Ethics: Health and Safety Aspects

1
Ethics Health and Safety Aspects

• Presented by Corrine Harris
• Biosafety Manager
• DHSE

2
Who and What is DHSE

• Safety Areas Chemical, Community, Fire,
  Radiation, Contractor, Occupational Hygiene, and
  Biological
• What do we do?
• Develop and promote H S Policies
• Act as a resource for H S aspects
• Provide safety training
• Complete audits and inspections
• Help to ensure plans meet regulations

3
DHSE Programs

• Apply to all campus areas such as
• Research labs
• Teaching labs
• Animal Facilities
• Necropsy Suites
• Field Areas

4
Bio Rad Programs

• Formal initiation came with the U of S Biosafety
  and Radiation Safety Codes
• Codes are based off of regulations set forth by
  Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Agencies
• Codes are available on our website and are
  distributed to Permit Holders

5
Bio Rad Programs Cont

• Reasons for implementation
• To help protect all individuals by determining
  and minimizing Risk (ALARA principle)
• responsibilities of workers and supervisors are
  conveyed
• Due diligence
• To comply with all federal and provincial
  regulations
• To protect the Environment

6
Bio Rad Programs Cont

• Biosafety and Radiation Safety Advisory
  Committees (BAC and RSAC)
• Each consists of members that represent the
  diverse areas on campus, appointed by VP Research
• review and approve Policies and Procedures
• Biosafety and Radiation Safety Protocol Approval
  Committees (BPAC RSPAC)
• 3 to 4 members of the BAC or RSPAC
• review and approve all Permit applications

7
Permitting Process (Rad Bio)

• Permits required for
• all research teaching using Level II organisms
  and up (incl. animal and human tissue, blood etc)
  
• all research and teaching using recombinant DNA,
  Transgenics, GMOs that are Level II up
• all research and teaching using nuclear
  substances (incl. LSC, GCs)
• Registration required for
• all Level I organism research and teaching
• all x-ray equipment (x-ray diffractors) all
  lasers

8
Permitting Process Cont

• Only apply once for a Biosafety or Rad Permit,
  all changes are made to that existing permit
• Anyone working with Biologicals or Nuclear
  Substances must take the Biosafety Course or
  Radiation Safety Courses.
• Must have the permits or registrations in place
  prior to the release of grant monies
• BE Proactive, apply for a permit prior to
  receiving approval for the grant!!

9
Waste Disposal

• Biological
• Chemical
• Radioactive
• Contact through the Waste Management Facility
  (WMF) at 8497

10
Fieldwork Aspects

• Fieldwork policy (Draft form) out in 2003
• Fieldwork H S aspects must be considered and
  addressed prior to work is initiated
• fill out a fieldwork plan and leave with your
  department
• Reason DUE DILIGENCE- if youre not on U of S
  property doesnt mean SAFETY isnt important!

11
Training Courses

• All new employees must attend
• Safety Orientation for New Employees
• All people working in labs must attend
• LabSafety Training (WHMIS)
• Anyone directing the work of others must attend
• Supervisor Training
• Anyone sending, receiving or unpacking any
  dangerous goods must attend
• TDG Shipper/ Receiver

12
Web Resources

• DHSE
• www.usask.ca/DHSE
• links to many useful websites containing health
  and safety information
• PDF copies of most DHSE forms
• links to related University resources and
  services
• links to LSC's and the OHC

13
Final Thoughts

• The DHSE group acts as a resource and facilitates
  the needs of all U of S researchers with the
  Health and Safety Aspects of their particular
  research needs.
• Contact us at any time
• 966- 8493 (general number)
• Website www.usask.ca/DHSE