Research Involving Biohazardous and Radioactive Materials Policy

Policy Number: AS-2106-2007

Policy Title: Research Involving Biohazardous and Radioactive Materials Policy

Policy Owner: Vice President - Academic

Effective Date: September 12, 2007

Last Revised: February 28, 2025

1. Purpose

The College is committed to protecting employees, students, the community and the environment from potential hazards that may arise in the handling and management of biohazardous and/or radioactive materials.

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Mohawk College community engaged in research.

3. Definitions

“Biohazards” means infectious agents or biological materials that present a direct or indirect risk or potential risk to the health of humans, animals or the environment.

“Radioactive materials” means materials that emit ionizing radiation in the form of alpha or beta particles or gamma rays and may present a risk to humans, animals or the environment.

4. Principles

Mohawk College is committed to the highest ethical and safety standards involving the use of biohazardous and radioactive materials in research.

Mohawk College subscribes in principle to responsible handling and management of these materials to ensure the protection of humans, animals and the environment.

5. Accountability and Compliance

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Vice President, Academic will be responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.

6. Rules

6.1 Mohawk College employees and students who are conducting or proposing to conduct research involving biohazardous and radioactive materials shall adhere to the standards outlined in the Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines, 3rd Edition. When animal pathogens are involved, they shall adhere to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) guidelines.

6.2 Mohawk College staff employees and students will implement care and practices consistent with all legislative and regulatory requirements, including the Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines, 3rd Edition and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulations, the Hazardous Products Act, the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Standards (WHMIS).

6.3 Individuals responsible for supervising, conducting or working in areas where such research is conducted will adhere to appropriate Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements, policies and procedures.

6.4 Individuals must follow the steps outlined below when undertaking any proposed research or activities involving biohazardous or radioactive materials.

Review and adhere to the standards outlined in the Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines, 2nd Edition.
Obtain approval from your direct supervisor prior to research proposal, grant submission and/or the beginning of the research project.
Obtain approval from the Joint Health and Safety Committee that the laboratory procedures being used comply with the safety precautions necessary for the level of containment required by the research or other college sanctioned activity.

6.5 Adhere to all other college research policies and procedures.