The Biohazard Warning Sign restricts laboratory access during work with biohazards, communicates the agents in use, and specifies entry or exit requirements. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator or supervisor to properly identify and restrict access to the laboratory and to notify emergency and support personnel of any hazards in the laboratory.
If you are partially or completely vacating your laboratory for remodeling, relocation or closure, you must leave it clean and safe. Follow all applicable instructions on the Notice of Laboratory Moveout form (Word).
University units and researchers using hazardous chemicals can use the Blank Chemical SOP Template (Word) to modify to your specific location and procedures.
Visit the Chemical SOPs page to view and download example SOPs.
A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially higher or lower than the ambient pressure. Examples include glassware, autoclaves, compressed gas cylinders, compressors (including refrigeration), vacuum chambers and custom designed laboratory vessels.
The purpose of the personal protective equipment (PPE) program is to protect researchers, employees, students, and visitors from potential hazards in the work environment. However, eliminating hazards through engineering or administrative controls provides better and more consistent protection than relying on PPE alone. If PPE is necessary, it is best used with engineering and/or administrative controls along with good work practices.
Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) provides information, resources and tools to meet the requirements of the International Fire Code for proper storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials generally refers to chemicals, compressed gases, and cryogenic fluids that present physical and health hazards.
Updated July 15, 2024
Caution Signs are required to be posted at the entrance to a space where hazardous materials are stored or used. The Caution sign is based on a location's chemical inventory; it alerts emergency responders and visitors of potential hazards and precautions for entry.
Warning Signs alert personnel and visitors to health and safety hazards beyond those identified in the caution sign. Specific warning signs may be required based on the type of hazard present.
The NFPA hazard rating system refers to a safety standard by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) that outlines a hazard rating system for emergency personnel.
The NFPA 704 standard also defines the necessary signage and information that needs to be displayed to alert personnel of the type of hazardous materials that are present.
The Incompatible Chemicals Focus Sheet contains a Chemical Compatibility Chart chart adapted from the CRC Laboratory Handbook which groups various chemicals into 23 groups with examples and incompatible chemical groups.
This chart is by no means complete but it will aid in making decisions about storage.
For more complete information please refer to the MSDS/SDS for the specific chemical.
UW research and training laboratories can download and use the Lab Employee Safety Training Record to record trainings related to the Chemical Hygiene Plan, chemical safety, equipment safety and lab-specific procedures.
A PDF of this template is available in the UW Laboratory Safety Manual.
