Safety and Program Manuals
All University personnel and students are required to follow the guidance provided in the University’s safety manuals and program manuals that are applicable to hazards in their work area and/or associated with a specific job task.
The safety and program manuals listed below were prepared in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and policies.
Click on the title to access each manual.
Accident Prevention Plan and Supplemental Accident Prevention Plan
Audience: All University personnel
Topics: The Accident Prevention Plan outlines policies and procedures implemented to reduce or anticipated workplace hazards for all personnel in all work environments. Units use the Supplemental Accident Prevention Plan to address employee protections from site-specific occupational hazards that extend beyond the core Accident Prevention Plan.
Last updated: August 2024
Audience: University personnel working with biohazards
Topics: Provides detailed information about policies and safe practices for work with biohazardous agents
Last updated: March 2023
Boating Safety Manual (PDF)
Audience: University personnel working on research vessels
Topics: Provides detailed information about policies and safe practices for work conducted on research vessels
Last Updated: May 2024
Chemical Hazard Communication Program Manual (PDF)
Audience: Applies to all University employees, students and visitors at all UW locations where chemicals are used, transported, stored or manufactured; does not apply to individuals who work in research, educational and clinical laboratories
Topics: Addresses classifying the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees
Last Updated: December 2017
Confined Space Program Manual (PDF)
Audience: Applies to all University employees, researchers, students, and contractors who may be required to enter UW owned or leased confined spaces; and UW employees who may be required to enter confined spaces owned and/or managed by another employer or organization
Topics: Safety and compliance requirements to ensure personnel safety and prevent personal injury or illness from work in confined spaces
Last Updated: August 2021
Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual (PDF)
Audience: University units and departments that own or operate cranes, hoists and rigging equipment
Topics: Safety and compliance requirements to prevent personal injury or illness that could result during the use of overhead cranes, hoists, and the rigging of loads
Last Updated: August 2023
Diving Safety Manual (PDF)
Audience: Scientific divers engaging in operations under the auspices of the University
Topics: Sets policy and provides general and specific regulations for all research diving and training; ensure that all scientific diving is conducted in a manner that will maximize protection of scientific divers from accidental injury and/or illness, and to set standards for training and certification
Last Updated: August 2024
Fall Protection Program Manual (PDF)
Audience: All University employees and personnel engaged in work-related activities where there is a risk of falling from an elevation
Topics: Identification and assessment of fall hazards, prevention measures, and safe work practices to reduce the risk of falling when working at heights
Last Updated: December 2022
Field Operations Safety Manual (PDF)
Audience: Responsible party with designated authority by a University department, school or administrative unit to direct a field research or teaching program or project; dean, department chair and director of the department; field workers, including employees and students
Topics: Risk management issues that are relevant for field courses and research, international trips, research expeditions, and other outdoor excursions
Last Updated: June 2024
Food Safety Program Manual (PDF)
Audience: University personnel, students, volunteers, vendors and contractors involved in food service activities and temporary food service events
Topics: Outlines the requirements, roles and responsibilities, and practices of the UW Food Safety Program
Last Updated: November 2023
Hazardous Energy Control LOTO Program Manual
Audience: All University employees, researchers, students, vendors and contractors who may be required to service or maintain UW owned or leased machinery or equipment
Topics: Outlines requirements for the development and documentation of equipment-specific procedures to ensure employee safety and prevent injury or illness that could result during the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment
Last Updated: June 2022
Hearing Loss Prevention Program and Procedures (PDF)
Audience: University departments with employees and students exposed to 85 decibels or above during an 8-hour (time-weighted average) period
Topics: Outlines responsibilities for preventing permanent hearing loss caused by excessive noise
Last Updated: June 2024
Audience: Faculty, staff, and students working in University research and teaching laboratories where hazardous chemicals are in use
Topics: The contents of this document satisfy the state requirement for a Chemical Hygiene Plan when supplemented with laboratory-specific information. Outlines policies and procedures that apply at all locations that serve as assigned workplaces and educational settings for University of Washington faculty, staff, and students.
Last Updated: December 2023
Laser Safety Manual (PDF)
Audience: UW personnel owning, supervising, operating and working in the proximity to Class 3B or Class 4 lasers
Topics: Covers laser basics, hazards and safety standards, safety responsibilities, control measures, standard operating procedures, alignment guidelines, and emergency procedures
Last Updated: August 2007
Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Manual (PDF)
Audience: Operators of non-ionizing radiation equipment
Topics: Provides safety information and monitoring exposure to reduce risk of injury and prevent overexposure
Last Updated: June 2017
Radiation Safety Manual (PDF)
Audience: Applies to University researchers holding a Radiation Use Authorization and University departments and unit with radiation producing machines
Topics: Describes policies, systems, and procedures to assure proper control of radiation sources and radioactive materials at the University
Last Updated: May 2023
Respiratory Protection Program Manual (PDF)
Audience: Personnel, units and departments participating in the UW Respiratory Protection Program
Topics: Describes the responsibilities of personnel, units and departments participating in the UW Respiratory Protection Program
Last Updated: April 2023