Biosafety and Radiation Safety

When is Biosafety Approval Required for Animal Work?

The UBC Biosafety Committee defines biological agents requiring approval as:

• Genetically modified organisms that may be hazardous to humans or the environment; infectious biological products; microorganisms; and human / animal tissues, cells, blood and bodily fluids.
• The term 'infectious' includes biological toxins, viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other organisms/genetic systems that, by virtue of their replicative properties, are potentially harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

This means that if animal tissues, cells, blood or other fluids are removed from the animal for the purposes of further study, then biosafety approval is required and must be mentioned in your biosafety protocol. Please note that procedures such as ear-notching are exempt.

Please list biosafety/radiation certificates that pertain to the work listed on your animal care protocol prior to submission.

For detailed policies, procedures, training, submission deadlines, and other information regarding the use of biohazardous materials in teaching and research, please visit: biosafety general information, biosafety resources, and submission deadlines.

The primary objective of the UBC Radiation Safety Program is to facilitate and ensure the safe and knowledgeable use of radiation sources including x-ray generating equipment in research, teaching and the environment. The Radiation Safety Program is dedicated to safe management of ionizing radiation – materials emitting particles energetic enough to knock electrons out the material that the radiation penetrates.

The UBC Advisory Committee for Radiation Safety is comprised of researchers with expertise and interest in the use of radiation in research. UBC authorizes the Radiation Committee to act on behalf of the University to ensure the safe and legal acquisition, handling and disposal of radiation.

Any faculty member with a valid radiation safety training certificate is eligible to apply for a UBC radioisotope permit. Whether you plan to use open source materials or have a device that houses a sealed source, the application process is through RISe (Research Information System). To obtain an open source permit, you will also need access to a calibrated survey meter and a scintillation counter.

For detailed policies, procedures, training, and other information regarding the use of radioisotopes in research, please visit: radiation permits, radiation training, and radiation and x-ray safety - general information.