Listed below are courses offed through UBC Risk Management and VCH Research Institute. At the end of the course title you will note where the course is being offered. Please note which courses are MANDATORY for new staff and students.
NEW UBC Course: Laboratory Safety Program Development In order to address the health, safety and environmental challenges specific to laboratories, a Laboratory Safety Program is developed to help to reduce this risk. So, whether you're new to the concept of a laboratory safety program or looking to enhance your existing one, the Department of Risk Management Services is now offering a 2-day Laboratory Safety Program Development course for both UBC and non-UBC participants.
Introduction to Laboratory Safety Course (UBC) MANDATORY Covers safety in UBC laboratories, is suitable for undergraduate students working or studying in UBC laboratories where hazardous materials are in use. All UBC summer students who may potentially be exposed to hazardous materials, are required to take this safety course. This course fulfills the safety requirement for UBC summer work students, co-op students or work study students ONLY who are working under direct supervision. Successful students will be knowledgeable about the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS), biohazards, hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials. Completion of this course does NOT certify individuals to work unsupervised with biohazards, radioactive materials or hazardous chemicals. To work with these hazards independently, all persons must complete the appropriate hazard specific course.
(Valid 60 months).
Laboratory Chemical Safety Course (UBC) MANDATORY for all faculty, staff and students, who handle hazardous materials. Covers: chemical hazards, WHMIS, safe handling, storage, hazard recognition and control, waste management and emergency response. Practical session includes learning about Vancouver Fire Service's HAZMAT team, spill clean up, decontamination procedures and how to safely extinguish a fire.
(Valid 60 months).
Laboratory Biological Safety Course (UBC) MANDATORY for all staff (Principle Investigators/Course Directors, faculty, staff and students) conducting work with materials designated Biohazard level II or greater. Course covers topics essential for working with all biohazards including risk factors, routes of transmission, containment facilities; personal protective equipment; inspections & reporting; decontamination/sterilization procedures; disposal & spill procedures; transportation; and the effective use of Biological Safety Cabinets.
(recommend re-taking course after 60 months so you are apprised of any changes in regulations).
Radionuclide Safety and Methodology Course (UBC) MANDATORY for all faculty, staff & students working with radioactive materials and must be completed prior to commencing work with radioactivity. The fundamentals of radiation physics are briefly covered, with the emphasis placed on practical handling techniques, health hazards, record keeping, legal requirements, purchasing of isotopes, spill management and waste disposal. Meets the basic training requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
(Valid 60 months).
LaserSafety and Program Development Course (UBC) The LASER Safety and Program Development course is an online training course in the design and maintenance of an effective LASER Safety Program specific to the LASER hazards within each workplace. Participants will be encouraged to begin the steps of designing a safety program specific to the needs of their workplace. RMS will review the policies and procedures developed and these documents will become the operational standard in the worksites for which it was created.
TDG - Transportation of Dangerous Goods (UBC) MANDATORY for all receivers and shippers of dangerous goods. UBC has courses that cover ground, air, infectious substances and radioactive materials.
VCHRI offers TDG training approximately every 2nd year for ground and air transportation. If you would like more information on the TDG training and the schedule, please send an e-mail to .
Occupational First Aid Level One Training (UBC) Intended for departmental first aid attendants. The Occupational First Aid Level 1 Course teaches the basics of first aid response in an emergency situation. Certification is from the WorkSafeBC and Saint John Ambulance, and is valid for two (2) years. The course also includes CPR Level A certification, which is valid for one (1) year.
Safety Committee Training (UBC) Intended for Safety Committee members and supervisors. Topics include accident prevention, effective committee operations, safety inspections, accident investigation, safety training and the role of the WorkSafeBC. Meets WorkSafeBC Safety Committee Training Requirements.
Animal Care (UBC) MANDATORY all personnel working with animals are required to complete the UBC animal care course.
UBC RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSES: UBC Health, Safety and Environment offers regularly scheduled training programs for University faculty, staff and students. Non-UBC personnel are welcome to take our courses. A fee is charged to non-UBC participants. Other courses, which are periodically available include: safety supervision courses, asbestos awareness, back-talk, ergonomic assessment, respirator training, and WCB Claims Management. If you have a specific training request, please contact our Office (604-822-2029).
