Laboratory Safety Programs
The Chemical Control Centre is responsible for laboratory safety training, approval of safety certification requests, and monitoring compliance with safety guidelines for a variety of research areas. A brief overview of the safety, training and certification programs available to investigators and their students through the CCC are outlined here.
The Chemical Control Centre is responsible for administering the Biosafety program on a day-to-day basis, for providing technical advice on safety procedures and equipment, and providing information on relevant regulations. Investigators who will be using biohazardous agents in their labs should apply for a Biosafety Certificate or renew a current certification as required.
The Chemical Control Centre’s Laboratory Safety, Assurance, and Compliance group audits fume hood performance in collaboration with Facilities Services to recalibrate the airflow to meet operational requirements on an annual basis.
To report fume hood malfunctions or if you require more information, contact:
Facilities Services
Heating & Cooling - Energy Conversion Centre (ECC)
(519) 253-3000 ext. 7027
Gas cylinders are a common feature in the University workplace and pose hazards such as high pressures, asphyxiation, fire, explosion and manual handling. The average standard size cylinder is pressurized at 2,200 PSI (pounds per square inch). These cylinders are safe under normal use; however, serious accidents have resulted from the misuse, abuse, or improper handling of compressed gases.
Training is available for safe transport, use and disposal of gas cylinders through the CCC.
A variety of programs are available for employees and students which fall under the umbrella of Laboratory Safety. They include WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), Laboratory Awareness Training for Undergraduate Students, Hydrogen Fluoride training, Spill Response Training, and a course for Understanding the Labeling of Hazardous Substances. The Chemical Control Centre also provides relevant manuals for safe laboratory practices.
The University of Windsor’s Radiation Safety Program issues internal permits to University employees who are the Principal Investigator or Person-In-Charge (i.e. AAU Head) of the location where the Class 3B or Class 4 lasers/laser systems are used or stored.
The University of Windsor’s Radiation Safety Program has been established to protect individuals who utilize radioisotopes while exceeding the requirements stipulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
The Radiation Safety Program encompasses a wide variety of radiation sources, including naturally occurring materials, open and sealed sources, and both laser and x-ray radiation.
The University of Windsor is committed to the health and safety of the entire University Community, including staff, students, faculty, and visitors. The University of Windsor utilizes x-rays within both our research and teaching laboratories. X-Ray sources can be detrimental to human health when used improperly. However, when used properly and in accordance with internal and external rules and regulations, the risk to the University Community can be reduced.
The Respiratory Protection Program (.pdf) was developed to protect the health of workers, students and visitors from hazardous airborne contaminants. The program aims to ensure that the correct respiratory protection is provided to and properly used by appropriate personnel at the University of Windsor and to comply with applicable codes and regulations regarding respirator use.
Each Department or Faculty that requires personnel to use a respirator is responsible to ensure that this program is implemented and maintained. In order to determine if you need to first visit your health care provider the Respirator User Screening Form must be completed and given to the trainer prior to fit testing.
The University of Windsor is committed to ensuring that veterinary biologics, narcotics, controlled drugs and substances are used appropriately within our scholarly activities. This policy outlines how these items are to be acquired, stored, used, and disposed across all academic, research, and administrative areas
As a registered person with the Control Goods Directorate (CGD) a security plan must be developed and implemented to protect goods, as well as the development, implementation and maintenance of a record keeping mechanism at the University of Windsor. The purpose of this plan is to outline the University of Windsor’s Security Plan to ensure that adequate security measures are implemented in the protection of controlled goods and/or technology
A University of Windsor Cannabis Certificate is required for all (research and teaching) activities which involve the use of any cannabis and/or cannabis products including and not limited to CBD, THC, hemp. The requirement for a Cannabis Certificate includes cannabis work which are:
(i) supervised or conducted by workers or members of the University, or
(ii) conducted on University premises, or in a building or location administered by or under the control of the University, or
(iii) supported by funds provided by or through the University, including start-up and operating funds.
All such activities are to be conducted and performed in accordance with the University of Windsor’s Cannabis Manual and any relevant guidelines or legislation.