#DidYouKnow: Appointing a Biological Safety Officer

Did you know that under section 36 of the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (the Act), a licence applicant may appoint any person of their choosing (including themselves) to be a biological safety officer provided they meet the requirements set out in the regulations?

The biological safety officer should have knowledge of the:

•         relevant microbiology for the controlled activities authorized by the licence (can be obtained through a combination of education, training and experience)
•         provisions of the Act and Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations (Regulations) and any other applicable federal or provincial legislation
•         relevant biosafety and biosecurity policies, standards and practices

If the licence holder appoints themself as the biological safety officer, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends identifying an alternate biosafety contact to:

•         handle day-to-day biological safety officer responsibilities
•         fulfill designated biological safety officer functions during short-term absences

Biological safety officers may refer to the Canadian Biosafety Standard, the Act and Regulations for information about controlled activities involving human pathogens and toxins.