Research safety committees
Research safety committees provide oversight on specific research activities and regulatory approvals:
Research safety regulatory approvals
Chemical safety
The OHSE department is the first point of contact for work involving chemical hazards that are subject to specialized regulatory oversight from agencies, including Health Canada, Transport Canada, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), WorkSafeBC and the Capital Regional District.
Prior to working with federally regulated Controlled Substances contact the OHSE Consultant for guidance on safe use and handling procedures and regulatory approvals. For work with materials such as Perchloric Acid, Picric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, Cytotoxic Drugs and items listed in WorkSafeBC Part 6 Substance Specific Requirements, contact OHSE for guidance on safe use and handling procedures. The Laboratory safety committee reviews special hazard chemicals with a current list available on the OHSE website.
Biohazards
The Biosafety Officer (BSO) is the first point of contact for all work involving biohazards on campus, including: bacteria, viruses, toxins, fungi, parasites, cell lines, prions, human samples and culturing of any samples. Federal and provincial oversight is provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and WorkSafeBC.
Prior to importing, exporting, transferring, or working with any biohazards the BSO must be contacted. Approval for work with biohazards is provided by the institutional Biosafety committee utilizing the Biosafety Registration Database. Certain biohazards may require additional regulatory agency approval.
Radionuclides/X-Ray equipment/Lasers
The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is the first point of contact for all work involving ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, including radionuclides and x-ray equipment, and the Laser Safety Officer is responsible for Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. Federal and provincial oversight is provided by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Health Canada, and WorkSafeBC among other agencies.
Prior to importing, exporting, transferring, or working with radioactive materials, x-rays, or lasers the RSO must be contacted. Approvals are coordinated through the RSO and may also involve the Radiation safety committee. Certain radioactive materials and equipment may require additional regulatory agency approval.
Scientific diving
The Diving Safety Officer (DSO) is the first point of contact for work involving scientific diving or snorkeling. Regulatory oversight is provided by the Canadian Association of Underwater Science (CAUS), WorkSafeBC and the Diving safety committee.
Vessels
The designated Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) Consultant is the first point of contact for all work or research involving vessels, including canoes, kayaks, aluminum hull boats and motorized small or large research vessels. All vessels used for purposes other than recreation are categorized as non-pleasure small commercial vessels and are subject to specific requirements under the Canada Shipping Act and Transport Canada marine regulations.
Prior to taking part in any work involving vessels the OHSE Consultant must be contacted to ensure your project is meeting safety and regulatory obligations for vessel safety, registrations and operator training. The UVic boating review form must be completed and sent to OHSE for first time projects OR projects that have had a major change in scope (change in vessel, crew size, geographic area of operation).
Human or Animal
Contact the Office of Research Services for any research being conducted with humans or animals to obtain approval from their Research Ethics Committees.