News & Alerts

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News & announcements from EH&S.

News

September 25, 2026

Upcoming changes to biological research review

Two new federal policies were published this summer that affect biological research review and authorizations on campus.

Lesson Learned: Overpressurization of Incompatible Waste

What Happened

An incident occurred when incompatible chemical wastes were combined in a plastic waste container, leading to overpressurization and a subsequent chemical spray. 

The lab’s standard practice was to consolidate various waste streams into a single container labeled "halogenated waste," rather than segregating them by chemical compatibility (e.g., separating aqueous and organic waste). In this instance, the researcher also kept sodium bicarbonate in the waste container to neutralize acid waste. 

September 16, 2026

Meet an EH&S Pro: Safety Specialist Duwon Choi

We asked Safety Specialist Duwon Choi to tell us more about his background and what he finds rewarding about supporting occupational safety at UC Berkeley EH&S.

September 14, 2026

The Great Berkeley ShakeOut & Preparedness Fair October 15

Ready for the next big earthquake?

UC Berkeley’s proximity to two active faults (each due for large seismic activity) means it’s important for us to be ready for shaking at any moment. Each year millions of people participate in The Great ShakeOut, practicing what to do when you hear an earthquake early warning alert or feel shaking: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

10:15 am on October 15

Drop (or Lock), Cover, and Hold On

Preparedness Fair 

  • Where? Dwinelle Plaza

August 25, 2026

2026 Fall Semester Reminders for Labs
The fall semester is under way, and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) would like to help get you started on the right foot with some key lab safety reminders

July 8, 2026

Safety Newsletter Vol. 6 - July 2026

View newsletter as webpage

Contents:

June 30, 2026

Lessons Learned: β-Mercaptoethanol (BME) Spill

What Happened

β-mercaptoethanol (BME) is a hazardous substance characterized by its acute toxicity, corrosivity, and reproductive risks. Additionally, its thiol group gives the compound a distinct, pungent odor. 

April 24, 2026

Lesson Learned: Methyllithium Fire - Quenching of Pyrophoric Materials
Solid methyllithium remnants were wiped up in a glove box using kim wipes, which were then wrapped in aluminum foil. This foil packet was then transferred to a fume hood for the quenching procedure. Isopropanol was added dropwise to this foil packet. Upon addition, the kim wipes and isopropanol started to smolder and caught fire within the fume hood. The researcher quickly put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and reported the incident to EH&S.
Lesson Learned: Sodium Metal Fire - Quenching of Water Reactive Materials
Small amounts of residual sodium metal (Na) on lab spatulas and tools were quenched by placing the items in an isopropanol bath within a fume hood. Not all tools were fully submerged in the solvent bath, and the reaction was not stirred. Water was then added to the isopropanol bath. Unreacted sodium remained on the tools and reacted upon contact with the water, igniting a fire. The heat from the fire damaged the fume hood sash and caused melting of nearby containers.

April 1, 2026

Get trained on how to use an AED

The Berkeley Medical Reserve Corps (BMRC) now proudly offers Basic Life Support CPR Certification w/ AED training for UC Berkeley staff and the wider community. The training teaches individuals how to recognize and respond to cardiac arrests, better empowering all members of the campus community to save lives. The training is an inexpensive and timely resource offered in-house by BMRC, a student-run organization of EMT-B volunteers.