Ontario Tech University
PA-12: Workplace Health and Safety

COMMITTEES
Health and Safety Committee
Healthy Workplace Committee

PROGRAMS:
Biosafety Program

The university is responsible for establishing specific policies and procedures to be applied in all laboratories working with biohazardous materials or infectious agents. UOIT's Biosafety Program is designed to ensure safe work practices are being followed in conformity with generally accepted Biosafety standards and guidelines and legislative requirements under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Biosafety Committee is the regulatory oversight committee for the program and ensures compliance through risk assessments of proposed work, reviewing applications for work with biological agents, designating appropriate levels of containment for facilities and recommending operational best practices and procedures.

Chemical and Laboratory Safety

The university is responsible for ensuring the proper management and safe use of hazardous materials in research and teaching laboratories. The operation of laboratories exposes workers to a wide range of hazards and risks, including physical hazards and chemicals. The Chemical and Laboratory Safety programs set out the minimum standards and requirements in establishing procedures and controls to eliminate or minimize those risks. These include, but are not limited to, outlining responsibilities and general safety rules, training, selection of personal protective equipment, laboratory design requirements and the safe handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.

Ergonomics and Safe Computer Use

UOIT is a technology-enriched institution utilizing many tools to enhance the teaching, learning and working environment. Frequent computer use is one risk factor that can lead to certain types of injuries associated with poor work postures, repetitive movements and eye strain. The Ergonomics and Safe Computer Use section of the website has been developed to help faculty, staff and students assess their workplace conditions by providing resources that can assist them in setting up their workstations for a more efficient and safe work environment.

Noise Control Program

The University is responsible, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for identifying and controlling workplace hazards for the protection of workers. The Regulations for Industrial Establishments (Regulation 851) set out minimum requirements for the control of noise. The Noise Control and Hearing Conservation Program is designed to identify and control all noise hazard areas and protect workers and students from developing noise-induced hearing loss. The UOIT standards are adopted from the current recommendations of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and represent a current consensus of good occupational hygiene practice.

Radiation Safety Program

The UOIT Radiation Safety Program is designed to protect all staff, students and the public from the hazards associated with exposures to ionizing radiation, like radioactive materials and X-rays. The program is developed to conform with the legislative requirements as set out in the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, applicable Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulations, and the X-ray Safety regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Radiation Safety Committee is the regulatory oversight committee responsible for administering the Radiation Safety Program, as well as the Laser Safety Program, based on the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1).

TRAINING:
Lack of knowledge often results in unexpected accidents and injuries. The employer has the duty to ensure that all workers are competent in their duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. To ensure the competency of employees at the university, health and safety training is provided through the office of Health and Safety.

All employees are required to take Health and Safety Awareness training as mandated by the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Biosafety

This course covers all of the Biosafety training program core component requirements for individuals planning to work with biological agents. The course includes:

Biosafety program policies, procedures and legislative requirements.
Risk assessment and classification of infectious agents by risk group.
Safe work practices, including the proper use of biological safety cabinets and autoclaves.
Containment levels.
Biosecurity.
Emergency procedures.
Waste management.
This training is mandatory for all staff and students planning to work with biological agents at the university.

Global Harmonized System

The Global Harmonized System (GHS) is a global system for chemical hazard identification and information (including workplace labels and data sheets). The GHS will replace the current WHMIS system. This is expected to occur in early 2015. More information on GHS training will be provided as legislative requirements are developed and released.

Radiation Safety

This course covers all of the Radiation Safety training program core component requirements for workers involved in licensed activities with nuclear substances and radiation devices, and with Class II nuclear facilities and prescribed equipment. This training is a requirement for any users planning to work independently with radioactive materials.

WHMIS

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulation 860 mandates UOIT to provide WHMIS training to all of its employees. At UOIT, WHMIS training is delivered using the WHMIS for Everyone CD-ROM. The CD ROM is available to all employees at all UOIT library locations and can be checked out at the circulation desk, in the one-day reserve area. Upon successful completion of the 20 question test, please print two copies of the Certificate of Completion, one for your records and one to be submitted to the Human Resources Department. It is the expectation that all UOIT employees, particularly newly hired employees, will complete this training in a timely manner. Thank you, in advance, for your compliance in this very important matter.