R7 – Research Involving Biohazards and Radioactive Materials

Originator: Director, Research and Planning
Approver: President’s Council
Effective: September 20, 2005
Replaces: New

1. Research Involving Biohazards

1.1. Definition

1.1.1. Biohazards are infectious agents or hazardous biological materials that present a risk or potential risk to the health of humans, animals or the environment. The risk can be direct through infection or indirect through damage to the environment.

1.2. Policy

1.2.1. Researchers at RRC Polytech who propose to conduct research involving biohazards shall adhere to the standards outlined in the Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines 3rd Ed (2004), which can be found on the Health Canada Web site.

1.2.2. In order to submit an application for funding for research involving bio-hazards, researchers shall obtain certification from the College Environmental Health, Safety and Insurance Services (EHSIS) Office to ensure that the laboratory procedures being used comply with the safety precautions necessary for the procurement, use, level of containment, storage, transfer and disposal of the biohazards required by the research. Researchers shall submit any applications for funding to the Director of Applied Research and Commercialization for review and all applications shall be submitted for funding through the Director.

1.2.3. Researchers are responsible for ensuring that research assistants and laboratory personnel are aware of any hazards (e.g., handling of chemicals, etc.) that may be encountered in the course of the research. Personnel shall be adequately trained, and appropriate protective procedures shall be enforced.

1.2.4. Prior to the actual commencement of any research project, the researcher shall inform the College Environmental Health, Safety and Insurance Services (EHSIS) Office and the Director of Applied Research and Commercialization. All such research is subject to inspection by EHSIS.

2. Research Involving Radioactive Materials

2.1. Definition

2.1.1. Radiation is broadly defined as energy that originates from a source and travels through space or matter. Radiation, particularly ionizing sources, can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not properly controlled.

2.2. Policy

2.2.2. In order to submit an application for funding for research involving radioactive materials, researchers shall obtain certification from the College Radiation Safety Officer to ensure that the laboratory procedures being used comply with the safety precautions necessary for the procurement, use, level of containment, storage, transfer and disposal of the radioactive materials required by the research. Researchers shall submit any applications for funding to the Director of Applied Research and Commercialization for review and all applications shall be submitted for funding through the Director.

2.2.3. Researchers are responsible for ensuring that research assistants and laboratory personnel are aware of any hazards that may be encountered in the course of the research. Personnel shall be adequately trained in radiation safety and appropriate protective procedures shall be enforced.

2.2.4. Prior to the actual commencement of any research project, the researcher shall inform the College Environmental Health, Safety and Insurance Services (EHSIS) Office and the Director of Applied Research and Commercialization. All such research is subject to inspection by EHSIS.

Related Policies

A1 – Radiation Safety
A6 – Hazardous Waste Management
A9 – Intellectual Property and Copyright
F9 – Conflict of Interest
H1 – Research Involving Human Subjects
H2 – Integrity in Research and Scholarship
H3 – Animal Care and Research Policy
H4 – Conflict of Interest in Research Policy
H5 – Students Rights in the Conduct of Research Policy
H6 – Research in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Policy