Resources
For detailed policies, procedures, training, and other information regarding the use of biohazardous materials in teaching and research, please visit Biosafety General Information.
For biosafety guidelines, safe work procedures, SOPs, and other reference materials, please visit Biosafety resources.
FAQs
Who regulates and determines Containment Level requirements in Canada?
Two federal agencies regulate work with biological materials in Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada primarily oversees work with human pathogens. The Canadian Food and Inspection Agency oversees work with animal pathogens.
What if I am working with human blood and body fluids?
Human blood and body fluids are potentially pathogenic and are considered biohazards. Users of these materials must apply for and receive a biosafety certificate prior to use and must complete Biosafety Training [insert link: https://srs.ubc.ca/training/research-safety-training-courses/ ] administered by UBC Safety & Risk Services. Human blood and body fluids must be handled under Containment Level 2 protocols.
Human blood samples for experimental use may only be obtained from the following sources:
- Commercial vendors
- Volunteers who are not personnel from the researcher’s lab
Human ethics [insert link: https://researchethics.ubc.ca/] approval must be obtained when using volunteers. For more information about working with blood, please refer to the Blood and Body Fluid: Exposure Control Plan [insert link: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/wellbeing-benefits/files/Blood-and-Body-Fluids-Exp… ]. Before attaching document to protocol, please ensure Appendix A, page 9 is completed.