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Biosafety Policy

Purpose

To outline 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s commitment to managing biosafety and mitigating biosecurity risks in accordance with the applicable legislation, regulations and standards. This policy serves to protect members of the 911±¬ÁÏÍø community, the public and the environment when biohazardous materials are used in education, applied research or any other 911±¬ÁÏÍø activity.

Scope

This policy applies to all 911±¬ÁÏÍø personnel who handle, store or dispose of biohazardous materials in the context of teaching, applied research and any other 911±¬ÁÏÍø activity using 911±¬ÁÏÍø facilities and/or resources.

Key definitions

Biohazardous materials

Pathogenic microorganisms and biological matter that may contain them, or parts thereof, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins, genetically modified organisms, nucleic acids, tissue samples and diagnostic specimens.

Biosafety

Containment principles, technologies and practices which prevent the unintentional exposure to, or accidental release of, infectious material.

Biosecurity

Security measures are designed to prevent the loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of pathogens.

911±¬ÁÏÍø personnel

Faculty, staff and students or individuals using 911±¬ÁÏÍø facilities.

Policy

1. Policy statement

  1. 911±¬ÁÏÍø is committed to managing and controlling biosafety and biosecurity risks to ensure the protection of students, employees and visitors in all 911±¬ÁÏÍø facilities.
  2. 911±¬ÁÏÍø shall maintain and disseminate the Biosafety Program in accordance with the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA), the Health of Animals Act and their associated regulations by including the following components:
    • 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s Biosafety Policy
    • 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s Plan for Administrative Oversight of Pathogens and Toxins
    • institutional Biosafety Committee
    • 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s Biosafety Manual
    • 911±¬ÁÏÍø personnel training.

2. Roles and responsibilities

  1. Roles and responsibilities within the Biosafety Program are outlined in the Biosafety Manual and Terms of Reference of the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
  2. The Biosafety Manual shall outline biosafety and biosecurity policies and procedures, describe safe work practices for biohazardous materials and containment facilities and training requirements. The Manual shall be readily available to 911±¬ÁÏÍø personnel.
  3. 911±¬ÁÏÍø shall maintain internal accountability through biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments, an internal permitting system, internal compliance checks/audits and maintenance of a biohazardous materials inventory.
  4. Violation of this policy may result in penalties as outlined in the HPTA, including revocation of 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s HPTA license and the inability to conduct teaching or research involving biohazardous materials.

Supporting documentation

  • None

Related 911±¬ÁÏÍø policies

  • None

Related materials

  • 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s Biosafety Manual
  • 911±¬ÁÏÍø’s Plan for Administrative Oversight of Pathogens and Toxins

Approval Date: January 2018

Last Revision:Ìý December 2023