The laboratory is probably one of the most unique and challenging spaces at the University because each is slightly different depending on the work being conducted. A general Laboratory Safety program has been implemented to ensure that all persons working and studying in a laboratory environment have information about the general hazards, risks, and required controls. The specific information for your research laboratory is available from your supervisor.

View Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The ability to conduct research and teach on AU campuses is a privilege extended to all research and teaching groups. In return, all faculty, staff, and students are required to follow pertinent health and safety requirements in order to protect AU’s personnel, infrastructure, certification, and reputation. The guidelines presented in the Biosafety Manual represent standardised procedures for the safe handling and storage of biohazardous agents and proper maintenance of common research and safety equipment. Research at AU involving Risk Group 1 (RG1) and/or Risk Group 2 (RG2) agents as defined by the Canadian Biosafety Standards & Guidelines, must be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). All biological agents used at Algoma University require Containment Level 1 or 2. No employee will perform Containment Level 3 or 4 work at Algoma University.

Fieldwork refers to any activity undertaken by members of the University in any location external to Algoma University campuses for the purpose of research, study, training, or learning. Lower-risk fieldwork includes an activity taking place at another institution (e.g., university, hospital, library, government agency) that does not require vaccinations other than those routinely given in Ontario, and has no significant health, safety, or environmental risk. Examples include:

• Supervised field trips/internships within Canada and the USA
• Out-of-town trips to a university, government agency, non-governmental organisations (NGO), art gallery, or museum
• Supervised sample collection or surveys
• Conference/meeting/workshop attendance

All research or teaching that involves animals must go through Algoma University’s Animal Care Committee to attain ethical approval prior to any project commencing. For more information, please visit our Ethics and Procedures section.

The Fine Arts Safety Program has been established to ensure academic, studio, and work activities can be performed in a safe environment while ensuring compliance with all applicable safety, health, and environmental laws and regulations. Health & Safety works in partnership with faculty, staff, and students to ensure the safe and environmentally secure management of chemical materials. Fine Arts students, faculty, technicians, and visitors working in the studios or workshops should be aware of the hazards associated with art  supplies and equipment used. Knowledge of the products used and how to interpret this information is necessary to protect everyone . There is also information on the proper disposal of hazardous waste materials. There are inherent risks to health and safety associated with some artist materials, such as pigments, paints, solvents, and solid materials such as wood or stone. The manual below describes possible risks associated with some of these materials and how to minimise such risks.