ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

Research Safety Policy

Approver:
Academic Coordinating Committee
Policy Owner:
Vice President, Research
Policy Lead(s):
Research Data & Policy Analyst
Effective date:
2025-04-23
Date of last approval:
2025-04-23
Status:
Approved

Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all research conducted at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ) involving hazardous materials is undertaken in accordance with the relevant legislation and safety standards.

Scope

This policy covers all ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employees and students who engage in research.

Definitions

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ maintains a glossary of terms specific to the institution. The ones in use for this document are defined below.

ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Employee
Any employee of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, whether employed full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis, and includes, but is not limited to, faculty, student researchers when compensated as employees, research staff, support staff and administrators.
Partner
Any third-party organization (including, but not limited to, a corporation, another academic institution, a research institution, a hospital or a government agency) that seeks to or does engage in a Research Project or grant activity with ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.
Research
An undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation.
Research Project
Any non-curriculum-based research activity that is conducted by a ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employee and may or may not engage ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ students, external partner organizations, or external collaborators.
Student
A person currently enrolled in studies at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ, whether in a full-time, part-time or continuing education capacity.

Policy

  1. General Requirements
    1. It is the responsibility of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employee hosting any visitors to research centres and laboratories to ensure that visitors are informed of all potential hazards within the space. Additionally, the host must provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the visitors.
    2. All research is subject to inspection by the Campus Safety staff of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. Research can be paused or terminated if the participants fail to comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations or adhere to the policies, procedures, training, or guidelines for the specific hazard.
    3. Any dispute under this policy will be submitted to the Vice President, Research & Innovation and the Associate Vice President, Risk Management in writing. The Vice President may elect to form a committee to investigate the dispute and recommend a resolution. The decision of the Vice President is binding on all parties.
  2. Research Involving Biological and Radioactive Hazards:
    1. Any ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employee or student contemplating research involving biological or radioactive hazards shall ensure that appropriate protection and training is administered, and relevant guidelines are followed before the commencement of the research.
    2. Any ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employee or student contemplating research involving biohazards shall adhere to the standards outlined by the Canadian Biosafety Standard, 3rd Edition.
    3. Any ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ employee or ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ student contemplating research involving radioactive materials shall comply with all Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) acts and regulations, recommended procedures, and safety precautions governing the use of such materials.
    4. No research involving biological or radioactive hazards shall be conducted without comprehensive planning and the implementation of appropriate safety measures.

Relevant Legislation and Related Documents

Relevant legislation

Related documents

Revision Log

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​2023-06-29​Revisions to policy content to align with changes to blank policy. Approving Authority – Approved
​2025-04-23​Academic Coordinating Committee

Research Safety Policy