The Supervisor has the responsibility to ensure implementation within their area of responsibility.

Immunizations

The Canadian Immunization Guide lists the available immunizations and relevant information regarding requirements for demonstration of immunity. All individuals handling human pathogens for which immunizations are available should be familiar with this document.

Individuals are responsible for acquiring and managing their own immunizations and titers. Students may attend the Student Wellness Centre.

Supervisors are responsible for reviewing their biological inventories and updating the immunization list within their BUP when an immunizable agent has been introduced into the laboratory.

Organisms That are Not Human Pathogens

For materials that are NOT known to be human pathogens, it is expected that all individuals handle those materials in accordance with the applicable containment standards geared for the protection of plants, animals and the environment. These standards may be operationalized as Level 1, Level 2, Level 2+ or Level 3.

It is important for all individuals to monitor themselves on an ongoing basis and for any symptoms after an exposure, even exposure to material that is not currently known to be pathogenic to humans. 'Emerging human pathogens' may include known species, however no known exposures have been recorded to date.

Record Keeping

Please ensure all older organism-specific medical monitoring sheets are collected, packaged and stored securely by the Supervisor. Retention is 5 years past the date at which the person left the University.

Please ensure Appendix A of RMM603 is printed for each person in the laboratory irrespective of the containment level of that laboratory and irrespective of the presence of human pathogens. Annual affirmation of monitoring and capture of post exposure incidents of illness will help identify emerging human pathogens.

Biosafety Audits

Your regularly scheduled biosafety audit will now include inspection of Medical Surveillance documentation. This will include (1) update of immunization section of BUP (2) individual signoff that the Canada Immunization Guide has been read and understood for those handling any agents for which immunizations are available and (3) annual initialling of Appendix A for RMM603 for all individuals working within the laboratory.