Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published a new focus sheet that provides information to support the safe and compliant use of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also referred to as drones. The focus sheet is a resource for units operating/utilizing UASs to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.
If your research includes 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, model rocket tests, water sample collection, boat trips, and wildlife observation, to name just a few examples.
October is National Biosafety Month, a time to strengthen and reevaluate biosafety practices in the lab.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) encourages you to set aside some time for laboratory “self-care” or a spa day! A clean and tidy lab helps ensure a safe and healthy work environment and maintain the quality of research samples.
Failure to keep good housekeeping practices in the lab can lead to time consuming and costly issues including:
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published the new UW Electrical Safety Manual that establishes the requirements and best practices for University personnel conducting work on electrical systems between 50 to 600 volts (V).
University personnel and students who:
The University of Washington recycles all types of batteries, which cannot be placed in the trash because they can be corrosive and contain toxic metals. Batteries and electronics are not allowed in the garbage in the City of Seattle.
University units have two options for recycling used batteries:
Lithium-ion batteries are used supply power to many kinds of devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-cigarettes, and are used in University operations and research applications. Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) encourages personnel and students to follow safety practices to reduce the possibility of a reaction, fire, or explosion when handling, charging, storing or disposing of lithium-ion batteries.
Storage
Updated October 1, 2024
The University is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for working, learning, research, teaching and service. There are many ways for University personnel to report and discuss workplace safety concerns and recommended improvements. Here are some options:
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) updated several University COVID-19 and respiratory illness prevention resources, including our Illness and Exposure Guidance, Public Health Flowchart, Face Covering Policy, and the UW Respiratory Illness Health and Safety Plan.
