Biosafety

The purpose of our biosafety site is to provide guidance and direction for handling, transporting and disposing of hazardous biological agents at St. Michael’s Hospital. A hazardous biological agent is defined as biologically-derived material that poses a hazard to human health or to the environment. Although the awareness of the hazards posed by these agents have increased over the previous decades, the widespread and increasing use of these agents in research, means they pose an ever increasing risk to researchers and the general public.

Quick guide

1. Safety in Research Core Facilities areas at St. Michael’s
2. Biosafety Program at St. Michael’s
   • Organisational Structure for Biosafety at St. Michael’s 
   • Roles and responsibilities for parties using biohazardous materials in Research
3. Corporate Health and Safety Services (internal use only)
   • Biosecurity Plan
4. Regulations and Legislation concerning Biosafety
   • Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
   • Occupational Health and Safety Act
   • Transport of dangerous goods
   • Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines
5. Biosafety standard operating procedures and policies
6. Pregnant worker FAQ

1. The exposed site must be washed immediately: 
   • If it’s a needlestick, cut, puncture wound, animal bite or scratch, wash with soap and water after allowing the wound to bleed freely. 
   • If it’s mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) or non-intact skin (cuts, rash, acne or dermatitis) contact, flush with cold water at the nearest faucet or eye-wash station. 
2. The worker must immediately inform the supervisor / principal investigator of the exposure incident. 
3. The worker must seek prompt medical attention at the Emergency Department of the hospital.

If there is a biohazardous spill, you must:

1. Evacuate the laboratory for a time sufficient for most aerosols to settle or be dispersed or removed by the ventilation system (approximately 20-30 minutes).
2. Carefully layer absorbent material over the spill, starting from the outer edge of the spill and working in towards the centre. Place materials in a biohazard bag (yellow). 
3. Repeat until all of the spill is absorbed. 
4. Pour a strong disinfectant over the area of spill (e.g. Bleach, Virox) for a time expected to allow for decontamination. Use absorbent material to carefully remove the disinfectant and dispose of it into a biohazard bag 
5. Decontaminate all surfaces or pieces of equipment exposed to the spill with a suitable disinfectant.

Biosafety Permit

For all research work involving the handling, use or manipulation of biohazardous or potentially biohazardous material within St. Michael’s Hospital, a group must hold a valid biosafety permit. Materials include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, prions and other microorganisms/genetic systems, and human and animal tissues, cells, blood and body fluids.

Application forms are available through the Research Biosafety Officer, who will also provide guidance and assistance in completing the form.

Forms are completed electronically and then submitted to the Research Biosafety Officer (BSO), for review and approval.

Training is an essential component of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, helping ensure that all workers can perform their jobs in a safe and healthy way. Research Facilities offers a variety of training courses to faculty, staff and students including new employee training, hands-on training and online learning modules.

View all safety trainings 

The hospital has an internal licensing system that controls the radioisotope types and amounts, their uses within areas in the hospital. Every wet bench researcher that uses a radioisotope must hold a radioisotope use permit. Information on handling, transport, and safe use procedures for radioactive substances can be found here. The documents contained here cover procedures for wet bench researchers, but also for applications within the hospital. For further information on radiation safety and the use of radioisotopes, contact the Radiation Safety Officer.