Latest News

Several recent incidents have occurred at the University in which a chemical or infectious material splashed or splattered into the eye because the individual was not wearing the correct type of eye protection for the hazards they faced, or not wearing eye protection at all. You should always evaluate your workplace for potential eye hazards so you can select the appropriate safety equipment.

Eyeglasses versus safety glasses or goggles

Excessive exposure to heat can cause a range of heat-related illnesses, from less serious heat rash and heat cramps to more serious heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention because it can be deadly, so take precautions while working in the summer heat.

The UW Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) congratulates EH&S staff who have been recognized for outstanding service and dedication to the UW community through the UW Awards of Excellence.

The Managing Laboratory Chemicals – Online course has been updated to improve accessibility and incorporate adult learning concepts. The updated course replaces the existing HTML course and is similar in content.

As we look forward to a safe return to on-site work and in-person instruction, evacuation directors and building coordinators should review their building emergency plans, including Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans, to ensure that plans integrate COVID-19 face covering and distancing requirements with emergency evacuation procedures.

Keeping your safety documents up to date and easily accessible are key for staying safe.

If your research work includes field operations, visit the new Field Operations Safety webpage on the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) website for new resources to conduct work safely in the field. The new field operations safety guidance is focused on policies and risk management practices relevant to field courses and research, international trips, research expeditions, and other outdoor excursions.

Stormwater drains on the UW campuses empty directly into local waterways, which can carry pollution that harms wildlife, such as birds and fish. Campus activities can put the surrounding natural areas at risk when garbage, oils, chemicals and other potentially harmful substances are allowed to flow into stormwater drains.

Important Notification

The table below was updated with additional lot codes on February 11, February 18 and April 16, 2021.

The University has been notified that counterfeit 3M respirators have been sold to governmental agencies, hospitals, and other institutions in several states, including Washington state.

EH&S launched a new Chemical Container Labels webpage where UW employees can learn about the requirements for labeling chemical containers of various types and download a number of customizable chemical label templates.