Laboratory Biological Safety

The University Biosafety Committee requires successful completion of the UBC Laboratory Biological Safety Course for all personnel working with Risk Group 2 or 3. The intent of this requirement is not only to ensure compliance with university regulations, but more specifically, to prevent exposure of its employees to biohazards. This applies to all principal investigators/course directors, faculty, staff and students conducting work with these materials.

While staff may have received biosafety training from other institutes, they must complete the UBC Biosafety course so that they are aware of the protocols specific to UBC.

As the primary factor in the prevention of laboratory accidents and laboratory associated infections is fully trained faculty and staff, it is important that all staff are appropriately trained in the proper procedures of handling biological materials.

The training program includes the following topics:

  • Risk factors of biohazardous agents (definition of biohazards, routes of exposure)
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Containment facilities and the hazards associated with laboratory equipment
  • Decontamination/sterilization procedures
  • Disposal procedures for biohazardous waste
  • Handling of biological spills
  • Accident investigation and reporting
  • Hands-on demonstration of fume hoods/biological safety cabinets
  • Import Permit applications and transportation of biological materials
  • Laboratory Ergonomic

Previous Lectures

The course is offered online with WebCT Vista.

Click here to enroll in the online course, you will be prompted to enter your CWL. Once you have enrolled, you can access the course by logging in at www.vista.ubc.ca. When you’ve completed the course, you will be given a password to register for the practical session.

This course meets all related regulatory training requirements. It is mandatory for laboratory personnel (faculty, staff and unsupervised students) handling bio-hazardous materials.

Successful completion of the online course, practical session, and exam is required for certification.

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Thomson
604.822.9527


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