Biosafety Policy

1. Purpose

Loyalist College is committed to safely managing biosafety and mitigating biosecurity risks in compliance with all applicable legislation. The purpose of this policy is to establish the requirements for ensuring appropriate management of biohazard risks at Loyalist College, while fostering a safe and responsible environment for the entire college community.

2. Application

This policy applies to all college employees, students, and contractors involved in teaching, laboratory diagnostics, spill clean-up, or any other activities that may bring an individual in contact with biohazardous and/or potentially biohazardous materials.

3. Definitions

Biohazardous Material. Infectious material, pathogens, and/or toxins (produced or derived from pathogens) that can cause infection, disease, and/or intoxication in living organisms. Included in this hazard class are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Blood and bodily fluids are classified as biohazardous materials.

Biosafety Risk Assessment. A structured process for evaluating risks associated with biohazardous materials to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. This process is department specific and is used when applicable.

Supervisor. A person who has charge of a workplace or authority over an employee or worker, as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This may include but is not limited to supervisors, managers, chairs, deans, and members of the College Executive Team.

Universal Precautions. A set of infection control practices designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials.

4. Policy

4.1 Biosafety Risk Management

• The college will avoid the use of biohazardous materials if another method or activity can be substituted to achieve the same objective. Where the use of biohazardous materials is unavoidable, the least harmful material will be used.
• The college will take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safe use of biohazardous materials in teaching, research, and diagnostic activities. This includes support of department specific safety practices for handling, storage, and use of biohazardous material and biohazardous risk assessments where applicable.
• All activities involving biohazardous materials must be carried out with approval and oversight from department supervisors, who will ensure compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements.  
• The college ensures laboratory inspections will be conducted at least monthly for compliance with biosafety protocols and risk mitigation measures.
• All spills of biohazardous materials will be treated as potentially infectious, and universal precautions must be employed in handling and spill clean-up.

4.2 Training and Competency Requirements

• The college will ensure that all individuals handling biohazardous materials receive training as is applicable for the context, including regularly updated Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training, laboratory safety training, and instruction on safe biohazard handling practices, prior to being exposed to any biohazardous materials.
• Individuals should speak to their direct supervisor or faculty member regarding any questions or concerns regarding biosafety, prior to their first interaction with biohazardous materials.

4.3 Safe Handling and Disposal

• Loyalist College will use, handle, and dispose of biohazardous materials in accordance with regulatory standards, department procedures, and best practices.
• All biohazardous waste must be disposed of using approved containment, transportation, and disposal methods and any associated biosafety procedures/protocols.
• The college will provide information to relevant occupants of areas containing biohazardous materials, and information to those who work with, or in close proximity to, biohazardous materials. 

4.4 Communication and Awareness

• The college will provide clear signage and information to individuals who work with, or in close proximity to, biohazardous materials.
• Information regarding potential risks and safety protocols will be made available to all area occupants where biohazardous materials are present.

4.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• The college will ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is readily available for anyone coming into contact with a biohazardous material.
• PPE must be worn as required by the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) sheets and/or the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.6 Emergency Response and Incident Reporting

• Any exposure, spill, or incident involving biohazardous materials must be reported immediately to the immediate supervisor, who will follow OHS 006 Workplace Incident Reporting.
• Emergency response procedures will be established by supervisors and communicated to all relevant individuals handling biohazardous materials.
• Area supervisors will ensure emergency response equipment, such as eye wash stations, emergency showers, etc., are maintained and inspected to meet all legislative and manufacturer requirements.

4.7 Biosafety Oversight and Compliance

• The college will review biosafety policies and institutional processes to ensure regulatory compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
• Department supervisors will oversee training and adherence to biosafety policies and procedures.
• Departments and supervisors may utilize the Organizational Health and Wellness Specialist for recommendations or review of safe practices.  

5. Related Documents and Links

• OHS 005 Blood and Bodily Fluid Spills Cleanup Procedure
• ERP 001 Emergency Response Plan
• OHS 006 Workplace Incident Reporting

6. References

• Canadian Biosafety Standard, 3rd Edition
• Canadian Environmental Protection Act
• Health of Animals Act and Regulations
• Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
• New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms)
• Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 833: Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)