Research & Lab Safety

Updated December 11, 2023

The 2023 Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovations Event will be held on December 8, 2023, to celebrate our award recipients, lab safety innovators, and the excellent work being done in support of a strong culture of safety.

Researchers and departments on UW campuses are constantly coming up with great new ways to address safety issues specific to their labs and workgroups.

Is your lab or department supporting a strong safety culture?

Has your lab created a tool, resource, or practice to enhance safety in your workspace?

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) updated rabies information for University personnel who conduct field work in areas where rabies is endemic.

The updated Rabies Information includes the latest recommendations from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:

Compressed gases and cryogenic liquids are stored in gas cylinders under high pressure, which can have several safety considerations to prevent injury and property damage. University units and departments with compressed gases and cryogens, including liquid nitrogen, are required to follow regulations for safe storage of gas cylinders and Dewars.

Summer in Seattle means hiking, biking, kayaking and ... lab work. Yes, many of us spend gorgeous summer days working in the lab. While it's fine to wear shorts, skirts, sandals or flip flops outside, wearing these items in the lab can expose you to hazards. Proper lab attire ensures your skin is covered and protected.

Even if you aren't working with hazardous materials that day, your coworker might be, so always dress to protect yourself. We recommend keeping an appropriate change of clothes and shoes in the lab so you are never without the right gear.

If your research work include operations out in the field, download the latest version of the UW Field Operations Safety Manual, which provides updated information on state regulations, UW policies, safe work practices, and document templates.

Field research conducted at the UW may include drone work, rocket tests, water sample collection, boat trips, and wildlife observation, to name just a few examples.

Visit the EH&S’s Chemical SOPs page to find new standard operating procedures (SOP) templates for nanomaterials, chloroform, and metallic lead.

The Notice of Laboratory Moveout form has step-by-step instructions to help you leave your laboratory clean and safe when partially or completely vacating for remodeling, relocation or closure,

Labs with chemicals, biohazards, radioactive materials, sharps, and other potentially hazardous materials are required to decontaminate equipment and surfaces, and properly dispose of regulated and/or hazardous waste prior to vacating the space.