Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Biohazards / Biosafety
Summary:
Biohazard is a broad term used to describe hazards caused by organisms (plants and animals), microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses), the toxins produced by organisms and microorganisms, and other biological matter (e.g. proteins, nucleic acids, prions, GMO’s, RNA, DNA, tissue specimens, diagnostic specimens, live vaccines, blood, bodily fluids, sewage).
A biosafety program is the combination of principles, technologies and practices put in place to prevent exposure, injury or illness from a biohazard. A biosafety program is required where work involves one or more biohazards.
Common examples of workplace biohazards include:
- Sharps (contaminated needles, blades, broken glass or other sharp material)
- Poisonous plants such as poison ivy
- Stinging insects such as wasps and hornets
- Human tissues, fluids, and person-to-person contact with someone who is ill (Medical care, laboratories, and emergency responders (i.e first aid) and related caretaking)
- Laboratory work with biological materials
For Information See:
Trent University Science Safety Biosafety Information
Biological Hazards, Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety
Additional Resources:
Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part IV, Toxic Substances;
Reg. 833 CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL AGENTS, Reg. 474/07 NEEDLE SAFETY
Human Pathogens and Toxins Act
Last Revised: April 17, 2019