Latest News

 

Many older UW buildings are made of hazardous materials

Do-it-yourself repairs or projects that disturb walls, floor tiles, ceilings, fixtures and other building materials can expose you to substances that pose serious health risks.

University policy prohibits any “do-it-yourself” construction, renovation or modification of University buildings.  Even simple projects, such as hammering a nail into a wall, can expose you to hazardous chemicals and result in regulatory fines.

 
 

Prepare for new rules for methylene chloride

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.

 
 

EH&S assists with regulatory permits for biological samples

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) has noticed an increase in regulatory inspections and audits related to permits for biological samples. EH&S Biological Safety is available to support your lab in preparation for and during regulatory inspections and permit applications with external (non-UW) agencies to help ensure readiness and compliance. Please inform your laboratory personnel about the following so that they can notify EH&S of inspections and provide the appropriate UW contact information for permits.