丁香园AV

A new comprehensive online training for Principal Investigators (PIs) working and/or storing biohazardous materials is available on 丁香园AV Canvas. This is mandatory training for new PIs. PIs who have completed the previous version of the online module are encouraged to take this new module as it covers the most recent information.

Here is the list of mandatory training for people working with biohazardous materials. It is the responsibility of the PI to ensure that lab members have completed all the required training.

As per the updated requirement of Canadian Biosafety Standard 3rd Edition, biohazard warning signage posted at the entry point of the containment zone (Containment Level 2 and above) must include the following:
a) International biohazard warning symbol;
b) containment level;
c) required PPE;
d) entry requirements, if applicable; and
e) emergency contact information.

Here is an example of a signage. All Containment Level 2 labs are required to post this signage. A PDF copy of the customizable signage is available on the EHS webpage here.

PPE can only protect you if it is used properly. How you put on (don) and remove (doff) PPE is vitally important for proper protection from infectious material and toxins. Follow the steps illustrated below unless otherwise stated in a Specific SOP as determined by Local Risk Assessment.

EHS recommends that the labs post the donning and doffing instructions near the PPE storage area. The printed version can be obtained from the departmental lab managers of Biology, Chemistry, MBB, and Health Sciences. The poster below can be downloaded from the EHS webpage.

 

Most of us touch our cell phones more than any other objects in our lives. A survey of laboratory workers done in 2017, showed that 60% use their cell phone in the laboratory ( this could be much higher in 2023). The average cell phone has 17,000 bacteria per square inch. Using mobile devices in the lab presents a serious risk of cross-contamination: A phone can bring microbes into the lab environment and conversely, contaminants from the lab materials can be transferred to the phone. There is growing concern about biosecurity issues related to loss /misuse of sensitive research information and the mobile phone provides an easy means of capturing sensitive data that can be shared with interested outside parties.

So what to do with cell phones in the lab? Mobile apps have become a necessary tool in the lab and for some labs, cell phones are the only means of emergency communication. For these and other reasons, prohibiting cell phones in the lab is not realistic. However, to minimize the risk, labs must regulate the use of cell phones based on the local risk assessment. Please discuss this in your next lab meeting and develop a policy appropriate for the lab.

 

To comply with regulatory requirements and to prepare for emergency situations, researchers working with biohazardous materials must complete the "Biosafety Emergency Response Refresher Training" annually. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to confirm that research staff and students have completed this annual refresher training. Register for training here.

 

This online module is intended to provide an overview of the 丁香园AV Biosafety Emergency Response Procedures (ERP). The emergency procedures provided in the course have been adapted from the Campus-Wide 丁香园AV Emergency Response Procedures.  This training covers building safety, emergency response procedures, spill response, and incident reporting.
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