A variety of office products may contain small amounts of hazardous chemicals, however, exposure is not expected to produce adverse health effects under normal conditions of use. Employees who work in offices may be required to participate in hazard communication (HazCom) training if employees plan to use office products for extended time periods or in higher quantities.
The Reproductive Hazard Guidelines inform employees, students, and volunteers about potential reproductive and developmental hazards, and advise on safe work conditions and practices in their work environment. The guidance addresses both female and male reproductive health risks, and contains details on identifying, evaluating, and reducing those workplace risks.
The UW EH&S Occupational Health (OH) Program strives to ensure the health and safety of University employees, students and support staff. OH program staff provide information and support to persons working in the research environment, including animal care and use. The goals of the program are to prevent injury or disease from hazards in the workplace.
By law, Environmental Health & Safety is required to report all hazardous waste treatment at the University. If treating waste, you are required to:
Visit the Chemical Treatment and Recycling page for more information.
EH&S staff were notified of a chemical spill on August 2, 2017, during which a waste bottle ruptured in secondary containment bin, spilling about 3 liters of liquid. The lab was evacuated and a hazardous material team cleaned up the chemicals and shattered glass.
The ruptured 4 liter glass bottle was manufactured for chemical waste storage and disposal purposes, and reportedly contained a mixture of organic solvents. EH&S staff noted that the hazardous waste label was incomplete and the actual contents were unknown.
EH&S has published a new guidance sheet focused on working safely with dry ice. This useful resource reviews the hazards and appropriate precautions that should be used with dry ice, commonly used for the shipment of specimens and during power outages.
Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), is commonly used in UW research. Its properties allow for rapid cooling of materials, but also pose unique worker safety hazards. This focus sheet provides guidelines for how to work with dry ice safely.
