areas and reception areas.
Post “Physical distancing at work” and “Face coverings are required” in common areas, work spaces, teaching spaces, at entrances to department spaces.
Post “Clean and disinfect” near shared equipment that must be cleaned after each use and in common areas, such as meeting rooms and break rooms, and near shared equipment and high touch surfaces.
Post “Wash your hands the right way” in bathrooms and near handwashing stations.

UW units can download and print posters at no cost from the Stay Healthy, Huskies toolkit, or order printed posters and graphics from the Creative Communications Safe and Clean Storefront. Information about accessing the storefront is available from UW Procurement.

Building coordinators are responsible for the placement of posters at building entrances, near restrooms, in lobbies, in common areas, on bulletin boards, in break rooms, near elevators and at entrances to work areas per the Building Readiness Guidelines.

Caution: When placing posters, be careful to not disturb building materials. The University prohibits the use of nails and other implements that cause damage to walls, doors and other surfaces that may contain lead, asbestos and other regulated building materials.

Stay home, get tested and report to EH&S if:

You have symptoms of COVID-19, even if you experience mild symptoms or
Your health care provider suspects you have COVID-19 or
You had close contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Close contact means being within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of at least 15 minutes during a 24 hour period (even if you were both wearing face coverings), living with or caring for a person who has COVID-19, or having direct contact with infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils).

REPORTING CONTACT

Faculty, staff and students on the Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses should contact the EH&S COVID-19 Response and Prevention Team at covidehc@uw.edu or 206.616.3344.
UW medical center personnel should contact their respective Employee Health Center.

View the graphic “When Do You Report?” for more information about reporting requirements.

After reporting, read the Quarantine and Isolation Guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All reports of positive test results received by EH&S among UW community members are reported on the University’s COVID-19 Case Tracking Dashboard page. The identity and personal information of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 is protected and not released to the public.

EH&S fulfills the University’s public health responsibilities to document suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UW community and take action to prevent further transmission. Visit the COVID-19 Case Response page to read about the University's response to a case of COVID-19 in the UW community, and actions taken to prevent transmission.

The Return to On-Site Work Decision Tree (updated 1/19/21) is a guide for managers and unit leaders to assist with identifying and approving on-site work activities during the 2020-2021 academic year.

All personnel must complete the COVID-19 Safety Training: Back to the Workplace before or upon returning to work on-site at a University location. All personnel must receive training on the COVID-19 prevention plan for their unit or worksite upon return to on-site work.

As a reminder, only employees approved by their unit are permitted to work on site at this time.

The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Directive 1.70 requires that employers have a program to prevent sick employees from entering the workplace and when recognized, that ill employees are sent home.

The UW Guidance for Symptom Monitoring for COVID-19 (updated December 3, 2020) is intended for UW units implementing symptom monitoring of faculty and other academic personnel, staff, students, contractors, visitors, volunteers, and other personnel who present in-person at any University work site.

The Visitor Log Guidance (updated October 29, 2020) is for University units with visitors who may come into close contact with University personnel. Washington state requirements for higher education require University units to maintain a visitor log to support contact tracing activities to limit the spread of COVID-19.

University units with vendors and contractors working on site at a University location should refer to the COVID-19 Information for Units with Contractors and Vendors Working on Site (updated January 12, 2021) to ensure the health and safety of on-site personnel by reducing the potential for COVID-19 transmission.

EH&S hosted COVID-19 Prevention Plans for the Workplace Webinars in collaboration with campus partners to assist University units with developing and implementing COVID-19 prevention plans in support of a safe return to in-person work. View a video recording of the webinar on July 30, 2020.

View the presentation slides from the webinar on July 23, 2020.
View the presentation slides from the webinar on July 30, 2020.
View the presentation slides from the webinar on August 5, 2020.

If you have questions about COVID-19 prevention plans, please contact us:

UW EH&S General: ehsdept@uw.edu
UW EH&S Employee Health Center: covidehc@uw.edu
UW FACILITIES: careteam@uw.edu
UW HUMAN RESOURCES: hrleaves@uw.edu
UW ACADEMIC HUMAN RESOURCES: apleaves@uw.edu
REPORT A CONCERN: www.ehs.washington.edu/report-concern

More information

In addition to these resources, the UW Novel coronavirus & COVID-19: facts and resources page has information about the University's response to COVID-19 and public health guidance for the UW community.

Back to the Workplace poster Stay Healthy Huskies poster STOP! Feeling Sick? poster