Biosafety Legislative Compliance
There are Canadian and International regulatory groups which require laboratories working with biohazards to comply with their requirements. For instance, when a laboratory applies for an Import Permit or submits a Biohazard Approval Form, their operations and physical facilities are inspected by the McMaster Biosafety Office. The checklist used for the inspection may reflect the requirements of one or more regulators.
The links below include the most frequently referenced requirements as well as other groups suggesting best practices that may be necessary in the laboratory.
If you have any questions about the information here send an e-mail to the Biosafety Office.
Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
An Act to promote safety and security with respect to human pathogens and toxins.
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
PHAC Laboratory Security Home Page
Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines 3rd Edition 2004
Center for Disease Control (CDC) - United States
Biosafety in the Laboratory 5th Ed.
Primary Containment for Biohazards 3rd Ed.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Containment Standards for Veterinary Facilities - even if you do not house animals, the sections of the standards STILL APPLY IF YOU USE ANIMAL PATHOGENS OR ZOONOTICS IN YOUR LABORATORY!
NSERC
NSERC MOU on Roles in Managing Grants & Awards
CFIA Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Plant Pests
Follow this link for the information.
CFIA Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Aquatic Animal Pathogens
These Standards will come into effect on January 12, 2011.