If you work with animals and use pharmaceutical chemicals, we’ve got some great news: disposing of your waste just got a whole lot clearer! The Animal Research Safety team has rolled out a brand new webpage on Environment, Health …
Biological Safety
Templates for success: Biological spill procedures
Every lab conducting research with biological materials should be prepared to immediately address spills by having appropriate spill control materials and spill procedures in place. The biological spill procedures outline exactly what to do in …
Isoflurane safety in animal research
Isoflurane safety in animal research The Animal Research Safety team has added a new webpage focused on Isoflurane safety. Isoflurane is the most widely used anesthetic gas used in animal research on campus. However, it …
When research changes: updating your biosafety protocol
By its very nature, research is dynamic. Exciting results spark ideas for new experiments. Before you start a new research project or experiment, be sure to include reviewing and updating your biosafety protocol in your …
Poliovirus containment: your responsibilities
As part of our commitment to minimize the risk of poliovirus release from our research and diagnostic laboratories, UW-Madison must report the acquisition or discovery of any poliovirus potentially infectious materials to the U.S. National …
Root cause analysis: Preventing incidents before they happen
When lab incidents happen, it’s tempting to look only for the proximal cause: a broken piece of equipment, a missed step, a moment of distraction. The solution then seems obvious: replace the equipment, follow procedures, …
Needle safety in animal research
The Animal Research Safety Team has added a new webpage focused on needle safety and needlestick prevention when working with animals. Needlesticks are among the most common incidents reported for those working in research. Accidental …
Lab incident reporting: What happens when I submit a First Report
When an incident occurs in a UW-Madison or affiliate laboratory, laboratory staff must submit a First Report of Biological Exposure or Release (First Report) as soon as possible, and within no more than 24 hours. …
Exploring new updates to biosafety required training
Biosafety required training is now easier to access and shorter to complete. Now available in Canvas, the new interactive training is based on UW-Madison researcher’s Biosafety Manual and is considerably shorter than the previous training. …
Sharp thinking: Protecting yourself from blade injuries
Sharps injuries are one of the most common incidents reported in research laboratories. Injuries from a cryostat or microtome blade can be significant. The following practices should be used when sectioning: The blade, handwheel, and …