Policy change: Initial animal use medical screening now required for personnel in animal areas

As of May 1, 2019, personnel who conduct work in University animal care and use areas will no longer have the option to decline the initial animal use medical screening. The medical screening evaluates and mitigates potential health risks related to working with research animals.

 
 

Put our Lab R.A.T. to work on your risk assessment

Do you assess the risk in your lab work? It is important to conduct a risk assessment whenever a new experiment, procedure or project is developed in your lab. A risk assessment focuses on hazard identification at each step or task level, and can provide essential information for enhancing safety practices, establishing proper procedures, and ensuring all lab members are properly trained. EH&S’s new Lab R.A.T. (Laboratory Risk Assessment Tool) can be used to help with gathering the information you need.

 

New lab coat cleaning vendor

With the closure of Consolidated Laundry, the UW is moving to a new vendor for lab coat cleaning. UW Procurement Services is assisting with the transition to an alternate laundry provider (MediCleanse) for laboratories and academic spaces on campus.

Departments with an operational requirement for lab coat cleaning during the transition should contact Ray Hsu, director of strategic sourcing and contracting, at rayhsu@uw.edu.

Boating Safety

 

The University of Washington has a unique blend of water-based research, academic and recreation activities. A wide range of boats support these activities, from small paddle craft to large oceanographic vessels. UW students, faculty and staff operate boats in a large variety of locations in Washington state, around the United States, and internationally. For UW vessel operators, prioritizing personal safety and stewardship for the environment is paramount.