The 2023 Laboratory Safety Awards & Innovations Event honored 22 labs, departments, and individuals to recognize their significant contributions to fostering a strong culture of safety in University laboratories.
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) recently identified that the chemical integrator 3M Comply™ SteriGage™ used for steam sterilization of biohazardous waste is no longer manufactured or available for purchase by the 3M company or other vendors. The University of Washington (UW) received approval from Public Health – Seattle & King County to use four other chemical integrators.
The four newly approved chemical integrators are:
The UW Radiation Safety Committee approved revisions to the Radiation Safety Manual in May 2023 to reflect current Radiation Protection Program practices. The updated manual is now available for download.
Highlighted changes include:
University personnel who service or maintain equipment, machinery or systems with a hazardous energy source have a new resource for understanding group lockout/tagout (LOTO).
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) published a new Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual and related safety tools and resources for University units and departments that operate and maintain cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment.
For National Biosafety Month 2023, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) encourages labs to develop written standard operating procedures (SOPs) for procedures involving biohazards. Download a customizable biosafety SOP template or build your own.
Updated 10/31/23
It’s time again for the biannual health and safety committee elections. Most committees are seeking nominations for the next two-year term, which will begin on January 1, 2024.
Sprains, strains, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 30% of total workers’ compensation injury claims in Washington state each year. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders include injuries to the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.
During Global Ergonomics Month and year-round, supervisors and personnel should consider the following resources to help prevent injuries:
