What is Biosafety?
Biosafety is safety measures taken with respect to the effects of biological research on humans, animals, plants and the environment.

What is the Biosafety Program at Western?
The Biosafety Program at Western has many components, including the Biohazardous Agents Registry Forms, biosafety inspections, hazardous waste policy and animal protocols.

As a Principal Investigator, why do I need a Biohazardous Agents Registry Form?
The Biohazardous Agents Registry Form is a document used to access the risk of your project and ensure that there is adequate laboratory physical and operational controls in place. This document is also used to ensure that the University meets the requirements of granting agencies.

What training do I need?
All personnel in biosafety laboratories need:

• WHMIS
• Laboratory Safety and Waste Management
• Employee Health and Safety Orientation
• Biosafety
• Faculty / Supervisor Responsibilities Seminar (if applicable)
• Other hazard – specific training (ie. X-ray Safety, Biological Safety Cabinets)

Here's more information about training

If I am a Principle Investigator, what do I need to do under the Biosafety Program at Western?

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the biosafety related documents on this website, including the Biosafety Guidelines for Containment Level 1 & 2 Laboratories.

Step 2: Visit the websites on the External Links for Biosafety. Familiarize yourself with the standards, including the Health Canada Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines and the Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities.

Step 3: Complete the Biological Agents Registry Form. If your laboratory is located off-campus, the form must be signed by the safety officer for the institution. All completed forms should be sent to the Western Biosafety Officer, SSB 4190.

Step 4: Complete Occupational Health and Safety training. All personnel in biosafety laboratories need:

• WHMIS
• Laboratory Safety and Waste Management
• Employee Health and Safety Orientation
• Biosafety
• Faculty / Supervisor Responsibilities Seminar (if applicable)
• Other hazard – specific training (ie. X-ray Safety, Biological Safety Cabinets)

Register for a session or get more information about training.

Step 5: Contact the Biosafety Officer regarding a biosafety laboratory inspection. Please note that only projects with a containment level of 2 or 3 or Large Scale Production laboratories require a biosafety inspection on campus.